Vladimir Kagan Freeform Sofa, Model 150BC, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic by Vladimir Kagan originally designed in 1950. This piece produced by Vladimir Kagan as
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Freeform Sofa, Model 150BC, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic by Vladimir Kagan originally designed in 1950. This piece produced by Vladimir Kagan as
Upholstery
$16,400
H 30 in W 140 in D 60 in
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa in Charcoal Black Fabric, U.S.A. 1970's.
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, showcasing the designer’s signature curvilinear form
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Curved Blue Velvet "Hindsight Sofa", 2024
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
This curvy, sinuous, undulating "Hindsight Sofa" was initially designed by Vladimir Kagan as a
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Circular Free-Form Sofa # 150BC
By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vladimir Kagan Free-Form Sofa-LARGE version This is the premier sofa from his early Kagan-Dreyfuss
Upholstery
RARE Pair of Curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
These curved Omnibus Sofas by Vladimir Kagan are RARELY seen and we just happen to have a pair. A
Mohair, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Matinee Sofa for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Matinee sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather, c.2000s, USA. Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016
Leather, Upholstery
$32,200 / set
H 29 in W 33 in D 94.5 in
Cloud Serpentine Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Both reupholstered in green mohair. Lucite leg on bottom in the middle. Tagged. A classic of...
Mohair
Matinee Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. USA. Reupholstered in Maharam felt plaid fabric.
Fabric
$12,500
H 29 in W 128 in D 105 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman
By Weiman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Weiman Preview, dating
Fabric, Upholstery
Large Vladimir Kagan Bilboa Sofa in Five Sections
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a dramatic Bilbao sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan was made by Preview. Sofa is five
Upholstery
Settee by Vladimir Kagan, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometric, uncommon and finely proportioned demi-backed sofa from the Omnibus collection having a
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
A cloud sofa by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1980s.
Upholstery
Sculptural 95 Inch Bilbao Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
A sculptural modern sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and inspired by the curves of the Guggenheim
Upholstery
Iconic Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1980
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fuveau, Provence
Beautiful and elegant Vladimir Kagan sofa model Serpentine. This exemplar is the largest size and
Fabric, Faux Leather
Mid-20th Century Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Two-Piece Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Francisco, CA
A mid-20th century two-piece omnibus sectional by Vladimer Kagan. A two-piece that consist of an L
Fabric, Lucite
Vladamir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Serpentine sofa with bases in walnut and Lucite by Vladimir Kagan, American 1990s. This is an
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Original brown upholstery.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Original brown upholstery.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Sofa, America, circa 1970
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan sofa, America, circa 1970. Designed for Directional. Newly upholstered in Maharam
Wool
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vladimir Kagan for Directional serpentine sofa circa late 1970s. This all original example has its
Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vladimir Kagan for Directional serpentine sofa. This all original iconic example is upholstered in
Custom Curved Sofa Attributed to Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A curved Vladimir Kagan sofa with tufted mohair on walnut bases designed for a Park Ave apartment
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa on Brass Bases
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional Furniture. Original black micro velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofas on Brass Bases
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of serpentine sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional Furniture. Original black micro
Brass
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, America, 20th Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa, America, 20th century. Large scale, chrome base, newly
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, America, 20th Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa, America, 20th century. Large scale, chrome base, newly
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A two piece Omnibus sectional sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. The two pieces can be rearranged as
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Sofa in Wool, America 2005
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Sofa in Wool America, 2005 'Serpentine' sofa with chrome plated aluminum base, and
Wool
Leather 'Matinee' Sofa / Daybed by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Remarkable sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Studios composed of two removable
Leather
'Omnibus' Sofa and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Omnibus sofa with two square ottomans by Vladimir Kagan. The rectilinear sofa features one thick
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofas on Brass Bases
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of serpentine sofas designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional Furniture. Original brown micro
Brass
Sold
H 28.5 in W 94 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Directional in Black Microfiber
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan's iconic cloud serpentine sofa by Directional. This sofa is upholstered in black
Lucite, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Matinee Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
in green leather, signed. This piece has some significant wear consistent with use including scuffs, color-loss, and areas where the leather has been re-colored. See photos for detai...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa by Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
Kagan and manufactured by Directional. A mate to this sofa is available. If you would like a pair
Mohair, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Features an interesting upholstery
Upholstery, Acrylic
Vladimir Kagan Matinee Sofa / Daybed in Boucle, America 2002
