Howard Style Sofa
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20th Century English Victorian Sofas
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Howard Style Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Howard Style Sofa?
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.
- What is a Howard sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Howard sofa is characterized by its slightly curved sprung back, low level arms and a deep seat designed for comfort. It has been described as a timeless British classic. Shop a collection of authentic Howard sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I identify a Howard sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To identify a Howard sofa, search for the maker's mark. You can usually find it on the back of a foot or on a paper label sewn onto an inconspicuous area. Some pieces also feature H&S monogram ticking on their undersides. If you're uncertain whether your sofa is a Howard & Sons piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you. Find a variety of Howard & Sons sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a Lawson style sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A Lawson style sofa has loose back pillows, a three-cushion seat design and a very simple shape. The armrests can be high, rolled or squared. The width of this sofa is big enough for a person to comfortably take a nap. Find your Lawson sofa on 1stDibs and let it blend in with your room or stand out altogether.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Home decor trends change often and certain styles of sofas come in and out of style. The sofa best suited for your home is a matter of personal preference and unique needs. Shop a wide range of sofas and other home furnishing on 1stDibs.
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