Brunschwig And Fils Sofas
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Lucite
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century French Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet
Late 20th Century American Regency Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Early 2000s American Sofas
Fabric
20th Century Sofas
Fabric
Early 2000s American Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Settees
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Regency Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
1990s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Music Stands
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Benches
Brass
2010s Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Bronze
2010s Chinese Modern Abstract Sculptures
Metal, Aluminum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities
Pottery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut
2010s Dutch Chinoiserie Table Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Daybeds
Chrome
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
2010s Portuguese Modern Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Brass
1990s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Velvet
2010s Daybeds
Chrome
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.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.