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Matinee Sofa / Daybed in Boucle America, 2002 Iconic Matinee Sofa/Daybed by Vladimir
Bouclé
Iconic Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Iconic Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Sofa is upholstered in original
Lucite
"Cloud" Style Sofa, after Vladimir Kagan
By Lazar Industries, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan's 'Cloud' Sofa for Directional. Newly reupholstered in luxurious Alpaca Mohair by Maharam
Chrome
Sold
H 30.5 in W 87 in D 34.5 in
Beautiful “Matinee” Sofa / Daybed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Round Rock, TX
Beautiful designer leather sofa or daybed designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. The
Leather
Sold
H 28.5 in W 129 in D 45 in
Vladimir Kagan Custom Curved Omnibus Sofa with Lucite Bases 1990s 'Signed'
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Custom designed curved sofa, Omnibus series with Lucite bases, by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1990s
Mohair, Upholstery, Foam, Lucite
Sold
H 28 in W 86 in D 32 in
Vladimir Kagan Sofa, Biomorphic Kidney Form for Directional Furniture, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Biomorphic kidney bean shaped sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, 1980s. This piece retains
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan 4 Piece Omnibus Sectional Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
configured as you please. supported on Kagan’s trademark lucite bases, giving the sofa a wonderful
Lucite
Sold
H 28 in W 90 in D 45 in
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofas, Pair of Newly Upholstered in Purple/Plum Ultrasuede
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Complimenting pair of Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas. Each an iconic design. Manufactured by
Upholstery, Lucite
Sold
H 34 in W 65 in D 161 in
Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Dark Green Gray, Lucite Plank Legs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Kansas City, MO
Vladimir Kagan three piece Omnibus Sofa. The upholstery at first appears gray, but in bright light
Upholstery, Acrylic, Lucite
Sold
H 29.5 in W 112 in D 37 in
Contemporary Modern Pair of Vladimir Kagan Preview Curved Sectional Sofa, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
black leather back, by Vladimir Kagan for Preview. Matching custom side table included. In very good
Leather
Sold
H 32.5 in W 94 in D 41 in
Organic Curved Modern Serpentine Sofa for Weiman / Preview manner of Kagan
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hudson, NY
A sculptural curved Serpentine sofa also referred to as the corkscrew sofa in manner of Vladimir
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Style Kidney Shape Cloud Sofa Black Leather
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Black leather upholstery. 27" h x 83" w x 42" d. Seat height 17". Condition Scratches and minor
Leather
Pair of Signed Directional Biomorphic Sofas
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Signed Directional Biomorphic sofas Both sofas retain original Directional labels.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Newly upholstered in cotton velvet. Manufactured by Directional.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa for Weiman Furniture
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa manufactured by Weiman Preview. The sofa need to be
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 87 in L 31 in
Vladimir Kagan Black Leather Matinee Sofa Daybed 3-seat, American Leather 1990s
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous black leather sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Studios. The sofa is comprised
Leather
Petite Cloud Sofa or Chaise Lounge by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman
By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman
Located in Dallas, TX
Commonly referred to as a "cloud" sofa due to it's unique, curvy shape. Upholstered in a lovely
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Petite Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
An absolutely stunning petite cloud sofa by Vladimir Kagan. This cloud sofa features Kagan
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Chaise Lounge Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Biomorphic shape Cloud chaise lounge sofa.
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa for Directional. Lucite center support under sofa and retains
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vladimir Kagan for Directional serpentine sofa. This all original sculptural example is upholstered
Ultrasuede, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Style Cloud Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful cloud sofa in the style of Vladimir Kagan. Chromed feet, upholstered in an ultra-suede
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Vladimir Kagan for Directional from the 1970's. It has been re-upholstered in a grey
Fabric, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa in Grey Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vladimir Kagan, velvet, chrome, United States, 1960s This serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan is
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan 'Matinee' Sofa / Daybed in Leather
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Remarkable sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Studios composed of two removable
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa Small Directional, 1999
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice sculptural lounge sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional, United
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan "Hurricane" Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
An uncommon Vladimir Kagan "Hurricane" sofa manufactured by Directional in the 1990s. This unique
Mohair, Foam, Feathers
Superb Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, the Bilbao Sofa was inspired by the Frank Gehry designed
Cloud Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, America, 21st Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Cloud Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, America, 21st century. Original upholstery with Chrome Base and
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa on Brass Bases
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan "Serpentine sofa" for Directional on brass bases, circa 1980. Fully restored and
Brass
Free-Form Vladimir Kagan Directional Upholstered and Lucite Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Free-form Vladimir Kagan for Directional sofa. This all original example has a Lucite stretcher and
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, America, 21st Century
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa, America, 21st century. Newly upholstered in wool velvet
Velvet
Nugget Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning vase belongs to the Fish Design Collection of iconic, unique pieces designed by Gaetano Pesce. Chalice shape, it is strikingly handcrafted of soft resin, layered in a m...
