Swedish Modern Sofa with Cherry Wood Legs, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. ...
Wood, Fabric
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
$17,500 / set
H 30.32 in W 70.08 in D 34.85 in
Pair of Velour Two-Seater Sofas with Solid Wood Legs, Europe, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The designer of this sofa pair evidently attached great and equal importance to form and function. With an open design profile, this two-seater model carries with it some of the fund...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-Century Sofa with Sheepskin Upholstery, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
As new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionised the production process in the postwar period, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialisation. Thi...
Sheepskin, Wood
$4,800
H 30 in W 64.5 in D 30 in
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style.
Wool, Teak
Danish Mid-Century Sofa with Sculptural Legs, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Though the advent of new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionized the production process, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialization. This sc...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Couch Table with Fish Motives, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This 1950s Italian sofa table exudes charm with its captivating underwater landscape depicted on the top. Adorned with vibrant hues, it showcases an array of sea creatures, creating ...
Brass
Swedish Sofa & chair with curved Back, circa 1940s–1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The design features gently rounded armrests and a subtly arched backrest with vertical channeling, creating a sense of rhythm and softness that is characteristic of Scandinavian mode...
Fabric, Wood
$9,950
H 33.86 in W 101.97 in D 32.68 in
European Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Sofa with Bouclé Cushions, Europe circa 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Inspired by the cultural examples of the European country manor and rustic styles, European cabinetmakers’ furniture were endowed with a creative simplicity, with a feeling for the w...
Bouclé, Wood, Fabric
$7,900
H 28.75 in W 83.47 in D 33.47 in
Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa with Wooden Cross Legs, Europe, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Generally speaking, Mid-Century Modern furniture is characterized by clean lines, an open design and classic shapes. This streamlined three-seater sofa not only possesses all these v...
Fabric, Wood
$6,411
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in
A lovely shaped orignal Italian 1950s two seater sofa with curved back
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A lovely shaped orignal Italian 1950s two seater sofa with curved back on brass and wood feet.
Brass
$2,224
H 17.72 in W 31.89 in D 16.93 in
Italian Dark Sofa Table with Colorful Hand Painted Motives on Table Top, 1950s
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This sofa table was designed in the 1950s. The table frame is made of lacquered iron and brass, the angular table top is hand-painted. Various strong colours were chosen for the moti...
Metal, Brass
1950s Jacaranda Sofa
Located in London, GB
1950's Brazilian jacaranda wood sofa with brass tips and upholstered in a soft grey fabric.
Unavailable
H 30.71 in W 51.19 in D 37.41 in
Midcentury Italian Velvet Sofa with Brass Feet Manufactured by ISA in 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Milano, IT
Sculptural and stylish Italian midcentury two seats sofa produced By ISA circa 1950s with its typical cast brass feet. This example of ISA sofa has a particularly beautiful proporti...
Brass
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 57 in D 28 in
Curved ITSO Federico Munari Settee in Wood with Orange Upholstery, Italy 1950s
By Federico Munari
Located in New York, NY
Italy, 1950's. A charming curved sofa in the style of Federico Munari, with a comfortable, high sloped back and rounded, elegantly tapering arms, raised on conical wood legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Italian Three Seats Sofa
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Three seats 1950s stylish sofa with sinous solid sculptured wood structure.
Fabric
Unavailable
H 17.33 in W 70.87 in D 37.41 in
1950s Boomerang Style Black Wooden Base with Beige Bouclé Fabric Curved Seat
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Vintage Design and Booremang style black wooden feet with beige Bouclé fabric curved bean shaped seat: Trendy and practical, you can use it as a sofa or a daybed. It will be perf...
Fabric, Wood
1950's Sofa With New Turquoise Upholstery
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern sofa with a rolled arm and wooden legs newly upholstered in a deep turquoise linen fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 75 in W 142 in D 60 in
Italian 1950's 2 Seater Sofa, Reupholstered in White Velvet with Boucle Seat
Located in London, GB
Italian two seat sofa, 1950s, reupholstered in white velvet and off white boucle for the seat cushion and with wooden legs. Perfect in a living room to add extra seats without takin...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 72.84 in L 33.86 in
High-Quality Olive Green Velvet Sofa with Ebonized Wood Feet, Italy, 1950s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
It features ebonized wood feet and it is upholstered in velvet. It may show slight traces of use since it's vintage, but the fabric is in excellent condition and it is ready to beco...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 63 in D 28.15 in
European Upholstered Two-Seater Sofa with Stained Wood Legs, Europe ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The European perspective on cabinetmaking is exceptional, and wood is omnipresent in mid-century modernism. This sumptuous curved sofa features the immediately recognizable touches o...
