Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish four-seater sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish four-seater sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with
Wool, Oak
GE-236/3 Sofa in Teak by Hans J. Wegner 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-236 / 3 sofa in solid teak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama in 1960s
Teak
Hans J. wegner GE-236/4 Sofa Getama Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
In very good vintage condition, ready for use.
Fabric, Oak
Hans. J.Wegner 3-Seater Sofa GE236
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Hans J. Wegner. It is said that he designed over 500 chairs during his lifetime, making him one of
Fabric, Oak
GE-236/4 in Teak by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Model GE-236 / 4 sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955 for Getama Denmark. Made in solid teak
Fabric, Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 92 in D 32 in
Mid century Hans Wegner Sofa GE-236/4 GETAMA Solid Oak Frame
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish Four-seat sofa model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
$7,495
H 30.71 in W 83.08 in D 32.29 in
New Getama GE236 Sofa 3-Seater, Original Hans Wegner produced in 2023
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Miami, FL
before the Getama production facility burned down. This is an original design by Hans J. Wegner
Wool, Oak
$4,125Sale Price|44% Off
H 28.75 in W 92.13 in D 31.5 in
Hans J Wegner "GE236/4" Sofa by GETAMA in Original Patched Leather Denmark 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J Wegner "GE236/4" sofa by GETAMA in original patched leather, Denmark, 1950s Hans J Wegner
Teak, Leather
Hans Wegner GE236/4 Sofa in Teak for GETAMA, Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hans Wegner model GE236/4 sofa in teak for GETAMA. Made in Denmark, 1950s. New upholstery.
Teak
Vintage Danish Oak GE-236 Sofa by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vancouver, BC
Recently reupholstered in a warm grey fabric, this solid oak iconic model GE-236 sofa by Hans
Oak
Oak GE-236 Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak mid-century "GE-236" sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama circa 1960's. Much loved Danish four seat
Fabric, Oak
Unavailable
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 93.31 in
Hans Wegner 1960s GE 236 Model Sofa in rosewood and Grey Kwadrat Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Milan, IT
A Hans Wegner classic sofa GE 236 model in rosewood and grey Kwadrat fabric. Produced by Getama
Midcentury Hans J Wegner GE-236/4 Oak Sofa by GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Malmo, SE
A midcentury four-seat sofa by Danish designer Hans J Wegner. The sofa was designed in 1953 and
Oak
Unavailable
H 30.71 in W 92.92 in D 31.5 in
Hans J Wegner GE 236-4 Oak Four Seat Sofa by GETAMA, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Malmo, SE
A midcentury oak sofa designed by Hans J Wegner in the 1950s. The sofa has its original cushions
Bouclé, Oak
Unavailable
H 28 in W 82 in D 31 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak & Leather Sofa GE 236/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak & leather Danish sofa, model GE 236/3 by Hans Wegner for Getama, circa 1960's. Three seat sofa
Leather, Oak
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Three-Seat Teak-Framed Sofa, Model GE-236, by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans Welling
Located in Vienna, AT
Hans Wegner designed this comfortable three-seat sofa, model GE-236, for GETAMA in the mid-1950s
Teak
Hans Wegner GE 236 Green Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handsome four place sofa designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA. Newly upholstered in period
Sculptural Hans Wegner Ge236/4 Sofa by GETAMA in Teak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hudson, NY
Hans Wegner teak frame sofa by GETAMA with original fabric and spring cushions. Very minor marks on
Fabric, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
vintage 1950s Danish four-seat sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid oak
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/3
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1950s Danish three-seat sofa, model GE236/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/3, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful 1950s Danish three-seat sofa, model GE236/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid
Wool, Oak
Hans J Wegner Ge 236/3 Sofa in Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Portland, OR
Classic Mid-Century Modern sofa by Hans J. Wegner in oak. GETAMA model 236/3. Reupholstered in
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Produced by Getama, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Hans Wegner sofa model GE-236/3 produced by Getama in Denmark.
