18th Century Italian Sofa
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Wood, Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Walnut
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Linen, Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Sofas
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Wood, Linen
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Sofas
Bronze
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Sofas
Giltwood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Sofas
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Sofas
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Wood
Antique Early 18th Century American Regency Sofas
Hardwood, Wood, Upholstery, Linen
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Giltwood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Sofa Tables
Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Synthetic
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Ash
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Chenille, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Iron
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sofas
Animal Skin, Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Nutwood
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XVI Sofas
Canvas, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Animal Skin, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Animal Skin, Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Canapes
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Canapes
Walnut, Silk
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Canapes
Wood
20th Century Unknown Dining Room Tables
Iron
Antique 1760s Italian Rococo Canapes
Walnut
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Settees
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Settees
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1750s Italian Baroque Canapes
Wood
Antique 1750s Italian Baroque Canapes
Wood
Antique 1750s Italian Baroque Canapes
Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Settees
Fabric, Poplar, Paint
Antique 1740s Italian George II Loveseats
Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Daybeds
Poplar
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Walnut, Wood, Wool
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Sofas
Wood, Linen, Hemp
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Canapes
Velvet, Hardwood, Down
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Louis XV Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Sofas
Antique 18th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Sofas
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Sofas
Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique 1750s Italian Louis XV Sofas
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Sofas
Walnut, Muslin
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18th Century Italian Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 18th Century Italian Sofa?
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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