Early Oasis Sofa
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century Uzbek Islamic Textiles
Linen
Vintage 1950s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rattan
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Vases
Glass
2010s Brazilian Organic Modern Armchairs
Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
2010s Mexican Modern Credenzas
Beech
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Steel, Brass, Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary French Brutalist Night Stands
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Leather
20th Century French Desks
Metal
2010s Swedish Side Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Western European Rugs
Natural Fiber, Synthetic, Wool
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Rosewood
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s Sofas
Mohair
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mahogany, 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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