Oak
GE 236/4 - 4-seater sofa by Hans J. Wegner / Getama
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GE 236/4 - 4-seater sofa with frame in patinated oak and cushions in grey/brown textile. Hans J
Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model Ge 236/4 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236/4 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model GE 236/4 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236/4 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
Three-Seater Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Hans J. Wegner, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Triple sofa, model GE-236/3, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Getama in the 1960s
Wool, Oak
GE-236 Three-Seat Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
GE-236 three-seat sofa by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Minimalist
Teak
Pair of GE-236/3 Sofas in Oak by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of GE-236 / 3 sofas in solid oak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 83.47 in D 27.56 in
Three-Seat Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Designed by Hans J. Wegner, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Three-seat sofa, model GE-236/3, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by GETAMA in the 1960s
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 30 in W 82 in D 32 in
Midcentury Hans Wegner Sofa GE-236/3 GETAMA Solid Oak Brown Wool Upholstery
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa model GE236/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer
Wood, Oak, Upholstery
Sold
H 29.93 in W 94.49 in D 31.5 in
Hans J. Wegner Sofa GE 236 / 4 of Oak with Original Green Wool by GETAMA, 1970s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) 4-seater sofa GE 236 / 4. This sofa is manufactured in the 1970s of
Wool, Oak
Hans J Wegner GE236, Four Teak Sofa, GETAMA Denmark 1955
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
master craftsman of Danish modern seating, Hans J Wegner for Getama Gedsted, Denmark in 1955. Newly
Cotton, Linen, Teak, Wool
Hans J Wegner GE236/3 Oak Sofa, GETAMA Denmark, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
, Hans J Wegner for Getama Gedsted, Denmark in the 1960s. Newly reupholstered original sprung cushions
Oak, Wool
Danish GE236/3 s by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Breda, Netherlands
A much renowned piece of the Hans J. Wegner furniture collection is this three-seater sofa model GE
Fabric, Oak
GE 236/3 Sofa in Oak by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GE 236/3, 3-seat sofa in patinated oak and with cushions in light textile. Maker GETAMA.
Oak
Hans J Wegner GE236/4 Oak Sofa
By GETAMA
Located in London, GB
Danish modern seating, Hans J Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark in 1955. Newly reupholstered original sprung
Upholstery, Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 81.5 in D 32 in
Rare Midcentury Sofa Designed by Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE 236, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare midcentury sofa designed by Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE 236, circa 1960. Solid oak construction
Arden Riddle Lounge Chair and Ottoman Studio Craft, 1979
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
resembles Hans Wegner's classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in 1954. The chair is in excellent
Walnut
Arden Riddle Handcrafted Black Walnut Settee, 1971
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
walnut. The profile of this settee resembles Hans Wegner's Classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in
Pair of Arden Riddle Studio Black Walnut Settees 1968
Located in Camden, ME
. Beautifully made from solid black walnut. The profile of these settees resembles Hans Wegner's classic GE
Arden Riddle High Back Lounge Chair Studio Crafted, 1988
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
resembles Hans Wegner's classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in 1954. For his back support instead of
Walnut
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
vintage 1950s Danish four-seat sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid oak
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model GE-236 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
GE236/4 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Getama
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Izegem, VWV
The model GE-236 / 4 sofa was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955 for Getama Denmark. It
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 28 in W 83 in D 30 in
Midcentury Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-236/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa rare model GE-236/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 32.25 in W 93.5 in D 30.5 in
Hans Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model GE-236/4 in Oak and Beige Wool for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Hans Wegner four seat sofa model GE236/4 designed by Wegner for GETAMA in 1955 and likely
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner GE236/4 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Fantastic and huge Hans Wegner GE236 four-seat sofa in solid oak with fully sprung cushions covered
Hans Wegner GE 236 Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE 236 sofa designed in 1954 and produced by GETAMA. We have some more that needs
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GE236/3 Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Wonderful sofa in solid oak, model GE236/3 designed by Hans Wegner for Getama, 1959 Denmark
Hans Wegner GE-236/4 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1950s Hans Wegner Four-Seater Sofa by Getama This Danish sofa is in like-new condition. We
Teak
Hans Wegner "Ge-236" Three Seat Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shibuya City, JP
back when sitting deeply. Working in collaboration with GETAMA, Wegner created numerous designs for
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GE-236/4 Sofa for Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New London, CT
A wonderful sofa designed by Hans Wegner for Getama Gedsted. This particular example is the hard to
Teak, Upholstery
Mid-Century GE-236 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Mid-Century GE 236 three-seater sofa by Hans J. Wegner. The GE-236 has a solid oak frame and loose
Oak, Wool
Danish GE 236-3 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1959
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Teak, Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner GE-236 Oak, Danish Midcentury, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful sofa designed by Hans Jørgen Wegner for GETAMA Gedsted, the sofa is made in oak, with
Oak
Danish GE-236-3 Three-Seat Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Teak, Upholstery
Vintage Danish Model Ge-236-3 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1959
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Oak, Wool
Vintage GE236 Sofa designed by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
3 seat sofa, model GE236, designed by Hans Jørgen Wegner and produced by Getama, Denmark.
Oak
Three-Seat Oak-Framed Sofa, Model GE-236, by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this comfortable three-seat sofa, model GE-236, for GETAMA in the mid-1950s
Oak, Upholstery
Hans J Wegner Four-Seat Sofa in Teak, Model GE236 by GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ottawa, ON
Exceptional four-seat sofa by Hans Wegner in African teak with original upholstery.
