Empire Style Seater Sofa

Find many varieties of an authentic empire style seater sofa available at 1stDibs. An empire style seater sofa — often made from wood, fabric and mahogany — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without an empire style seater sofa — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. An empire style seater sofa made by Empire designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made empire style seater sofa over the years, but those crafted by Maison Jansen, Bellanger and Clarence House are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

Prices for an empire style seater sofa can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $345 and can go as high as $30,929, while the average can fetch as much as $4,505.

Vintage couches and antique sofas have anchored living rooms for generations. The pieces most sought after today carry the deep-buttoned tufting of a Chesterfield or the low, sculptural ease of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design.

Styles to Know

Rolled arms and tufted backs point to Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency pieces, while tight backs and turned legs skew more traditional. Velvet is enjoying a renewed moment across most of these silhouettes; see our velvet chesterfield sofa trend report for examples. A mid-century modern coffee table within reach and a vintage mirror nearby round out the seating area.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Sofa

A sofa's frame and upholstery history can be difficult to judge from photographs alone. Ask a seller for more information when a listing doesn't show the fabric or joinery clearly, and confirm whether the upholstery is original or has been redone. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.