Knole Drop Down
2010s American Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Cotton, Rattan, Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Brass
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Feathers, Oak, Leather, Foam
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas
Leather
1990s English Sofas
Brass
20th Century American Sofas
Wood
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Sofas
Fabric
1990s English Edwardian Loveseats
Brass
Vintage 1940s Sofas
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.
- What is a Knole drop-arm sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Knole drop-arm sofa is a settee developed during the 17th century. It usually has a rectangle back with a decorative wood trim and tall fully upholstered arms positioned at a diagonal. Originally, the sofa served as a royal seat for monarchs. You'll find a variety of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original purpose of the Knole sofa produced during the 17th century was to serve as a royal seat. A monarch would rest on it when receiving visitors. Today, people buy Knole sofas to provide seating in formal sitting rooms. Shop a range of Knole sofas on 1stDibs.
- Why did YSL drop Yves?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Yves portion of Yves Saint Laurent was dropped in 2012, when Hedi Slimane took over as creative director of the fashion house. Slimane wanted to transition the brand into a more youthful image, and rebranded it as Saint Laurent Paris. Shop an array of vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent Paris apparel and accessories from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023No, drop and dangle earrings are not the same. Although both types of earrings hang below the ear, their designs are different. Dangle earrings swing when you move, while drop earrings remain stationary. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of dangle and drop earrings from some of the world's top dealers.
- What are drop earrings called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Drop earrings are simply called drop earrings. Although the term is often misapplied, true drop earrings are characterized by a long lean line ending in a pear-shaped stone. Popular in the Art Deco era, the design works well for jewelry lovers who favor a minimalist look. Formal examples with diamonds pair perfectly with a cocktail dress or fancy pantsuit, while gem-set and gold ones make great daytime accessories. Find vintage drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-leaf table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A drop-leaf table has a fixed section in the center and a hinged section, or leaf, on each side that can be folded down.
- What are geo drop earrings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Geo drop earrings are drop earrings that feature a mix of geometric shapes. For example, the designs may include metal wire bent to resemble a square stacked on top of a triangle, or be set with gemstones cut into different shapes like round and pear. Because they are drop earrings, the jewelry hangs below the ear but remains stationary as you move. Explore a wide range of drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop necklace called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023A drop necklace is sometimes called a lavaliere. This style of necklace features a second chain that hangs down from its center. On some pieces, the hanging chain holds a pendant or features decorative embellishments like beads. Shop a variety of lavaliere necklaces on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop earring called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023A drop earring is usually just called a drop earring. Drop is the term for an earring that hangs below the ear but doesn't swing when you move. A hanging earring that swings is a dangle earring. Some people may add a modifier to the term drop earring, such as a diamond drop or a pearl drop, depending on the materials it features. Explore an assortment of drop earrings on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop dial clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop dial clock is similar to a dial clock, but it has a longer drop or extends further from the bottom of the clock to accommodate a longer pendulum. Drop dial clocks also have different gearing than dial clocks, but it's the way the clocks look that most quickly distinguishes them from other clocks. Shop a collection of drop dial clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a drop-waist top?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist top is a garment worn on the top half of the body. It features a waist seam positioned below the natural waist area and creates the illusion that the wearer has a longer torso. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage and designer tops.
- What is a drop arm sofa for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-arm sofa is designed to save space by converting into a comfortable single bed when the arms are dropped. The next morning, returning the arms to their original position turns the bed back into a sofa. Shop a collection of drop arm sofas from sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I date a drop-leaf table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To date a drop-leaf table, first look for saw marks. If you see straight ones, your table likely dates back to before the early 19th century. Pieces made after should show curved saw marks. A licensed furniture appraiser can assist you with determining an exact date. Find a range of expertly vetted drop-leaf tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The first drop-leaf tables emerged during the era of the early 17th century. These first pieces usually feature a gate leg that swings out to support the leaf. Drop-leaf tables with side brackets debuted in the early 19th century. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of drop-leaf tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Long drop earrings are sometimes called shoulder dusters. To earn the name, earrings must be long enough to brush against the collarbone or shoulder. Dangle earrings may also be referred to as shoulder dusters. The difference between the two is that dangle shoulder dusters swing as you move, while drop shoulder dusters remain stationary due to their designs. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of drop earrings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Earrings that drop in the back are called front-back earrings. While many feature a drop element in the back, some front-back earrings have different designs. For example, they may feature a stud in the front with a hoop or a dangling element that goes behind the ear. Shop a wide variety of earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A drop-front desk is usually called a secretary. Other names for this type of desk include writing cabinet, fall-front desk and secrétaire à abattant. The name secretary can be traced back to the 18th century when estate secretaries used the drop-front desks as workstations for paying bills and reconciling accounts. On 1stDibs, find a range of secretary desks.
- How does a drop leaf table work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A drop-leaf table features a fixed section and one or more foldable sections. The well-made hinges hold the fixed and foldable sections and allow the leaves to pop up. These sections are anchored with the help of swing-out legs for secure placement. Find antique and vintage drop-leaf tables on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A drop-waist dress is also called a flapper dress. It is characterized by a low waistband, which falls at the hips, and gives the illusion of lengthening the body. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer flapper dresses and gowns from top fashion boutiques around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A drop-leaf table is a type of table that has a fixed portion in the center and foldable portions on either side joined by hinges. These foldable portions can be dropped and closed to save space when the table is not in use. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage drop leaf dining tables.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.