Back To Back Sofa
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Textile, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Antique 18th Century Italian Sofas
Wood, Linen
20th Century British Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1950s European Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Vintage 1980s English Chinoiserie Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Sofas
20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Sofas
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Teak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1940s French Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Chrome
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Benches
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Walnut
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Bouclé
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Sofas
Fabric, Palmwood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Wood
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables
Wrought Iron
2010s Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Console Tables
Oak
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Planters, Cachepots and Ja...
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Linen, Foam, Wood, Oak
20th Century French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster
2010s American Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Blanket Chests
Pine
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Brass
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Marble
Back To Back Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Back To Back 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.
- What is a curved back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Curved back sofas are also known as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. Curved sofas are highly coveted as comfortable seating as well as for being a unique seating option. Shop a wide selection of curved back sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a split back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A split back sofa is a sofa which features a back that is made up of two separate panels. These panels can be reclined and adjusted separately from one another, allowing for customizable comfort. On 1stDibs, find a range of split back sofas.
- What is a Bow back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back sofa is a sofa which has a back that bows upward, forming a graceful curve that peaks at the center of the bench and tapers down to the arms. Chairs can also have a bow back design. Browse a collection of bow back furniture from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between high-back and low-back sofas is that the former has a taller backrest than the latter. Some people, especially tall men and women, feel that a high-back sofa is more comfortable because the taller back offers more support for the shoulders and neck. Low-back sofas are popular picks for open-plan interiors, as they allow sightlines to be maintained across a space. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of high-back and low-back sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What a sofa without a back is called depends on its style. A divan is a casual, low backless sofa, often clad in fabric and tufted. More formal backless sofas, usually framed by scrolled arms, are recamiers. Find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024The logo that is two Cs back to back is the logo of Chanel. You'll see the logo prominently featured in the designs of Chanel handbags, apparel, jewelry and other pieces. The pair of Cs pays tribute to Coco Chanel, who founded the French luxury fashion house in 1910. Chanel designed the logo herself and first unveiled it in 1925. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Chanel bags, apparel and accessories.
- What is on the back of a mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024What is on the back of a mirror varies. Most mirrors feature a metal backing fashioned out of nickel, tin, silver, chromium or aluminum. Manufacturers typically apply film-forming paint to the metal to reduce the risk of corrosion and extend the life of the mirror. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of mirrors.
- Can I etch the back of a mirror?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can etch on the back of a mirror. Modern mirrors typically have a reflective layer that is deposited on the back of the glass. If you want to etch the back of a mirror you need to remove the reflective layer, which can be done with an engraving tool or with an etching solution. Shop a range of antique and modern mirrors on 1stDibs.
- What is a paddle-back earring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023A paddle-back earring is a clip-on earring with a particular type of closure. Specifically, the design includes a wide fastener with a tension bar cutting through its middle. Once the earring is in place, you can bend the tension bar to tighten or loosen the clip and adjust the fit. Shop a diverse assortment of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A bench with a back on it is usually just called a bench, while one without a back is a backless bench. Pieces placed in public areas to seat one or two people are park benches. Longer, more decorative ones for home use are garden benches. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of benches.
- What is a screw back earring?2 AnswersRoman Malakov DiamondsMarch 24, 2021A screw back is a type of closure for earrings wherein the post is fastened to the back by screwing it. This type of back is usually used for earrings that are worn everyday, children's earrings, or high value earrings as this type of back tends to be more secure.1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A screw back earring is a type of earring where the back screws into place as if it were a nut over a screw. Because they must be twisted off, they’re more secure for high value earrings.
- What is a fireplace back plate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A fireplace back plate is a piece of metal that goes on the wall in the back of the fireplace. While most are highly decorative, the plates actually serve the functional purpose of protecting the fireplace from soot and heat. Find a variety of antique fireplace back plates on 1stDibs.
- What is a latch-back earring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023A latch-back earring is an earring with a particular type of backing. Specifically, it features a post that snaps into a small hole, similar to a latch on a gate. The design is simple to operate and helps to keep earrings securely in place. Shop a collection of latch-back earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a low back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a comb back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a sling back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
- What is a spoon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Windsor back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
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