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Italian Gondola Sofa
Italian Gondola Sofa

Italian Gondola Sofa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian Gondola Sofa with Lacquered base and Chartruese Mohair Upholstery.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

1940s Gondola Sofa
1940s Gondola Sofa

1940s Gondola Sofa

Sold|$16,500

1940s Gondola Sofa

By Glenn of California

Located in Miami, FL

Gondola Sofa by Glenn of California Featuring solid Mahogany sculptural base in Ebony finish and new custom tufted silk Velvet upholstery.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Wood

Dunbar Gondola Sofa
Dunbar Gondola Sofa

Dunbar Gondola Sofa

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Providence, RI

Edward Wormley La Gondola sofa, model #5719 Dunbar USA, 1957 walnut, upholstery 110" w x 32" d x 32" t Without a doubt one of Wormley's best designs.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Adrain Pearsall Gondola Sofa

Adrain Pearsall Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Portland, OR

An Adrian Pearsall Gondola sofa in new fabric with walnut frame.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Harvey Probber Gondola Sofa
Harvey Probber Gondola Sofa

Harvey Probber Gondola Sofa

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful Harvey Probber gondola sofa with graceful lines and nicely detailed base and legs.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Sofas

Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

Located in San Francisco, CA

Gondola sofa, newly re-upholstered, tufted. Three back cushions and matching two throw pillows on original wood legs.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' Sofa
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' Sofa

Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 'Gondola' Sofa. The sculptural base is made of walnut.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid Century Modern Gondola Sofa
Mid Century Modern Gondola Sofa

Mid Century Modern Gondola Sofa

By Harvey Probber

Located in Hadley, MA

Interestingly designed mid century gondola sofa attributed to Harvey Probber. The mahogany base and cantilevered ends give it the appearance of floating.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Mid Century Modern Gondola sofa
Mid Century Modern Gondola sofa

Mid Century Modern Gondola sofa

By Harvey Probber

Located in Turners Falls, MA

Interestingly designed mid century gondola sofa attributed to Harvey Probber. The mahogany base and cantilevered ends give it the appearance of floating.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Blue Velvet Gondola Sofa, 1970s
Blue Velvet Gondola Sofa, 1970s

Blue Velvet Gondola Sofa, 1970s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A gondola sofa is a type of curved sofa with a distinctive, flowing shape resembling that of a Venetian gondola boat.

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Italian Gondola Sofa
Italian Gondola Sofa

Italian Gondola Sofa

Located in Boston, MA

A carved Italian gondola sofa with well executed scrolled arms and a decoratively carved apron.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Canapes

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Houston, TX

A brilliant sculpture design, this Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa from the early 1960s is the epitome of high design.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Gondola sofa- Pair Available
Adrian Pearsall Gondola sofa- Pair Available

Adrian Pearsall Gondola sofa- Pair Available

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Miami, FL

Wonderful mid century gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall measuring 102 "long.

Category

20th Century American Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Extremely Rare Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
Extremely Rare Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

Extremely Rare Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Houston, TX

Highly sculptural gondola sofa by Adrian Pearsall with extensive biscuit tufting.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Tufted Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Miami, FL

Gorgeous and welcoming tufted gondola sofa with newly finished ash wood frame and newly upholstered off white soft canvas cotton blend fabric.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola sofa with original blue fabric. Origin: USA Period: Mid-Century Materials: Walnut, original blue fabric Condition: Excellent original ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Rare "Gondola" Sofa by Woodard
Rare "Gondola" Sofa by Woodard

Rare "Gondola" Sofa by Woodard

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Seemingly an echoing, stylistically alternate take on the Dunbar Gondola sofa, an extraordinary piece in every detail.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Sofas

Materials

Iron

Martin Borenstein Mid-Century Modern Gondola Sofa
Martin Borenstein Mid-Century Modern Gondola Sofa

Martin Borenstein Mid-Century Modern Gondola Sofa

By Martin Borenstein

Located in Berkeley, CA

Newly upholstered MB Designs Gondola sofa by Martin Borenstein. Micro houndstooth upholstery in black and taupe wool.

