Divan Sofas
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair
2010s American Sofas
Silk
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Down
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Oak, Paint
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
People Also Browsed
1990s North American Sofas
Upholstery
1990s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Glass, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary French Brutalist Night Stands
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary North American Bohemian Sofas
Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Feathers
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Beech, Fir
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Vintage 1960s English Loveseats
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1940s English Sofas
Antique 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Birch, Upholstery, Muslin
20th Century Italian Sofas
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Vintage 1950s Italian Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Loveseats
Textile, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Daybeds
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
20th Century Italian Sofas
Steel, Brass
Italian Sofas
Steel, Brass
20th Century American Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1960s Italian Sofas
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Daybeds
Velvet, Mahogany
Divan Sofas For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Divan Sofas?
Finding the Right Sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique 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. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The difference between a sofa and divan is that a sofa is typically freestanding, while a divan is always against a wall. In the Middle East, where divans originated, they consisted of mattresses laid against the side of room, with cushions to lean against.
- What is a divan used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A divan is used for sitting and lounging. It is a loveseat that can also function as a daybed. The design originated in the Middle East and became popular in Europe during the mid 18th century. Shop a variety of divans on 1stDibs.
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