Gustavian Barrel Back Sofa with Griffin Details, Newly Upholstered
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Gustavian style barrel back sofa with beautiful wood carved griffins, hand-scraped to the original paint and newly upholstered, circa 1900.
Linen, Wood, Paint
Vladimir Kagan High 'Barrel Back' Sofa
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High back 'Barrel' sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA.
Upholstery, Mohair
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Sofa Bench with Splayed Legs
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful 19th c. Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period, newly upholstered in linen fabric with nail head trim. Circa 1800. Beautiful front and back splayed legs. Finished ...
Linen, Wood, Paint
2 Mid-Century Modern Bohemian Rattan & Split Reed Barrel Back Sofas Boho Chic
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive vintage pair of Bohemian barrel back three seater sofas, circa 1970s. Made from a contoured split reed frame with woven rattan panels.
Fabric, Rattan, Reed
$7,840Sale Price|38% Off
Four Seat Ebonized Barrel Back Sofa Newly Upholstered in White Bouclé, USA, 1970
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers! Equal parts comfort and style this extraordinary four-seater sofa has recently undergone a comprehensive and transformative restoration that features new white b...
Oak
Edwardian Mahogany Settee Barrel Back Pink Inlaid Tub Antique Art Nouveau 1910
Located in London, GB
Made in London circa 1910, this beautifully decorative barrel-back sofa will add gorgeously graceful colouring and more than a touch of bygone quality, antique refinery and a timeles...
Upholstery, Boxwood, Mahogany
1970's Mid-Century Modern Spindle Barrel Back Oak Sofa By Howard Furniture
By Bill Stephens, Lou Hodges, Knoll, Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in Burbank, CA
The frame has been previously ebonized, and is a beautiful ebony tone with the wood grain still visible. It has a spindle back, and is made of solid oak. It has a crescent barrel sha...
Bouclé, Oak, Feathers
$9,200Sale Price / set|38% Off
Ebonized Barrel Back Four Seat Sofa and Lounge Chair in New Bouclé, USA, 1970's
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers! Equal parts comfort and style this extraordinary lounge chair and sofa set has recently undergone a comprehensive and transformative restoration that features ne...
Oak
Antique Victorian Wicker Rattan Bentwood Sculptural Sunroom Sofa Set with Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Wicker Rattan Bentwood Sculptural Sunroom Sofa Set with Chairs. Listing includes (1) sleek sculptural sofa (1) barrel back lounge chair (1) rocking chair, blue upho...
Wicker, Rattan, Bentwood
Vintage French Hollywood Regency Barrel Back Upholstered Loveseat Settee Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Hollywood Regency Curved Frame Barrel Back Loveseat Sofa. Item features a distressed finish, shapely cabriole legs, gold accents, beige/gold upholstery, very nice vint...
Mahogany
Antique Victorian Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Barrel Back Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian/American Empire Carved Mahogany Paw Foot Barrel Back Settee Loveseat Sofa. Circa Late 19th Century.
Mahogany
Antique French Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Barrel Back Chair And Boudoir Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Footed Barrel Back Lounge Chair and Tufted Back Boudoir Sofa in a Deep Red Velvet Chenille This Antique French Art Nouveau lounge chair ...
Chenille
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian Rattan & Split Reed Barrel Back Loveseat Sofa Chic
Located in Dayton, OH
A quaint vintage Bohemian barrel back loveseat, circa 1970s. Made from a contoured split reed frame with woven rattan panels. Features a white upholstery with removable cushion. Perf...
Fabric, Rattan, Reed
$8,256Sale Price / set|40% Off
Rare circa 1860 Huge Victorian Brown Leather Barrel Back Suite Sofa Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning sofa and armchair suite of very rare oversized Victorian barrel back armchair and sofa in fully restored hand dyed brown leather T...
Leather
1920s Art Deco Period Mahogany Salon Set with Settee and Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Newly upholstered in France in a cream colored fabric with a diamond pattern, these barrel back club chairs and sofa feature marquetry rosettes on the armrests and on the lower apron...
Upholstery, Fruitwood, Mahogany, Sycamore
Biedermeier Barrel-Back Sofa
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large, comfortable and sturdy Austrian/Hungarian Biedermeier barrel-back sofa in mahogany on pine. Front with free-standing columns on canted plinths, fluted capitals, discs and a ...
Mahogany, Pine
Unavailable
H 28 in W 75 in D 26 in
Original lounge Sofa, Barrel Sofa, club chair, bold, modern, walnut wood
By Sara Hayat Design
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Sofa with an Original Design Indulge in the captivating allure of Erete, a bold and exquisitely crafted barrel...
Velvet, Walnut
Unavailable
H 28 in W 75 in D 26 in
Original lounge sofa, Barrel Sofa, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood
By Sara Hayat Design
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete Sofa: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original Design Indulge in the captivating allure of Erete, a bold and exquisitely crafted ...
Brass
Unavailable
H 28 in W 75 in D 26 in
Original lounge sofa, Barrel sofa, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood
By Sara Hayat Design
Located in Greenwood Village, CO
Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete Sofa: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original Design Indulge in the captivating allure of Erete, a bold and exquisitely crafted ...