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley Elegant Sofa with Mahogany Legs, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Elegant sofa with four back pillows and conical mahogany legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1950s.
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.71 in W 54.34 in D 24.41 in
Danish Upholstered Two-Seater Sofa with Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Danish-made freestanding sofa is characterized by the best qualities of Danish mid-century design; from the restrained aesthetic to the elegant pairing of materials, this two-se...
Wool, Linen, Wood
Sold
H 34.65 in W 59.06 in D 33.47 in
Italian Mid-Century Black Leather Sofa with Armrests and Wooden Legs, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century black leather sofa with armrests and wooden legs, 1950s Sofa in black leather, with armrests, central stitching on the back, with small brass studs on the back a...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 31.5 in
Danish Modern Three-Seater Sofa with Tufted Buttons, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Danish craftsmanship was brought into modernism....
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 82.29 in D 38.39 in
Danish Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Sofa with Stained Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa recalls the peak of Danish Mid-Century Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this sofa is exceptionally cosy and elegant. Curved sofas li...
Bouclé, Wood, Beech
Sold
H 35.83 in W 60.63 in D 37.01 in
Guillerme et Chambron "Grand Repos" Sofa with Two Round Cushions, France 1950s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This oaken “Grand Repos” sofa deserve its title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 94.49 in D 23.63 in
Restored Curved 1950s sofa with sculptural legs in the manner of Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Berlin, DE
Curved 1950s sofa with sculptural legs in the manner of Vladimir Kagan. Purchased from the original owners, who bought the sofa from an interiors gallery in a villa in Hamburg, Germa...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 58.27 in L 33.47 in
Italian Midcentury Sofa or Settee with Brass and Lilac Pink Velvet, 1950s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Magnificent sofa or loveseat made in Italy during the 1950s in the typical Italian midcentury design. Perfect for a boudoir - this loveseat has black painted legs with shiny brass m...
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 93 in D 93 in
Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa in Black Leather with Mahogany Legs 1950s 'signed'
By Harvey Probber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Clean line sectional (2 piece) sofa upholstered in Edelman black leather with mahogany legs by Harvey Probber, American 1950's (signed with original label “furniture design by HARVEY...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.08 in W 55.12 in D 24.81 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa with new Black Velvet 1950s Canapes Wooden Legs
Located in Rome, IT
Italian modern sofa' with new black cotton velvet upholstery Wooden black lacquered legs
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 16 in W 48 in D 24 in
Italian 1950s Two-Tier Kidney Shape Glass Sofa Table with Art Deco Style Legs
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This typical midcentury sofa table features two kidney shape tiers, the top tier of clear tempered glass and the lower tier of tempered 'verre Églomisé' meaning painted on the back s...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 45.28 in D 23.63 in
Vintage Danish 1950s Beech Wood Coffee Table with Patinated Leather and Brass
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table from the 1950s is crafted from beech wood with a beautifully patinated leather top, giving it a distinctive vintage look. The table is further adorned with elegant ...
Leather
Sold
H 36 in W 83.25 in D 33.75 in
Italian Brown Mohair Chaise with Wood Base Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Chicago, IL
Of fine Italian manufacture, this wood and mohair chaise, attributed to the great designer Paolo Buffa, was produced in the 1950s.
Mohair, Wood
WHITE LEATHER SOFA
Located in New York, NY
1950'S WHITE LEATHER SOFA WITH EBONISED WOOD
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Set of 4 1950s Armchairs with Corner Element in Striped Fabric - Mid-Century El
Located in Manzano, IT
Set of 4 1950s Armchairs with Corner Element in Striped Fabric - Mid-Century Elegance Add a touch of mid-century sophistication to your living space with this exceptional set of fou...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 34.26 in W 55.12 in D 30.71 in
Hollywood Regency Style Red Pink Velvet Love Seat Sofa with Fringe, 1950's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage mid-century Design Hollywood Regency style velvet 2 seat loveseat sofa with fringe in red / pink, made in Belgium 1950's. In the style of the 1920's / 30's boudoir sofa seats...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 69.3 in W 33.08 in D 29.93 in
Set of Two Green Fabric and Wood 1950s Perla Armchairs with Sofa by G. Veronesi
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This living room set is composed by 2 "Perla" armchairs and 1 related sofa. They are made from their original green fabric upholstery, padding and wooden shaped legs. The set remains...
Fabric, Wood
Two-Tone Italian Sofa Set from the 1950s with New Upholstery
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Italian sofa set from the 1950s consisting of a two-seat sofa and two armchairs. New upholstery with fabric from Backhausen (Vienna).
