French Camelback Sofa
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Sofas
Textile, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Jacobean Sofas
Steel
Antique 19th Century French Jacobean Sofas
Steel
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2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Mohair, Silk, Giltwood, Wood
Early 2000s British Sofas
Damask
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Walnut
20th Century English Sofas
Linen
Antique 19th Century Swedish Louis XV Sofas
Upholstery, Down, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Settees
Silk, Upholstery, Maple
Antique Late 19th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1780s English Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s French Sofas
Muslin
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Antique Mid-19th Century French Régence Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Provincial Settees
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century English Georgian Living Room Sets
Leather
20th Century English Georgian Living Room Sets
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century British Chippendale Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Régence Canapes
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Canapes
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Antique 1890s European Georgian Sofas
French Chairs
Walnut
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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