French Down Sofa
Late 20th Century French Provincial Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood, Down
20th Century American French Provincial Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Sofas
Silk, Wood, Feathers
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Down
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Cotton, Linen, Walnut, Down
Antique Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Sofas
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Plastic, Down
Late 20th Century French Provincial Loveseats
Upholstery, Hardwood, Down
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s Unknown Louis XIV Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Pillows and Throws
Down
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Early 20th Century French Sofas
Mid-20th Century French Provincial Sofas
Velvet, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century French Sofas
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Silk, Hardwood
1990s Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century Rustic Sofas
Feathers, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Hemp, Cane, Wood, Down
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Walnut, Linen, Feathers, Down
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Wood, Paint, Down, Foam
20th Century American Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Down
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Sofas
Down
Vintage 1970s French Sofas
Down
Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood, Down
21st Century and Contemporary French Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Feathers
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Wood, Down, Cotton
20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut, Down
20th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Down
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Cotton, Down, Giltwood, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Cane, Down, Linen, Mahogany, Upholstery
20th Century European Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Down, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Sofas
Down, Giltwood, Linen, Upholstery
20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Wood, Down
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Down, Feathers, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century American Country Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut, Down
Antique Late 19th Century European Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Walnut, Down
20th Century European Louis XV Sofas
Linen, Wood, Down
20th Century French Post-Modern Sofas
Cotton, Wood, Down
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1940s French Sofas
Wood, Paint, Down
Early 20th Century French Sofas
Down
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Oak, Down
Antique Early 18th Century French Régence Sofas
Down, Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Cotton, Linen, Giltwood, Down
Vintage 1940s American Regency Loveseats
Fruitwood
Late 20th Century French Provincial Loveseats
Upholstery
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Settees
Velvet, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Louis XVI Loveseats
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Down, Linen, Wood
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Loveseats
Upholstery
20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Down
21st Century and Contemporary American French Provincial Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood, Down
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Cotton, Down, Linen, Slip, Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1870s Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Down, Raw Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s Sofas
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Down, Linen
Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Sofas
Cotton, Down, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Sofas
Linen, Wood, Down
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Silk, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Down
Vintage 1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century French Sofas
Chenille, Cane, Wood, Down
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Beech, Down
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2010s British Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Bouclé, Oak, Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pillows and Throws
Velvet
2010s Slipper Chairs
Velvet
20th Century American Sheraton Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Aluminum
2010s American Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Hardwood
2010s American Modern Cabinets
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Sofas
Wood
Mid-20th Century Modern Pedestals
Burl
2010s Brazilian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Wood, Down
French Down Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Down Sofa?
Finding the Right Sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique 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. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. 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.
- What is a tufted sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021In a tufted sofa, the upholstery fabric is tightly pulled and folded into a geometric pattern and secured by buttons. The cushions on a tufted sofa remain plump and quite comfortable over time. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tufted sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Dune sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024A Dune sofa is not a particular type of sofa. Instead, it is a style name that several furniture makers have given to pieces they have produced. Among these makers are Nor11, Maiden Home and Ralph Pucci. You may also see the word “dune” used to indicate the color of a sofa. In this context, the term likely refers to a sandy beige shade.
Mid-century modern furniture and Space Age design enthusiasts know French designer Pierre Paulin for his low-slung Dune seating collection, which is a favorite of musician Frank Ocean. Paulin’s Dune series features four different interchangeable modules for a custom arrangement.
On 1stDibs, find a large selection of sofas. - 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The most comfortable sofa is a personal choice and will depend upon the sofa seat’s depth and height, filling and upholstery, back height and the back-pitch angle to recline or not to recline. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Today, options abound when it comes to style, material and comfort. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern sofas.
- What is a sofa plinth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A sofa plinth is a low base or pedestal that a sofa rests on. It borrows its name from a platform used to support an arch in classical architecture. People also call statue bases plinths. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage sofas.
- What is a sofa suite?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Also known as living room suites or a three-piece suite, sofa suites are usually sofas with two matching chairs. On 1stDibs you will find a variety of options for antique, new and vintage sofa suites.