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.75 in W 91.5 in D 34.5 in
1950s Louis XV Style Mohair Newly Upholstered Sofa with Scalloped Wood Apron
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Louis XV style mohair newly upholstered sofa with scalloped wood apron Offered for sale is a Louis XV style sofa upholstered in mohair velvet.
Mohair, Velvet, Wood
Unique Fabric Sofa with Wooden Legs, Italy, 1950s
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
It has wooden legs and its padding is upholstered in fabric, which has been recently changed. In excellent condition.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 41.34 in W 112.21 in D 63 in
Large Curved Sofa with Tapered Wooden Legs attribute Cesare Lacca, Italy 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Almelo, NL
Large Curved Sofa with Tapered Wooden Legs attribute Cesare Lacca, Italy 1950s Large curved sofa with tapered wooden legs in original blue upholstery attributed to Cesare Lacca, Ita...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35.83 in W 108.86 in D 51.97 in
Large Curved Sofa with Tapered Wooden Legs by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Utrecht, NL
It is further highlighted by the differently colored upholstery and line tracing that directs the attention to the outline of the sofa. The large body is supported by four sets of so...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35.83 in W 60.63 in D 37.01 in
Guillerme et Chambron "Grand Repos" Sofa with Three Round Cushions, France 1950s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This oaken “Grand Repos” sofa deserve its title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. This model visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the French duo’s company ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 90.56 in D 31.5 in
4-Seat Sofa with Floral Fabric by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare 4-seat sofa with floral fabric by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1950s in good vintage condition.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 37.41 in W 90.56 in D 34.65 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa with Brass Feet by Gio Ponti for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Bochum, NRW
Stylish Mid-Century Modern three seats Italian Green velvet sofa with brass feet. Designed by Gio Ponti, manufactured by ISA, 1950s. Curved shape, wooden structure, original green ...
Brass
Sold
H 24.41 in W 104.34 in D 27.56 in
Sofa with integrated tabletop by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa with integrated tabletop by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for forma, 1950s Carlo Hauner was an Italian-born Brazilian designer and architect, widely recognized for his work in t...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 77 in D 30 in
1950s Russel Wright for Conant Ball Sofa Mid-Century Modern with Wooden Arms
By Russel Wright
Located in Monrovia, CA
Beautiful Rare Mid-Century Modern sofa by Well Known Designer Russel Wright For Conant Ball. Mid-Century Modern 1950s Russel Wright Sofa for Conant Ball Is In Excellent Vintage Co...
Wood
Sold
H 36.62 in W 79.93 in D 42.52 in
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Settee with Connecting Table, France 1950s
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare oak settee is a delightfully unique piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chamb...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 66.15 in D 31.11 in
1950s Danish White Boucle with Cherrywood Sculptural Arms & Brass Sofa Couch
Located in London, England
1950s vintage Danish sofa recently reupholstered in white boucle fabric with sculptured Cherrywood arms. The sofa features two individual cushions supported by beautiful sculpted and...
Brass
Sold
H 30.71 in W 58.27 in D 30.71 in
Italian Mid-century Sofa Reupholstered with Petrol Velvet, 1950s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Magnificent petrol blue Italian sofa or settee original from the 1950s. Equipped with the original stiletto brass feet, which have been polished. Internally completely restored with ...
Brass
Edward Wormley Sofa with Brass Legs for Dunbar c.1950's
Located in Easton, PA
Early classic Edward Wormley sofa with brass legs for Dunbar c.1950's. Needs to be re-upholstered however it still retains the original Dorothy Liebes fabric with metallic threads.
Steel, Brass
Chic 1950s Sofa with Folding Mechanism
Located in Karlsruhe, DE
Chic three-seat sofa from the 1950s. Nicely shaped solid wood armrests with light wooden bars.
Wood
1950s Sofa with Bast Covering
Located in Karlsruhe, DE
1950s sofa with shapely solid wood frame. The frame is covered with flawless bast.
Cherry
Italian Midcentury Sofa with Brass Legs, 1950s
Located in Savona, IT
Italian manufacture sofa produced in the 1950s. Wooden structure padded and lined with new blue fabric. Brass legs. Excellent general conditions. Dimensions: Width 200 cm, dept...
Brass
Custom Order Robsjohn-Gibbings Sofa with Brass Legs, circa 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Custom order Robsjohn Gibbings sofa with brass legs, circa 1950s, reupholstered in 100% Belgian linen.
