Antonio Harry Sofa
2010s Sofas
Leather
1970s Modern Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Oil
People Also Browsed
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
2010s Sofas
Chenille
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Aluminum
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Wool, Cotton
2010s Italian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather, Fabric
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Plastic
2010s Sectional Sofas
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sectional Sofas
Linen
2010s Sofas
Wool
1930s Art Deco Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Italian Sofas
Linen
2010s Italian Sectional Sofas
Fabric
2010s Sofas
Velvet
2010s Sofas
Bouclé
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Aluminum
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1990s Italian Sofas
Velvet
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel, Chrome
Late 20th Century Sofas
Fabric
Early 2000s Italian Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
1990s Italian Modern Settees
Aluminum
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
1990s European Modern Sofas
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
1990s European Modern Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
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.