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Mel Smilow Mid-Century Walnut Rail Back Sofa
By Mel Smilow
Located in Countryside, IL
Mel Smilow mid century walnut rail back sofa.
This sofa measures: 83 wide x 31 deep x 29 inches
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
18th Century Italian Venetian Sofa with Removable Back, Converts to a Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18th century Italian Venetian sofa with removable back. This antique sofa from Italy, just over
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Linen, Wood
Swedish Period Rococo 3-Chair Back Painted Sofa Bench, Early 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Rococo style three-chair back sofa from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Swedish Rococo Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Fine and Large 18th Century George III Mahogany Serpentine Camel Back Sofa
By George Hepplewhite
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
In the French Hepplewhite style. The undulating padded back and over-scrolled ends with padded
Category
Antique 1770s English Hepplewhite Sofas
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
H 39.38 in W 94.49 in D 31.11 in
Hepplewhite Sofa
By Jonathan Sainsbury
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine Hepplewhite design parcel gilded sofa with arched shaped serpentine crest rail, straight
Category
Antique Late 18th Century British Neoclassical Sofas
Materials
Serpentine
Western Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
hair on hyde leathers and top grain matching leather. With a serpentine top rail, tight cushion back
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Other Sofas
Materials
Leather
Carl Malmsten Sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
Elegant sofa designed by Carl Malmsten (1888-1972) and retailed by Nordiska Kompaniet. Classical
Category
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Late Victorian Mahogany Sofa
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
satinwood inlaid top rail above reupholstered back and reupholstered sprung seat, flanked by shaped arms
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Art Deco Emerald Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Art Deco style emerald sofa. This sofa is glamour personified! Couture detail, a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Sofas
Materials
Brass
Elaborate Victorian Shaped Walnut Sofa
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An elaborate Victorian shaped walnut sofa, the deep-buttoned back with an arched cresting rail and
Category
Antique 19th Century British Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Fine Antique English Style Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A camel back long sofa, with serpentine seat rail raised on dark stained four cabriole front legs
Category
Antique 19th Century Queen Anne Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Edwardian Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian mahogany inlaid settee sofa which has a pretty inlaid shaped top rail, lovely
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Sofas
Materials
Other
Antique Edwardian Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian mahogany inlaid settee sofa which has a lovely inlaid shaped top rail, lovely
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sofas
Materials
Other
Neoclassical Style Large Caned Sofa
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large neoclassical style caned sofa. Clean lines throughout with a flat crest rail, carved at the
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Sofas
Materials
Cane, Wood, Fabric
Fine Custom French Style Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From Apropos, New York City. A Louis XV style tub form sofa with a carved walnut frame. The curved
Category
20th Century Louis XV Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Carved Painted and Giltwood Sofa
Located in Bradenton, FL
Swedish Painted and Parcel-Gilt Sofa. Features padded scrolled back, sides and seat within a berry
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
substantial quality, with a straight back rail, this practical piece has in-scrolling arm rests supported on
Category
Antique 19th Century Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Philadelphia Neoclassic Upholstered Mahogany Sofa, 1830
Located in Kenilworth, IL
rail has a panel of branch crotch mahogany book matched across the length of the sofa back. The
Category
Antique 1830s American Neoclassical Sofas
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
Custom Sectional Sofa with Wood Base
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sectional corner: 38”W x 38”D x 34”H
Left arm sofa: 62”W x 38”D x 34”H
Seat height: 19”
Seat depth: 27”
Back
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Hardwood, Fabric, Foam, Down
19th Century Howard & Sons Grantley Sofa c1880
By Howard and Sons
Located in Batley, GB
A superb 19th century Howard & Sons Grantley sofa. Raised on Howards uniquely hand turned walnut
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Sofas
Materials
Walnut
A Swedish Sofa bench Late 18th- 19th century
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A Swedish Neoclassical style painted wood sofa from the late 18th- 19th century, with scrolled arms
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Sofas
Materials
Wood
Fine 19th Century Carved Velvet Upholstered Sofa for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborately and powerfully carved dark mahogany sofa with curved arms and heavy cabriole legs
Category
Antique 19th Century Georgian Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Extraordinary Custom Sofa Designed by Erwin-Lambeth for Tomlinson
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Striking and dramatic sofa with a sloping back, curved arms and interesting shaped seat rail with
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Philadelphia Neoclassical Empire Sofa, Attributable to Joseph Barry, circa 1830
By Joseph Barry
Located in Miami, FL
