Schiaparelli Sofa
Early 2000s American Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
1980s Abstract Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Offset, Ink, Lithograph
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Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Sofas
Wood, Fabric
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
1990s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Beech
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather, Walnut
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Wool
20th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
1990s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Iron
20th Century American Sofas
Late 20th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
2010s American Sofas
1990s American Sofas
1990s American Loveseats
Upholstery
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.
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