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Walnut

Sculptural Gondola Sofa in Frisse Fabric
Sculptural Gondola Sofa in Frisse Fabric

Sculptural Gondola Sofa in Frisse Fabric

By Harvey Probber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant Gondola sofa upholstered in a heather brown Frisse fabric in the style of Harvey Probber.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Tufted Gondola Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Tufted Gondola Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Tufted Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Austin, TX

This very sculptural Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern gondola sofa from the 1960s has been reupholstered in beautiful grass green woven fabric and the walnut frame has been refinis...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Unique Mid-Century Modern Black Gondola Sofa with White Lacquered Metal Base
Unique Mid-Century Modern Black Gondola Sofa with White Lacquered Metal Base

Unique Mid-Century Modern Black Gondola Sofa with White Lacquered Metal Base

By Johannes Andersen

Located in Marietta, GA

Restored Mid-Century Modern Gondola sofa with a unique metal base. This sofa has been restored from top to bottom.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1950s Walnut Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
Vintage 1950s Walnut Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

Vintage 1950s Walnut Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Hudson, NY

A Classic and beautiful 1950s three-seat gondola sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates with walnut base. one of his most iconic and recognizable designs, with angled ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Rare Vintage "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1957
Rare Vintage "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1957

Rare Vintage "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1957

By Edward Wormley

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful and rare vintage La Gondola sofa, Edward Wormley's most recognizable design for Dunbar Furniture Company of Berne, Indiana.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Model 2640s, Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Model 2640s, Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Model 2640s, Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Framingham, MA

Mid-Century Modern "Gondola" sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Chenille, Walnut

1930's Gondola Sofa
1930's Gondola Sofa

1930's Gondola Sofa

Located in New York, NY

Gondola styled sofa in original silk mohair, feather cushion and silk fringe.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa and Lounge Chair Set
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa and Lounge Chair Set

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa and Lounge Chair Set

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Long Beach, CA

A hard to find matching Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa and lounge chair set. This set came from the original owners, they had it reupholstered a few years ago, the pieces were then...

Category

Mid-20th Century Living Room Sets

Edward Wormley " La Gondola" Sofa  1957
Edward Wormley " La Gondola" Sofa  1957

Edward Wormley " La Gondola" Sofa 1957

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"La Gondola" came in 2 sizes this being the largest.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Early 19th Century English Regency Gondola Sofa
Early 19th Century English Regency Gondola Sofa

Early 19th Century English Regency Gondola Sofa

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

An unusual Regency 2-seat sofa/love seat of the sweetest proportions. The sweeping Gondola shape of this sofa takes it's inspiration from Ancient Greek form, along with the gilded mo...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Sofas

Materials

Wood

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Maastricht, NL

New reupholstered Adrian Pearsall sofa for Craft Associates in Kvadrat wool fabric.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Completely Restored Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa
Completely Restored Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa

Completely Restored Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 1960’s Mid-Century Modern sofa is designed by Adrian Pearsall and has been completely restored. The sofa has been professionally reupholstered in a beige color fabric with singl...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Walnut

Harvey Probber gondola sofa in pale green mohair
Harvey Probber gondola sofa in pale green mohair

Harvey Probber gondola sofa in pale green mohair

Located in Hollywood, CA

Rare sofa by Harvey Probber in a soft pale green high-quality mohair. The legs have been ebonized as they were originally.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Materials

Mohair

1960 Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with Great Fabric
1960 Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with Great Fabric

1960 Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with Great Fabric

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Hudson, NY

Lightly restored walnut base. Nice ivy green fabric with subtle light yellow, soft blue, and grey motif. Featured in the Summer 2014 Atomic Ranch magazine. Cool piece!

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with New Orange/Red Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with New Orange/Red Upholstery

Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa with New Orange/Red Upholstery

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Asheville, NC

Mid-Century Modern long gondola style sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Harvey Probber gondola sofa in soft oxblood red leather
Harvey Probber gondola sofa in soft oxblood red leather

Harvey Probber gondola sofa in soft oxblood red leather

Located in Hollywood, CA

Rare sofa by Harvey Probber in a soft red oxblood leather. The legs have been ebonized as they were originally. This sofa is truly beautiful.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

La Gondola Sofa, Model 5719, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
La Gondola Sofa, Model 5719, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

La Gondola Sofa, Model 5719, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Dorchester, MA

Designed as part of Dunbar's Janus Collection in 1957, La Gondola, model 5719, is one of Edward Wormley's most coveted sofas.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Midcentury Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Attached End Tables Original Fabric
Midcentury Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Attached End Tables Original Fabric

Midcentury Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Attached End Tables Original Fabric

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Plymouth, MA

Super rare and groovy this sofa is in amazing original condition. Midcentury at its max. Original flower and leaf velour upholstery in gold and brown on a beige background with 3 mat...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Martin Borenstein Walnut and Leather Gondola Sofa and Matching Coffee Table
Martin Borenstein Walnut and Leather Gondola Sofa and Matching Coffee Table

Martin Borenstein Walnut and Leather Gondola Sofa and Matching Coffee Table

By Martin Borenstein

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

Dark blue leather upholstery and walnut frame 12 ft sofa and 6 ft walnut coffee table designed by Martin Borenstein.  

