English Knole Sofa
Vintage 1980s Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sofas
Brass, Bronze
Recent Sales
20th Century English Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Linen, Velvet
1990s American William and Mary Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Sofas
Fabric
Early 2000s American George III Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1940s Sofas
People Also Browsed
20th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Giltwood
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Brass, Silver Leaf, Steel
Antique 19th Century French Moorish Busts
Bronze
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1980s English Chinoiserie Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
1990s Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vanities
Metal
Antique 18th Century German Baroque Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Sofas
Wood
Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Country Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
English Knole Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an English Knole Sofa?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original purpose of the Knole sofa produced during the 17th century was to serve as a royal seat. A monarch would rest on it when receiving visitors. Today, people buy Knole sofas to provide seating in formal sitting rooms. Shop a range of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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