Vintage Mario Bellini "Le Mura" Sofa For Cassina, Circa 1972
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Mario Bellini "Le Mura" Sofa For Cassina, Circa 1972. Four Elements with original brown velvet upholstery.
Upholstery
$24,418
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Sofa – Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Leather
$20,181
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Sofa – Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Leather
$20,179
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Sofa – Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Leather
$17,557
H 25.99 in W 100.79 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 256cm (100.78 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Fabric
$29,929
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 78.75 in
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.38 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini – Tacchini Design: Mario Bellini, 1970s Description: Le Mura is more than a sofa—it is a true modular system and a manifesto of radical 1970s d...
Leather
$26,062
H 25.99 in W 151.19 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in leather by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 384 cm (151.18 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini – Tacchini Design: Mario Bellini, 1970s Description: Le Mura is more than a sofa—it is a true modular system and a manifesto of radical 1970s d...
Leather
$18,367
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Fabric
$22,222
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm (113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Fabric
$22,222
H 25.99 in W 113.39 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura - Sofa in luxury fabric by Mario Bellini for Tacchini W 288 cm(113.3 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa: it is a true modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s.
Fabric
$19,450Sale Price / set|22% Off
H 23 in W 70 in D 36 in
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Similar styling as Mario Bellini's Le Mura sofa and Le Bambole chairs. This pair of Quartet armchairs / club chairs by Mario Bellini for Italian maker Cassina can be placed separa...
Leather, Canvas
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa designed by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions not only of aesthetics, ...
Upholstery
$12,775Sale Price|51% Off
H 10.23 in W 41.85 in D 15.51 in
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA RIGHT MODULE 90, LE MURA LEFT MODULE 90 & LE MURA CENTRAL MODULE 90 CAT.
Leather
$12,775Sale Price|65% Off
H 25.98 in W 111 in D 37.99 in
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
CAT M- MALVA 02 WOOL PADDING MATT BLACK NICKEL CLASP AND ZIP T148 WITH CAL117 INTERLINER The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went ...
Velvet
$19,888 / item
H 25.98 in W 112.2 in D 37.4 in
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular 3 Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions not only of aesthetics, ...
Textile
$8,677 / item
H 25.99 in W 74.41 in D 37.41 in
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to questions not only of aesthetics, ...
Textile
$22,922 / item
H 25.99 in W 73.23 in D 75.99 in
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to ...
Textile
$29,230 / item
H 25.99 in W 192.92 in D 102.37 in
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura XL Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Far from being just a sofa, Le Mura focuses on modularity, which is already expressed in the name, referring to the large stones that made up Roman walls and can, like the system’s e...
Textile
$28,416 / item
H 25.99 in W 141.74 in D 112.21 in
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura XL Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Far from being just a sofa, Le Mura focuses on modularity, which is already expressed in the name, referring to the large stones that made up Roman walls and can, like the system’s e...
Textile
$26,062
H 25.99 in W 151.19 in D 39.38 in
Le Mura Modular Sofa in fabric by Mario Bellini - Tacchini W 384 cm (151.18 in)
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Le Mura is more than a sofa—it is a true modular system and a manifesto of radical 1970s design.
Fabric
Le Mura Module 90 In Off-White by Tacchini
By Tacchini
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Introducing the Le Mura Module 90 in Off-White by Tacchini. This sleek and modern sofa boasts the quality and sophistication of the Tacchini brand.
Fabric
Customizable Tacchini Le Mura by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design was as an answer to ...
Textile
Mario Bellini "Le Mura" Sofa Cassina 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare Mario Bellini for Cassina modular 'Le Mura' four-piece sectional sofa in original mohair, signed with Cassina and Atelier International labels.
Mohair, Velvet
Sold
H 24.41 in W 35.44 in D 37.41 in
Mario Bellini Le Mura Sofa in Mohair Velvet by Cassina, Italy, 1972
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Exceptional and extremely rare three-piece Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy – 1970s.
Mohair, Velvet
Sold
H 24.41 in W 106.3 in L 24.41 in
Mario Bellini Le Mura Sofa in Mohair Velvet by Cassina, Italy, 1972
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Exceptional and extremely rare three-piece Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Mohair, Velvet
Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Exceptional and rare “Le Mura” 4-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and produced by Cassina, Italy, in the 1970s.
Metal
Sold
H 24.81 in W 106.3 in D 37.41 in
Le Mura Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional and rare three-piece Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Mohair
Sold
H 25.6 in W 141.74 in D 37.41 in
Le Mura 4-Seater Sofa in taupe cotton velvet by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional and rare 4-piece sectional Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Velvet
Sold
H 25.6 in W 106.3 in D 37.41 in
Le Mura 3-Seater Sofa in taupe cotton velvet by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional and rare 3-seater sectional Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Velvet, Cotton
Tacchini Le Mura Modular Sofa by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
LE MURA ELEMENT 90 LEFT, CENTRAL ELEMENT 90 & LE MURA ELEMENT 90 RIGHT CLEME90T148MIR02 CAT V - MIRABILIS 02 MATT BLACK NICKEL CLASP AND ZIPPER T148 WITH CAL 117 FR FOAM The project...
