Floating Curved Sofa By Vladimir Kagan
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Walnut
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Suede
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Goatskin, Linen, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal
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Vintage 1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chaise Longues
Fabric, Hardwood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Tulipwood, Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sectional Sofas
Aluminum
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Rosewood, Leather, Fiberglass
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas
Textile
2010s Dutch Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Mohair, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Center Tables
Wood
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Leather
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Alpaca
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wood, Foam
Vintage 1970s American Modern Sofas
Foam, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Lucite, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas
Alpaca, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas
Alpaca, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century American Settees
Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Settees
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1990s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
1990s Modern Sectional Sofas
Linen
20th Century American Sofas
Cowhide, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Walnut, Linen
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.
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