At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal fan back sofa for your home. Frequently made of
wood,
fabric and
metal, every fan back sofa was constructed with great care. There are 12 variations of the antique or vintage fan back sofa you’re looking for, while we also have 17 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect fan back sofa — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right fan back sofa, those designed in
mid-century modern,
Art Deco and
Baroque styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made fan back sofa over the years, but those crafted by
Pieter Compernol, Stephanie Grusenmeyer & Jerôme Barrier,
Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer and
COR are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
A fan back sofa can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $5,800, while the lowest priced sells for $380 and the highest can go for as much as $28,000.
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.