Velvet
Ronnie - Tacchini Set of Four Le Mura Modular Sofa
By Mario Bellini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Le Mura - 4 pieces (2 left & 2 right) upholstered in aniline leather category Z color 03 zipper: Matt Black Nickel
Textile
Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Z - ANILINE LEATHER - ZAHIR 10 CLASP AND ZIPPER ANCIENT COPPER T147 The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the It...
Leather
Sold
H 25.99 in W 136.23 in D 38 in
Tacchini Le Mura Leather sofa & lounge chair by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Z - ANILINE LEATHER - ZAHIR 10 CLASP AND ZIPPER ANCIENT COPPER T147 The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the It...
Leather
Sold
H 25.6 in W 70.87 in D 37.41 in
Le Mura 2-Seater Sofa in original fabric by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in amstelveen, NL
An original Le Mura modular sofa designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina in 1972.
Cotton, Velvet
Sold
H 23.63 in W 106.3 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini Le Mura Black Leather Sectional Sofa for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modular Cassina sectional sofa designed by Mario Bellini. Beautiful Italian design piece from the 1970s. In black original leather. Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan...
Chrome
Sold
H 24.5 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in
Mario Bellini for Cassina 'Le Mura' Modular Four-Piece Sectional Sofa, Signed
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Bellini for Cassina modular 'Le Mura' four-piece sectional sofa in mohair, signed with Cassina and Atelier International labels.
Metal
New Tacchini Le Mura Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Z - ZANTE 01 CLASP AND ZIPPER T148 MATT BLACK NICKEL The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Italian 70s: design ...
Textile, Fabric
Tacchini Le Mura Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Le Mura Armchair upholstered in Zahir 10 cat. Z aniline leather Zipper T47 The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through ...
Leather
Le Mura 2 seater Sofa *Showroom sample
By Tacchini, Mario Bellini
Located in Carson, CA
Le Mura Designed by Mario Bellini Le Mura cannot be defined as a simple sofa: it is a modular system, a manifesto of radical design from the 1970s, that combines elements of various ...
Upholstery
Sold
H 24.81 in W 73.23 in D 37.01 in
Rare Original Mario Bellini Le Mura Modular Sofa, Cassina, 1970s
By Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original and very rare Mario Bellini Le Mura modular sofa (can also be used as two chairs), made by Cassina, Italy, 1970s.
Fabric
Sold
H 24.81 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” Modular Sofa for Cassina, 1972, Set of 4
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Mura” modular sofa for Cassina, patinated cognac leather, 1972, set of 4.
Leather
Sold
H 25.99 in W 136.23 in D 38 in
deposit Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Z - ANILINE LEATHER - ZAHIR 10 CLASP AND ZIPPER ANCIENT COPPER T147 The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Itali...
Leather
Sold
H 25.99 in W 136.23 in D 38 in
balance Tacchini Le Mura Leather Sofa Designed by Mario Bellini in STOCK
By Mario Bellini
Located in New York, NY
Z - ANILINE LEATHER - ZAHIR 10 CLASP AND ZIPPER ANCIENT COPPER T147 The project Le Mura by Mario Bellini represents the manifesto of a radical design that went through all the Itali...
Leather
Sold
H 24.41 in W 35.44 in D 37.41 in
Mario Bellini 'Le Mura' Lounge Chair in Mohair Velvet by Cassina, Italy, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
And where the Camaleonda is not so comfortable in use the Le Mura is very comfortable. Le Mura stands for ‘the walls’ and this name and the design of the sofa resemble the large ston...
Mohair, Velvet
Mario Bellini "Le Mura" Sofa, Cassina, Italy, 1972
By Mario Bellini
Located in Padova, IT
Rare Sofa ""Le Mura"", designed in 1972 by Mario Bellini for Cassina Spa, Italy.
Velvet
Sold
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini, Dark Brown Velvet "Le Mura" Sofa Range, Cassina Spa, 1972
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Sofa "Le Mura", designed in 1972 by Mario Bellini for Cassina Spa, Italy.
Velvet
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Rosso Levanto Marble Pedestal Bowl XL
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Rosso Levanto marble PEDESTAL Bowl, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium Rosso Levanto marble with Bordeaux red, brown, green colo...
Marble
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell 'Model 5321' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp Originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1938, this authorized GUBI re-edition is executed in brass and rattan. The 5321 table la...
Metal, Brass
$15,897 / item
H 27.56 in W 100.4 in D 37.8 in
Arflex Marenco Sofa in Fabric Heidi and Candy by Mario Marenco
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Marenco Sofa is designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex. This sofa features the system with making the armrest and seat as the base portion. There is a metal tubular frame facilitated f...
Metal
$536Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 9.8 in Dm 19.6 in
Isamu Noguchi Akari Light Sculpture, Model 50EN Ceiling Lamp
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Centreville, VA
Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for a half century by the original manufacture...
Bamboo, Paper
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 2 Seater Sofa 254 for Arflex in fabric. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in cont...
