Bentwood Teak Sofa
Mid-20th Century Taiwanese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
Teak
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rattan, Beech, Teak, Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Bentwood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Rubber, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Other
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Teak
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Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Lacquer, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Serving Pieces
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Wood, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Walnut
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Tapestries
Wool, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Fur, Foam
2010s Vietnamese Dressers
Oak
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wall Mirrors
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Dining Room Chairs
Beech
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.
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