Paddle Arm Sofa
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Fur, Cedar
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Lacquer, Teak, Polyester, Foam, Velvet, Upholstery, Mohair, Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Beech
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass, Steel
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
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Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1960s Daybeds
Teak
Antique Mid-19th Century French Rococo Revival Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century English Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Cane, Teak
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Teak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
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Mid-20th Century American American Craftsman Sofas
Upholstery, Maple
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage 1930s American Adirondack Sofas
Maple, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Fur, Cedar
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1930s American Adirondack Lounge Chairs
Maple, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery, Maple
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Fabric, Mohair, Foam, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Polyester, Teak, Lacquer, Wood, Mohair, Upholstery, Velvet, Foam
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Jacaranda, Rosewood, Bouclé
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Fabric, Ash
Vintage 1950s Danish Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1950s Danish Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Oak
Vintage 1950s Danish Sofas
Oak, Fabric
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Finding the Right sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique, new or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a shelter arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A shelter arm sofa is a type of sofa wherein the sheltering arm bends outward from the sofa and has a gently sloping curve to it. Shelter arm sofas are generally praised for their comfort since they tend to cradle the person sitting. Find a wide variety of shelter arm sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop arm sofa for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-arm sofa is designed to save space by converting into a comfortable single bed when the arms are dropped. The next morning, returning the arms to their original position turns the bed back into a sofa. Shop a collection of drop arm sofas from sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
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