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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Why is it called a sofa?

1 Answer
Why is it called a sofa?
Why it is called a sofa is due to the history of the term. Sofa originated from the Arabic word soffa, which describes a low seat covered with plush pillows. French makers began producing their own versions of these furnishings in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, they had spread to other areas in Europe and were being referred to as sofas. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Shop for Sofas on 1stDibs
Rare Phillip Lloyd Powell Free-Standing Sofa in Carved Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Phillip Lloyd Powell, free-standing sofa, walnut, reupholstered in “Teddy” mohair by Pierre Frey, United States, 1969 Phillip Lloyd Powell is a master in approaching wood as a scul...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Lauren Sofa, in COM, by August Abode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our Lauren Sofa. An elegant piece that pairs skirted charm with sophisticated ease. Defined by a gently undulating back and subtly flared arms, its graceful silhouette an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Danish 1950s Sofa Attributed to Fritz Hansen Model 1669 Variant
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the very early 1950's and likely a variant of Fritz Hansen's famous model 1669. Just the shape of the legs vary slightl...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Ubald Klug for De Sede 'Terrazza' Landscape in Red Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ubald Klug for De Sede, DS-1025 'Terrazza' landscape sofa, leather, Switzerland, 1970s. Waterfall shaped sofa in red brown leather by the Swiss manufacturer De Sede. The design for...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Corner Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, corner sofa, lacquered wood, metal, fabric, Italy, 1970s. Magnificent corner sofa designed by Italian designer Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. The ric...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

De Sede DS-600 'Snake' Sectional Sofa in Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ueli Berger, Eleonora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich and Klaus Vogt for De Sede, 'Snake' sectional sofa, model 'DS-600', leather, Switzerland, 1970s Designed by Ueli Berger, Eleonora Pe...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

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