Resin
Gianfranco Frattini 'Aspide' Table Lamp for GUBI
By Gubi, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Glendale, CA
Gianfranco Frattini 'Aspide' Table Lamp for GUBI. Named after the Italian word for ‘asp’, for its serpentine form, the Aspide was designed as a versatile task lamp that may be adjus...
Metal, Chrome, Iron
$655 / item
H 5.1 in W 6.7 in D 3.1 in
Charlotte Perriand 'Applique à Volet Pivotant' Wall Light in Blue for Nemo
By Nemo Lighting 1, Cassina, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Glendale, CA
Charlotte Perriand 'Applique à Volet Pivotant' wall light in blue for Nemo. Originally designed in the 1950s as the iconic CP1, these newly produced authorized re-editions are stil...
Metal, Aluminum
Tiffany Studios Dragonfly Diachronic Confetti Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Dragonfly Table Lamp A gorgeous Tiffany Studios diachronic light blue to green Dragonfly table lamp with confetti glass wings. A true piece of Museum quality collecti...
Bronze
Burmese Kalaga Tapestry
Located in Asheville, NC
Beautifully embroidered with glass beads, metallic wrapped thread, metal sequins and beads, this tapestry seems to come to life with its rows of dancing women and mythical creatures....
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Textile
Signature Dishes That Matter
Located in New York, NY
A global celebration of the iconic restaurant dishes that defined the course of culinary history over the past 300 years Today's food-lovers often travel the globe to enjoy the foo...
Paper
Sputnik Chandelier by Studio Glustin
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Elegant Sputnik chandelier with enlightened and different sized opaline glass globes, from Murano. Structure in brass. Creation by Studio Glustin. Pair available.
Brass
Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1950s
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue fabric sofa or settee attributed to Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, c. 1950s. For reference study model "Mikki" for Puunveisto Oy - Träsnideri Ab, Finland. We...
Fabric, Wood
Ralph Lauren Clivedon Tufted Black Leather Bed Queen Size
By Ralph Lauren
Located in North York, ON
Ralph Lauren designed Clivedon Queen bed, Neo-Classical sleigh bed with scroll headboard and footboard upholstered in tufted supple black leather. Brass claw foot details and gilt ac...
Brass
$21,533
H 31.5 in W 157.49 in D 59.06 in
Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa 3 Parts in 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat for Verpan
By Verner Panton
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton cloverleaf sectional sofa. Current production. This listing shows a 3-piece Cloverleaf Sofa in dark green 'Harald 3 #982' by Kvadrat. Seats 5 people in a very interesti...
Fabric, Wood
Elisabeth Loholt, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Rattan, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
By Elisabeth Loholt
Located in High Point, NC
A painted black-glazed ceramic, rattan and white fabric table lamp designed and produced by Elisabeth Loholt, Denmark, c. 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 12.0"H x 6.0...
Rattan, Fabric, Ceramic
$17,250 / item
H 13.78 in W 38.98 in D 72.84 in
Brutalist Teal Ceramic & Verdigris Copper Coffee Table by Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Egg Designs’ Boogie Nights coffee table (2021) is a bold, Brutalist-inspired piece handcrafted with sculptural impact. It features individually glazed teal-green ceramic tiles applie...
Copper, Steel
$7,395 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.89 in D 20.67 in
Set of Four After Pierre Jeanneret 051 Capitol Complex Office Chairs
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Four After Pierre Jeanneret 051 Capitol Complex Office Chairs – A Stunning Tribute to Mid-Century Modern Design Step into the world of iconic modernism with this exceptional ...
Cane
Todd Merrill Custom Blue Velvet Sectional Sofa and Ottoman
By Todd Merrill
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing monumental cobalt blue silk velvet sectional sofa with ottoman designed by Todd Merrill Custom for a Samantha Todhunter installation. Dramatic scale and presence inspired by ...
Steel
$34,250
H 36.63 in W 74 in D 25.63 in
Rare 1920s French Deco Giltwood Chaise by L'Atelier d'Art du Printemps
By Atelier Primavera au Printemps, Paul Follot
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare and elegant Charlotte Chauchet-Guilleré for Atelier Primavera, circa 1920 giltwood chaise lounge with older brown velvet upholstery. Wear to gilt in areas, some marks to velvet....
Giltwood
The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
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.