Clam Shell Sofa
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather
Antique 1820s Spanish Spanish Colonial Sofas
Silk, Birch, Oak, Giltwood
Antique 1850s American Rococo Revival Chaise Longues
Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chaise Longues
Fabric, Hardwood
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Dry Bars
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Unknown Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Oak
Early 2000s American Chinoiserie Sofas
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Down
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Faux Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Suede, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinoiserie Pier Mirrors and Conso...
Paint, Wood, Gesso
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s American Louis XVI Table Lamps
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass, Metal
Vintage 1940s Danish Organic Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Down, Feathers, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Sofas
Cotton, Down, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Finding the Right sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique, new 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. 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In nature, you can find giant clam shells along the shorelines of the Philippines and in the Sabah coral reefs in Malaysian Borneo. To purchase giant clam shells, check out reputable online platforms, auction houses and antique stores. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of giant clam shells.
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