Category

Vintage 1970s Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Located in New York, NY

Named "The Gondola Sofa" for its distinctive shape.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Sofas

Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Miami, FL

Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates with American Walnut frame, new Velvet upholstery.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Vintage Mid-Century Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
Vintage Mid-Century Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

Vintage Mid-Century Sofa by Adrian Pearsall

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in San Francisco, CA

This is a vintage gondola sofa by Adrian Pearsall. It has the original upholstery which is in good condition with age appropriate wear.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Adrian Pearsall Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Sofa

Located in Chicago, IL

Iconic mid century modern "Gondola" sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, c.1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Sofa for Craft Associates
Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Sofa for Craft Associates

Mid Century Adrian Pearsall Sofa for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Hudson, NY

An Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa in the original fabric. The fabric is in very good condition and the deck has new webbing. a very dramatic piece.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Adrian Pearsall Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Sofa

Adrian Pearsall Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Baltimore, MD

Elegant Adrian Pearsall tufted gondola sofa with sculptural walnut base. Rare Pearsall form.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Dramatic Pair of Danish Modern Table Lamps
Dramatic Pair of Danish Modern Table Lamps

Dramatic Pair of Danish Modern Table Lamps

Located in Southfield, MI

Estate fresh pair found on the low marble end tables attached to an Adrian Pearsall gondola sofa (already sold) and never moved from their original location in 52 years.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Gondola Walnut Base Sofa, circa 1960s
Gondola Walnut Base Sofa, circa 1960s

Gondola Walnut Base Sofa, circa 1960s

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in San Francisco, CA

Organic walnut base sofa with single tufted bench cushion, three back cushions and side bolsters in camel mohair with top stitch detail.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Pearsall Style Sofa
Pearsall Style Sofa

Pearsall Style Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Chicago, IL

Stunning mid-century modern "Gondola" style sofa often attributed to Adrian Pearsall freshly upholstered in a natural gray synthetic Italian wool.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Saporiti Italia White Leather Sofa
Saporiti Italia White Leather Sofa

Saporiti Italia White Leather Sofa

By Giorgio Saporiti, Saporiti, Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti

Located in Cambridge, MA

Beautifully constructed, large white leather gondola-style sofa by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti Italia.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Fine Sofa by Edward Wormley
Fine Sofa by Edward Wormley

Fine Sofa by Edward Wormley

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

(Key: Probber, Kagan, couch, settle, gondola)

Category

Vintage 1950s American Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Adrian Pearsall 2408-S Sofa for Craft Associates
Adrian Pearsall 2408-S Sofa for Craft Associates

Adrian Pearsall 2408-S Sofa for Craft Associates

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Cambridge, MA

This gondola style sofa is classic Adrian Pearsall at his best.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Seattle, WA

This is a vintage 9' Adrian Pearsall Gondola sofa with a sleek walnut base.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Sofas

Materials

Polyester, Walnut

Adrian Pearsall "Gondola" Sofa
Adrian Pearsall "Gondola" Sofa

Adrian Pearsall "Gondola" Sofa

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Fulton, CA

The "Gondola" sofa. An iconic Mid-Century Modern design by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa in Velvet, Circa 1960s
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa in Velvet, Circa 1960s

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa in Velvet, Circa 1960s

By Adrian Pearsall, Edward Wormley

Located in Surprise, AZ

Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Gondola Sofa in velvet, circa 1960s. In rust orange velvet fabric, like the color of 3 pm sunshine.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut

Mid Century Gondola Sofa w/ Wood Trim by Carsons
Mid Century Gondola Sofa w/ Wood Trim by Carsons

Mid Century Gondola Sofa w/ Wood Trim by Carsons

By Carsons

Located in Asheville, NC

A stunning mid-century modern gondola sofa showcasing a tasteful blend of new off-white and black upholstery.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

19th Century Gondola Sofa
19th Century Gondola Sofa

19th Century Gondola Sofa

Located in Chicago, IL

Curvaceous, stylish turned leg sofa from the 19th century.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Sofas

Materials

Brass

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft and Associates
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft and Associates

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa for Craft and Associates

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Denver, CO

Mid-Century Modern "Gondola" by Adrian Pearsall. Velvet upholstery (possibly original) in "period correct" burnt orange. Foam cushions and upholstery are in nice usable condition but...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

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Gondola Couch For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal gondola couch for your home. Each gondola couch for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and walnut. Your living room may not be complete without a gondola couch — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each gondola couch bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates and Edward Wormley each produced at least one beautiful gondola couch that is worth considering.

How Much is a Gondola Couch?

Prices for a gondola couch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $42,500, while the average can fetch as much as $6,500.

A Close Look at Mid-century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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.