Fabric
$15,219
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Gianfranco Frattini Brown Velvet Sesann Three-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann three-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features brown alpaca velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular ca...
Chrome
$1,600 / item
H 16.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Bar Table Lamp, Contemporary Lamp, Verdigris, Brass, Alabaster by Kalin Asenov
By Kalin Asenov
Located in Savannah, GA
BAR is a table lamp by Kalin Asenov. Alabaster base, verdigris patina, and column, supporting a brass dome. Every piece is made to order which allows us to create variations in d...
Marble, Brass
$229 / item
H 5.12 in W 16.54 in D 11.82 in
Handcrafted Rattan Tray in Teak Finish, British Colonial Style
Located in Christchurch, GB
Introducing our Chunky Woven Tray, a masterful blend of rustic charm and contemporary style. Handcrafted with precision, this tray features a unique design and a rich teak stain fini...
Rattan
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the Style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the style of Josef Frank, ottoman has four solid wood bun feet, fabric is by Robert Allen. Ready for a new home, excellent condition.One ottoman ready to ...
Cotton, Wood
Lampampe table paper lamp by Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer
Located in New York, NY
The Lampampe table lamp by Ingo Maurer is part of his collection of Japanese paper lamps, designed to create atmosphere and emotion through light. Each lamp is handmade in the brand’...
Paper
Bespoke Round Italian Dining Table in Travertine
Located in London, London
Travertine dining table Made to order in Italy Round top Honed or polished finish Rounded or straight edges Travertine pedestal. The photos show a selection of tables we have m...
Travertine
$1,484 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 17.72 in
Pill Stool in Afua Olive, Made in UK by Sister -Modern silhouette & Compact form
Located in London, GB
The Pill Stool offers a stylish and comfortable solution for relaxing after a long day or adding extra seating when hosting guests. Its versatile design seamlessly combines functiona...
Fabric
$2,160 / item
H 10 in W 16 in D 16 in
Collectible Modern Fabric Sculptural Table Lamp by Mirei Monticelli, Aphrodite
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
The Aphrodite lamp takes form from the godess Venus born of sea-spray, depicted by the revered painter Sandro Boticelli. The lampshade is made from banaca fabric, and the lamp base i...
Cement
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Tilburg, NL
Mario Marenco 'Marenco' 3 Seater Sofa 255 for Arflex. New, current production. The unmistakable design and wide modularity still make the Marenco sofa a must-have in contemporary f...
Fabric
$7,920
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 35.04 in
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” Armchair for B&B Italia, Mohair Velvet, 1971
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” armchair for B&B Italia, mohair velvet, Italy, 1971. The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large soft cushion....
Foam
Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini just may be the closest thing to a modern-day Renaissance man: His creative output spans genres, from electronics to furniture to architecture to cars, comprising iconic designs in each. Vintage Mario Bellini sofas, dining chairs and other seating pieces are widely coveted, and the designer has been the recipient of multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. More than 20 of his works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Born in 1935, Bellini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan before founding his own firm in his native city in the early 1960s. He soon branched out beyond architecture, however, first for the tech manufacturer Olivetti, where he served as chief industrial design consultant from 1963 to 1991. During that time, Bellini oversaw the design of some of Olivetti’s most popular typewriters.
His penchant for electronic design didn’t stop there: Bellini also designed cameras for Fuji, televisions for Brionvega and a slew of audio devices for Yamaha, then served as design consultant for Renault and devised the interior of the 1980 Lancia Trevi for Fiat. Meanwhile, his architecture work spans continents, including such modern gems as the Museum of Islamic Arts at the Louvre, the National Gallery of Victoria extension in Melbourne, the Dubai Creek Complex and the Milan Convention Centre in his hometown.
And then there’s the furniture: Over the last 70 years, Bellini has designed office furniture for Vitra; lamps for Artemide, Erco and FLOS; porcelain for Rosenthal and long-admired sofas and other seating for Kartell, Natuzzi, B&B Italia, Cassina and more.
His oft-imitated 1977 Cab chair for Cassina, comprising 16 individual pieces of saddle leather that create a “skin” over a minimal metal frame, remains one of the manufacturer’s best sellers today. His pudgy-legged, round tables for Cassina foreshadow Faye Toogood’s widely loved Roly Poly line. His postmodern Summa armchairs for Kartell, as well as his elegant Chiara floor lamp, still lure collectors on vintage furniture websites.
Bellini’s most famous contribution to furniture design, though, may be his 1970 Camaleonda sofa for B&B Italia (then C&B Italia). An entrant to the 1972 MoMA show “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape,” the seat takes its name from the Italian words for chameleon and wave. Its bulbous, modular form makes it infinitely flexible. The sofa was a runaway hit at the show and, once discontinued, remained so popular among vintage dealers that B&B Italia reissued it in 2020 with all recycled materials and interchangeable seat covers. “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom,” Bellini said.
Browse an expansive collection of vintage Mario Bellini furniture — including dining tables, armchairs, mid-century sofas and more — today 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.