Teak, Upholstery
Hans Wegner for Getama GE236/4 Sofa
Located in Portland, OR
Beautiful classic piece by Hans J Wegner. A very versatile piece due to it’s simple, linear form
Oak, Linen
Hans J. Wegner Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner Sofa model GE 236/3 Three seater sofa with frame of solid oak. Loose cushions in
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GETAMA Teak Sofa, 1955
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Berkeley, CA
Exceptionally original teak sofa designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Guested model GE-236/4, dating
Teak, Wool
Hans Wegner GE-236 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-236 Sofa. Designed in 1954. Produced by Getama.
Fabric, Oak
Melia Made to Order Customizable Modern Sofa
By Dwell Floor Five
Located in Studio City, CA
Sleek and midcentury scaled the Melia sofa is stylish and hip. The sofa can be customized to your liking with plenty of fabric colors and options to choose from. It can also be...
Chrome
$5,500
H 27 in W 102 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introducing the iconic Gondola Sofa, a masterpiece of mid-century modern design by Adrian Pearsall. With its sculptural silhouette, this sofa embodies the sleek, organic aesthetic th...
Fabric, Walnut
Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wonderfully long, low and deep upholstered sofa having a floating back and an organic sculptural walnut sled base with a floating frontal stretcher. Reupholstery is recommended.
Upholstery, Walnut
$6,629
H 35.44 in W 84.65 in D 39.38 in
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
$10,500
H 28.5 in W 86 in D 34 in
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Rosewood Case Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Modern Sofa
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Illum Wikkelsø three seater sofa with sculpted Teak legs. Upholstered with green wool. Manufactured by Mikael Laursen
Wool, Teak
Danish Four Seat Sofa in Teak and Olive Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Four seat sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Typical Scandinavian Modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The way the armrests bent outwards remind of the designed by Folke Ohls...
Fabric, Teak
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and blue velvet upholstery and black lacquered metal legs. The upholstery has been redone.
Metal
Edward Wormley 'New York' Sofa in Orange Upholstery
By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture / DUX of Sweden, sofa model 5316, fabric, beech, metal, United States, design 1952 This three-seat sofa was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar...
Metal
$17,959
H 31.5 in W 102.37 in D 34.26 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
Iconic sofa model 2408 / 'Gondola' sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1950s. One of the sofa's distinctive features is its beautiful open structure with a partly open back...
Upholstery, Walnut
Long Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom Manufacturing
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large-scale sofa measures over 9 feet long and makes a unique and stylish seating addition to any interior. Comfortable and stunning in it's size and simplicity, the design by J...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Early Pierre Chapo 'Godot' Daybed in Solid Elm
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, 'Godot' daybed, model 'L01I', solid elm, fabric, France, 1959 This daybed is an early edition designed by the French designer and master woodworker Pierre Chapo (1927-...
Elm
$12,000
H 24.25 in W 83.75 in D 33.75 in
Vintage Brazilian Rosewood Case Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Brazilian rosewood case sofa designed by the iconic designer Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the United States, circa 1960s. Experience timeless elegance with this stunnin...
Chrome
Mid-Century Large Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Mid-Century three seats sofa from the 1960s. This sofa is in excellent condition. It has been restored, (refinished and reupholstered). The fabric it is absolutely clean an...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Gondola Green Print Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Model 2408-S, or the Gondola sofa, for Craft Associates. Original mid-century printed green velvet wool. Walnut base. One main settee cushion with three back rest cushions and tw...
Fabric, Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Four Seat Wool & Teak Sofa
Located in Norwalk, CT
This sofa is an iconic example of Danish mid-century design. The silhouette of the sofa strikes a smooth and simplistic shape, with the gentle curves of the arms sloping elegantly fr...
Wool, Teak
Best known for his chairs and other seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century.
Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic.
In keeping with that tenet, several of Hans Wegner’s best chair designs have their roots in traditional seating forms. The Peacock chair (designed in 1947) is a throne-like adaptation of the Windsor chair; pieces from the China chair series (begun in 1944) as well as the 1949 Wishbone chair, with its distinctive Y-shaped back splat, are derived from 17th-century Ming seating pieces, as is the upholstered Ox chair (1960). Wegner’s comfy Papa Bear chair (1951) is an almost surreally re-scaled English wingback chair.
Wegner’s most representative piece, the Round chair (1949), gained a footnote in political history when it was used on the TV stage of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960. That chair, along with Wegner’s more bravura designs — for example, the 1963 Shell chair, with its curved surfboard-shaped seat — bring a quietly sculptural presence to a room.
Wegner was a designer who revered his primary material — wood — and it shows. His wood gathers patina and character with age; every Hans Wegner piece testifies to the life it has led.
Find vintage Hans Wegner lounge chairs, armchairs, daybeds and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
To celebrate the Wishbone’s 70th anniversary, Carl Hansen & Søn’s third-generation CEO, Knud Erik Hansen, shares some of the secrets behind the beloved chair.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.