- What is a sofa armchair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024A sofa armchair is a type of armchair. Specifically, the term describes an armchair with thick cushions on its backrest and seat and a deep frame that provides plenty of space for the user to settle in and relax. As a result, it offers the comfort typically associated with a sofa in a single-seat design, which is how this type of accent chair gets its name. Find a large selection of armchairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a serpentine sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A serpentine sofa is an upholstered seating solution with a curvy shape reminiscent of the letter “S.” Vladimir Kagan designed the piece of furniture in 1950, and it has since become one of the best-known couches of the mid-century period. On 1stDibs, find a range of serpentine sofas.
- What is a recamier sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A recamier sofa is a type of couch that features a high curved headrest and a low footrest. This type of sofa is sometimes backless that can be kept flat across the wall. A recamier sofa looks great in a living room, bedroom, study or elsewhere in your home. Shop a range of antique and vintage recamier sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a Sheraton sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Sheraton sofa refers to a specific neo-classical English furniture style that features round tapered legs with contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style grew in popularity in the late 18th century and remains to be a home-décor favorite for its classic style. Shop a selection of authentic Sheraton pieces on 1stDibs.
- What is a chaise on a sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A chaise, also known as a chaise longue (or, as it is sometimes spelled in the United States, a “chaise lounge”), is a long, upholstered sofa in the shape of a chair that can be used to prop one's legs upon. The name "chaise" refers to any long, reclining chair in modern French interior design, and the English translation is "long chair."
- What is a modular sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A modular sofa is an upholstered seating solution meant to accommodate two or more people. Unlike standard sofas, modular designs feature multiple individual pieces that you can mix, match and arrange into different shapes and configurations. You will sometimes see them called sectional sofas. Find a range of modular sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a studio sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A studio sofa is similar to a futon in that it’s multifunctional. Studio sofas can be converted into a double bed by flattening out the frame.
- What is an Empire sofa?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Empire movement in design started in the 19th century and is characterized by straight lines in rigid symmetrical compositions. Empire sofas, and furniture specifically, are part of the French neoclassical style. Shop a collection of Empire sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An Empire sofa is a type of sofa associated with the Empire style of art and architecture that came out of early 19th-century France. The designs of furniture in the Empire style were actually quite varied depending on the region which interpreted the design principles. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Empire style sofas from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is an Italian sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024An Italian sofa is a sofa manufactured in Italy or produced by an Italian furniture maker. Some well-known Italian furniture brands include B&B Italia, Cassina, Mario Bellini, Alias and Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Keep in mind that an Italian sofa is different from an Italian leather sofa. Italian leather is a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather produced in Italy. High-end furniture makers from all over the world use Italian leather as upholstery. Therefore, a sofa with this name may have been manufactured in Italy or elsewhere. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.
- Is a sofa a chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024By the strictest definition, a sofa is not a chair. Generally, a chair is a seating solution for one person. Since a sofa seats more than one person at a time, it usually isn't considered a chair. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs and sofas.
- When was the sofa invented?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024No one knows for sure when the first sofa was invented. However, ancient versions of the furniture date back to 2000 B.C. in Egypt. Generally, Jay Wellingdon Couch receives credit for inventing the modern sofa in 1895. People even use his surname, Couch, as another name for the sofa. Explore a large selection of couches on 1stDibs.
- Why is it called a sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024Why it is called a sofa is due to the history of the term. Sofa originated from the Arabic word soffa, which describes a low seat covered with plush pillows. French makers began producing their own versions of these furnishings in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, they had spread to other areas in Europe and were being referred to as sofas. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.
- What is a Nelson sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024A Nelson sofa is a sofa designed by George Nelson. Introduced in 1968, it features an exposed wooden frame and button-tufted cushions outlined by piping. The American industrial designer created the piece for Herman Miller, and the company continues to manufacture and sell it today. Explore a variety of George Nelson sofas from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a bergère sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bergère sofa is a piece of furniture more commonly called a bergère chair. The term describes an armchair that features upholstery on its back, arms and seat and a decorative wooden frame. Bergère chairs emerged during the Regency period in France but became especially popular during the Rococo era. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of bergère chairs.
- What is boucle sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bouclé sofa is a sofa that’s made from the heavy textile known as boucle. Bouclé is known for its fuzziness and soft texture, and designers often use it on rounded and asymmetrical furniture. Shop a collection of boucle sofas and other furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.
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