, double-arched pediment top on back crest rail with a carved fan flanked by rope carving over each of two
Category
Antique 1830s American American Classical Sofas
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
H 40.5 in W 90.5 in D 27.5 in
A fine pair of large late Victorian mahogany eagle sofas
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine pair of large late Victorian mahogany eagle sofas, each with a rectangular back and
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
George IV Brass Inlaid Rosewood Country House Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A George IV brass inlaid rosewood country house three-seat sofa attributed to Gillows, the
Category
Antique 1820s English Sofas
Materials
Brass
Italian Three-Seater Sofa in Pink Velvet and Brass, 1950s
Located in Hellouw, NL
bottom. At the front, the bottom rail has a gently sloping line that gives the sofa a playful shape. This
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Italian Venetian Leather Upholstered & Carved Wood Settee Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Venetian leather upholstered sofa from the 19th century. This antique settee from Italy
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
H 43.5 in W 79 in D 28 in
Swedish Gustavian Carved-Wood and Upholstered Tub Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
antique tub style sofa from Sweden features an elegantly arched wooden top rail, with sides sloping down
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Materials
Wood
Swedish Late Gustavian Period Carved-Wood Sofa Bench, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
. This antique sofa bench from Sweden features a high back and arms comprised of a linear top rail with
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Materials
Wood
H 32.5 in W 73.25 in D 23.25 in
Swedish Neoclassical Style Carved Gilt-Wood & Upholstered Sofa Bench, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
sofa from Sweden, approximately 5.75 feet in length, features a rectangular-shaped back with straight
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
H 38 in W 70.25 in D 28 in
Custom John Roselli - O' Henry House Sofa In Custom Cut Velvet #1
By John Rosselli
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The large and very comfortable High-Back Sofa with shaped arms sloping down to the two part angular
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Custom John Roselli - O' Henry House Sofa In Custom Cut Velvet #2
By John Rosselli
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The large and very comfortable High-Back Sofa with shaped arms sloping down to the two part angular
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Trim Newly Upholstered in Velvet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Grecian Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa with Brass Mounted Decorative Trim and Paw-Foot Guards
Category
Antique 1880s Greek Classical Greek Sofas
Materials
Brass
18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French late 18th - early 19th Century (1796 - 1825) sofa hand carved in the manner
Category
Antique 18th Century French Directoire Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
H 44.49 in W 66.93 in D 22.05 in
Fantastic Victorian Carved Walnut Cameo Back Settee
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fantastic Victorian carved walnut cameo back settee. A beautiful piece having three cameo backs
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Three Seater Sofa In Solid Ash And Mansonia Wood By Fausto Bontempi, Italy 1961
Located in Hellouw, NL
This unique sofa was designed by the Italian architect Fausto Bontempi, who mainly worked in and
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Ash
H 28.75 in W 77.96 in D 41.54 in
Modern Loose Cushion Sectional Sofa with Upholstered Legs
By The Tailored Home
Located in Greenwich, CT
About this piece
This customizable sectional sofa features large loose seat and back cushions
Category
2010s American Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Wood
Swedish Period Baroque Carved Wood Three-Chair Back Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Baroque three-chair back carved-wood sofa, with upholstered seat, from the 18th
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Baroque Sofas
Materials
Linen, Wood
H 40 in W 67 in D 21 in
Table Low Side Walnut Spanish Carved Flowerhead Seville Folk 19.5" high 79" long
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
- Rare small size, perfect height for sofa's and modern armchairs
- The thick single plank walnut
Category
Antique 1660s Spanish Baroque Sofa Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 19.49 in W 31.11 in D 20.08 in
French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
features a gently arched top rail at back, carved acanthus leaves decorated the skirt and legs, with a
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Anglo Indian Rosewood And Caned Settee
Located in Essex, MA
In the Regency taste with serpentine arched caned back and scrolled out arms. carved seat rail with
Category
Antique 1840s Indian Regency Sofas
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
Italian, Venezia, Shaped and Carved Rococo Period Walnut Divano, 3rdq 18th Cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a slightly arched crest rail with a carved finial the back curving into the sides with
Category
Antique 1760s Italian Rococo Sofas
Materials
Walnut
H 35.25 in W 86 in D 31 in
Late 18th Century Italian Banquette, Stato Pontificio
Located in Doylestown, PA
style, likely from Marche, Italy, circa 1790, carved on the back rail with the Papal crest depicting
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Materials
Wood
L-Shaped Banquette w/ Multicolor Watercolor Linen + Yellow Linen, Customizable
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
frame (maple) and upholstered with a multicolor watercolor linen on back rail and yellow linen on seat
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Linen, Maple, Trimming
H 34 in W 50 in D 80 in
19th Century Russian Biedermeier Cherrywood Settee