Linen, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 125.99 in D 63 in
Spectacular Monumental Sofa Manufactured by ISA with Original Silk Fabric, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Milano, IT
Unique example of this large curved sofa with original silk cover manufactured by ISA in 1950. Consists of two identical pieces which can also be placed separately. The mahogany fe...
Brass
Sold
H 90 in W 270 in D 140 in
Italian Midcentury Large Curved Sofa, Grey Velvet with Brass Feet, Milano, 1950s
By Federico Munari
Located in Milano, IT
Fine large curved sofa upolstered with dark grey cotton velvet. The elegant shape is enriched by brass feet. Attributed to Federico Munari.
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Amazing Mid-Century Daybed Sofa by Fred Ruf 1950s with Teddy Bear Fur Upholstery
By Fred Ruf, Dieter Waeckerlin, Wohnbedarf
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Beautiful Swiss made daybed by Fred Ruf, designed in 1951 for Wohnbedarf AG Switzerland. Frame in black, solid teak and chrome with patina. Very cool upholstery in teddy bear fur wi...
Metal
$3,933Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
Coppia di Poltrone Gigi Radice Minotti tessuto Trama verde Giallo Mid-century
By Gigi Radice
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Coppia di Poltrone Gigi Radice Minotti tessuto Trama verde Giallo Mid-century
Brass
Mushroom Ottoman in Wool Ochre Dot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a dotted wool blend fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned seat and sculptur...
Fabric, Wool, Acrylic, Polyester
$11,238 / set
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 30.32 in
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy, Pair of ''Lady'' Armchairs in Blue Cotton Velvet
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An exquisite pair of Lady lounge chairs, originally designed by the renowned Marco Zanuso for Arflex, Italy in 1951. These remarkable chairs have undergone meticulous reupholstering,...
Metal
Pair of Maison Dominique style Side Table
By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of art deco period maison Dominique Style Side Table .
Mahogany
Lisa Johansson-Pape 'Lisa' Floor Lamp for Innolux Oy
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Innolux Oy
Located in Glendale, CA
Lisa Johansson-Pape 'Lisa' floor lamp for Innolux Oy. Originally produced in the 1950s by Orno, this newly authorized re-edition of the iconic lamp is made by Innolux in Finland usi...
Brass
$6,204
H 21.66 in W 34.85 in D 77.56 in
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...
Metal
Mid-Century Sofa in the style of Harvey Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in Bantam, CT
Elegant sloped arm sofa, comfortable proportions. Sofa was reupholstered in a Maharam wool tweed. Shows minor wear, general good condition.
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Lounge Chair by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A beautiful early example, freshly reupholstered in finest quality wool fabric, as closely as possible to the original color scheme of two shades of grey.
Wool, Teak
Mid Century Sectional Sofa att. to Probber
By Harvey Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional two piece sectional, having two curved sections, with an even arm and seat back. This sofa can be set up together, or each piece can be placed separately if that works be...
Upholstery
French Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Metal, France, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass, black and cream-white lacquered metal table lamp likely designed and produced in France, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Light loss of black lacquer to me...
Metal, Brass
A Pendant by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Custom commissioned lighting pendant designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Oy. Finland circa 1940th/50th. Polished perforated brass with brass leafs decoration. (2) E 27 sockets. Rewi...
Brass
Danish 1950s Sofa Attributed to Fritz Hansen Model 1669 Variant
By Fritz Hansen
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...
Wool, Beech
Rudin Slip Covered Stone Washed Linen Sofa with Down Cushions
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Bloom Home Inc Rudin Sofa Slip covered in Greige Stone Washed Linen Stone Washed Linen A heavy 18 oz weighted linen, in a rich warm brown tone. Our linen is stone washed to give a s...
Linen, Oak
$3,408 / item
H 31 in W 72 in D 31 in
Madison Slip Covered Ticking Stripe Linen Sofa with Scallop Skirt Down Cushion
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Madison Slip Covered Sofa Our sofa has been designed with a linen slip cover in a flax with ecorcé (bark/brown) ticking stripe. The fabric is designed and made specially for us! The ...
Linen, Foam, Wood
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Single Bed in Brass
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, single bed, model L79, brass, lacquered wood, fabric, Italy, 1963. This eccentric single bed is designed by Osvaldo Borsani and embodies a splendid construction of...
Brass
$55,901 / set
H 23.63 in W 29.53 in D 33.08 in
Maison Dominique - André Domin Marcel Genevrière - Pair Of Armchairs Circa 1940
By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Very rare set of armchairs by Maison Dominque - We've always been fascinated by Art Deco artists like Jean-Michel Frank and Paul Dupré Lafon. Their interior designs, their use of ma...
Mohair, Straw, Wood
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.
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