Brass
Unavailable
H 28 in W 90.5 in D 35 in
Rounded Barrel Back Brass Platform Sofa Reupholstered in African Mud Cloth
By Richard Himmel
Located in Chicago, IL
Sofa Designed by Richard Himmel USA, circa 1960s Newly reupholstered in mud cloth from Zimbabwe with a brass base Measures: 28” H x 90 ½” W x 35” D x seat 16 ½” H Pict...
Brass
Barrel Back Couch on Plinth Base
Located in Ferndale, MI
Barrel Back Couch on Plinth Base after Vladimir Kagen (matching chair available)
Barrel Back Sofa by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modernist and sculptural barrel back sofa having tapered arms floating on a satin aluminum double Y-form legged base.
Aluminum
Vladimir Kagan 'Barrel Back' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long Barrel Back sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA.
Cotton, Velvet
Exquisite Rare Mid-Century Barrel Back Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful and rare Mid-Century long barrel back sofa. This sofa has gorgeous teakwood trim and walnut legs.
Fabric
19th Century, Swedish Barrel Back Sofa Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
Swedish, 19th century barrel back sofa settee with beautifully carved frame with bell flower and lion's heads carvings.
Linen, Hemp, Pine
Elegant Barrel Back Sofa by Tomlinson Sophisticates
By Tomlinson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Barrel Back Sofa by Tomlinson Sophisticates, circa 1950's.
Upholstery
Sold
H 33.5 in W 60.5 in D 24.5 in
Hollywood Regency Napoleon Style Faux Bamboo Windsor Barrel Back Sofa in Teak
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
Carved teak barrel back sofa. Faux bamboo down to the carved rootball feet with ornate rope and tassel details similar to Napoleon chairs.
Cotton, Polyester, Teak
19th Century Swedish Barrel Back Sofa Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
Charming small Swedish 19th century barrel back sofa settee with rounded form, elegant long saber legs and rails carved in horizontal beading, rosettes and ribbons.
Linen, Pine
Postmodern Barrel Back Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Fully restored 1980s Postmodern sofa. Reupholstered in green mohair.
Mohair
Sold
H 28.75 in W 93.5 in D 32 in
Modern Baker Barrel Back Bleached Mahogany Sofa in Cole & Son "Icons" Fabric
By Baker Furniture Company, Tomlinson
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning modern barrel back sofa with a bleached mahogany frame and freshly upholstered in a whimsical and colorful blue / green / yellow Cole & Son "Icons" fabric with camels, lions...
Mahogany
Danish Sofa Loveseat
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A barrel back sofa / loveseat with slightly curved teak wood legs matching the profile of this well made and very comfortable piece.
Sold
H 30.69 in W 52.75 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Settee with Ram Heads in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare 19th century Swedish barrel back sofa settee in the Gustavian style, newly upholstered in linen, circa 1880.
Paint
Mid 20th century 2 seater barrel back club sofa c1940
Located in Batley, GB
A large mid 20th country house barrel backed club sofa. Newly upholstered by us in Amara Caramel cotton by Ada & Ina with new feather cushions.
Cotton
Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Curved Sofa in Art Deco Form
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic design by Weiman Furniture in the 1980s. Its features a solid well-built inner frame, with sculptural Art Deco design back. Fabric soiled and needs recovering. Foam and paddin...
Fabric
Cognac Leather Barrel Back Loveseat, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful 1970s loveseat sourced in the South of France. The barrel-back silhouette features smooth, supple leather upholstery in a warm cognac hue with a natural, aged patina. Thi...
Leather
Pair of Vintage Demilune Sofas
Located in North York, ON
Pair of vintage demilune sofas. These barrel back circular chaise sofas feature three perfectly proportioned pillows, are newly upholstered with new foam and a neutral cotton fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 26.5 in W 87 in D 32.5 in
Country Modern Spindle Back 1980s Howard Solid Oak Barrel Shaped Sofa Couch
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Comfort is king with this stylish vintage 1980s barrel shaped sofa by Howard Furniture. American made, solid oak throughout. The ultra cozy loveseat is wide and padded with plush pil...
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 36.5 in W 88 in D 37 in
Antique Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Style Barrel Back Chair And Boudoir Sofa
By Maurice Dufrêne
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Footed Barrel Back Lounge Chair and Tufted Back Boudoir Sofa in a Deep Red Velvet Chenille This Antique French Art Nouveau lounge chair ...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Barrel Back Sofa
Located in Charleston, SC
Swedish, 19th century barrel back sofa settee in Gustavian style with beautifully carved frame with bell flower carvings.
Velvet, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Sofa Settee
Located in Wichita, KS
A 19th century Swedish barrel back sofa settee in the Gustavian style, newly upholstered in antique linen, circa 1850.
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Small Barrel Back Sofa Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
Charming small Swedish, 19th century barrel back sofa settee with beautifully carved frame with details and carved front legs with rosettes.
Linen, Pine
18th Century Period Swedish Barrel Back Sofa Settee
Located in Charleston, SC
Magnificent Swedish Period Gustavian 18th century barrel back sofa settee with rounded form, rails richly carved in "Bladstav" carving.
Linen, Pine
Sold
H 33.18 in W 55.88 in D 24 in
Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Sofa with Lion Heads in Original Paint, 19th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful antique Swedish barrel back sofa or settee in the Gustavian style from the 19th century, newly upholstered in linen, circa 1890.
Linen, Wood, Paint
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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