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a graceful Russian cherrywood Biedermeier settee with a cresting top rail containing
Category
Antique 1830s Russian Biedermeier Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Cherry
Neoclassical Revival Swedish Painted and Carved Upholstered Bench, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
rectangular back that has been reupholstered in a cotton fabric. The upper rail is accented with delicately
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Revival Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
H 38.5 in W 83.5 in D 23.5 in
An Important Italian Neoclassical Painted & Parcel Gilt Canapé
Located in Sheffield, MA
, Italy
The back rest with paneled top rail decorated with swans flanking a fountain, the wooden armrests
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Sofas
Materials
Wood
Modern L Sectional with Inside Curve, Button Pillows and Bright Red Velvet
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
rounded inside back rail (with curve) that's soft enough for sitting but coming also with button pillows
Category
2010s American Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Maple, Down, Feathers
Large Angled Sectional with Loose Cushions and Slope Arms, Custom Built
Located in Greenwich, CT
slope down, creating a welcoming look and the illusion of a low back rail. The cushions feature top
Category
2010s American Modern Sectional Sofas
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Spoon Back Settee, English, Walnut, Showpiece Sofa, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carved spoon back settee. An English, walnut and Chenille upholstered showpiece
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Furniture
Materials
Chenille, Walnut
H 36.62 in W 68.9 in D 41.34 in
Antique Carved Spoon Back Settee, English, Walnut, Showpiece Sofa, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carved spoon back settee. An English, walnut and Chenille upholstered showpiece
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 36.62 in W 68.9 in D 41.34 in
Late 19th Century Walnut Twin Chair Back Sofa After a George II Design
Located in Benington, Herts
A superb quality late 19th century walnut double chair back sofa / settee after a George II design
Category
Antique 1880s English George II Chairs
Materials
Walnut
1790s Louis XVI Period French Painted Sofa with Oval Back and Carved Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI period sofa from circa 1790 with antique beige painted finish, oval back, carved
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
H 39 in W 63.75 in D 25.75 in
Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
This daybed or sofa was made originally in France circa 1870 in the Napoleon III style and is
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Daybeds
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Burl
Antique Carved Oak, American Sofa, Settee, American 1880, H299
Located in Vancouver, BC
Original finish
Carved top rail with turns, supports on the ends and finials on top
Upholstered back and
Category
Antique 1880s American Chairs
Materials
Oak
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa; having a shell carved crest rail above a padded
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Canapes
Materials
Wood
Kengo Kuma 'Kumahida' Wood Sofa Bench in Walnut for Hida
By Hida, Kengo Kuma
Located in Glendale, CA
, arms and back rail. Combined with a gentle sculpting of the backrest, the 'Kumahida' offers a
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Walnut
Mid-Century Inspired Daybed or Couch in Cherry by Boyd & Allister
By Boyd & Allister
Located in Santa Fe, NM
steps down from its frame all capped by a proud top rail mitered together in the back corners. The
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Daybeds
Materials
Cherry
Cuban Empire Carved Mahogany Hand Caned Sofa / Settee, Early 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Seat Rail is flanked by Rectangle Reeded Stylized Sun Brust. The caning gives this Regal Sofa a
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Cuban Regency Settees
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
- 1
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Rail Back Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the rail back sofa you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each rail back sofa for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and mahogany. If you’re shopping for a rail back sofa, we have 61 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect rail back sofa — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A rail back sofa, designed in the mid-century modern, neoclassical or louis xv style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made rail back sofa over the years, but those crafted by Mel Smilow, The Tailored Home and Beauvais Royal Manufactory are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Rail Back Sofa?
Prices for a rail back sofa start at $1,320 and top out at $95,000 with the average selling for $8,418.
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Questions About Rail Back Sofa
- What is a split back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A split back sofa is a sofa which features a back that is made up of two separate panels. These panels can be reclined and adjusted separately from one another, allowing for customizable comfort. On 1stDibs, find a range of split back sofas.
- What is a Bow back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back sofa is a sofa which has a back that bows upward, forming a graceful curve that peaks at the center of the bench and tapers down to the arms. Chairs can also have a bow back design. Browse a collection of bow back furniture from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a curved back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Curved back sofas are also known as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. Curved sofas are highly coveted as comfortable seating as well as for being a unique seating option. Shop a wide selection of curved back sofas on 1stDibs.
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