$3,228 / set
H 33.47 in W 22.45 in D 37.01 in
1970s Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa in Original Beige Corduroy Fabric
Located in Berlin, DE
A stylish Mid-Century Italian modular sofa from around 1970, retaining its original beige cord
Fabric, Pine, Plywood
$25,109 / set
H 24.41 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in
Klaus Uredat for COR, Corbi Sectional Sofa, Off-White Corduroy, Germany, 1969
By Klaus Uredat
Located in Krefeld, DE
Corbi modular sectional sofa by Klaus Uredat for COR, Germany, circa 1969. Developed during a
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$5,850
H 33.86 in W 56.7 in D 36.23 in
Carlo de Carli for Cinova Sofa in Tubular Steel and Light Brown Corduroy
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carlo de Carli, sofa, steel, fabric, Italy, 1960s Sofa designed by Italian designer Carlo De Carli
Steel
Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Walnut Base, 1975
Located in Austin, TX
Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, from Italy with brown and black corduroy upholstery. This piece is in the
Upholstery, Walnut
$17,936
H 39.38 in W 63 in D 35.44 in
Italian Two-Seat Sofa in Red Corduroy Velvet by Grand Hotel Duomo Milano, 1950
By Melchiorre Bega, Gio Ponti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian two-seat sofa in red corduroy velvet by Grand Hotel Duomo Milano, 1950s Extremely rare red
Velvet, Wood
$23,556 / set
H 15.75 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy - Early B&B Italia ed.
By Mario Bellini
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Mario Bellini “Camaleonda” Modular Sofa in Red Corduroy – Early B&B Italia Edition (1973) A rare
Velvet
$2,929
H 29.14 in W 70.87 in D 25.6 in
Mid-Century Modern C683 Sofa by Kho Liang Le for Artifort, 1960s
By Artifort, Kho Liang Ie
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful Mid-Century Modern C683 sofa or bench. Design by Kho Liang Le for Artifort. Striking
Metal
$28,500
H 26 in W 149.5 in D 38.5 in
'Camaleonda' Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in Emerald Green Corduroy
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning, four Piece 'Camaleonda' sofa in emerald green corduroy fabric. Originally designed in
Upholstery
Pink corduroy sofa by Piazzesi
By Adriano Piazzesi
Located in Brussel, BE
Pink corduroy sofa by Piazzesi with a metallic frame. We also have 2 matching easy chairs in yellow
Metal
Unavailable
H 24.41 in W 90.56 in D 36.62 in
Modern Minimal Sofa with Clean Lines & Beige Corduroy Upholstery
By Hommes Studio
Located in Porto, PT
Lisola sofa is a luxury seating piece. An eclectic sofa created by the most refined design with
Leather, Fabric, Faux Leather
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 121.26 in D 44.1 in
Contemporary Curved White Sofa Upholstered in Velvet & Corduroy Plush Armrests
Located in Porto, PT
Contemporary Curved White Sofa Upholstered in Velvet & Corduroy Plush Armrests The Rose Sofa
Fabric, Velvet
Martin Visser attributed Mid-Century Sofa
By Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mad Men Style Mid-Century Sofa with Tubular Steel and Teak Frame Original Upholstered Corduroy
Mid-Century Mario Bellini Style Corduroy Modular Sofa
By Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome Mid-Century Mario Bellini style modular sofa with brown corduroy fabric and tubular chrome
Chrome
Sold
H 25.6 in W 32.29 in D 55.12 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Blue Corduroy Sofa Cornaro by C. Scarpa, Gavina, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern blue corduroy sofa Cornaro by C. Scarpa, Gavina, 1973 two-seater sofa
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 32.29 in D 55.12 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Beige Corduroy Sofa Cornaro by C.Scarpa, Gavina, 1973
By Carlo Scarpa, Gavina
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern blue corduroy sofa Cornaro by C. Scarpa, Gavina, 1973 two-seater sofa
Velvet, Wood
Brown corduroy modular “Potatoe” Airborne sofa
Located in Brussel, BE
Amazing brown corduroy modular “Potatoe” sofa for Airborne. Many possibilities of combinations.
Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Couch
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern couch with clean angular lines. Newly upholstered in a soft brown grey corduroy
Fabric
Green Corduroy Sofa in the Style of Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
Green corduroy sofa in the style of Milo Baughman, circa 1970s. Dimensions: 79" W x 35"
Sold
H 33.47 in W 82.29 in D 31.5 in
Yellow Corduroy Four-Seater Sofa by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Ejner Larsen, Willy Beck
Located in London, GB
A four-seater sofa designed by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen, produced by master cabinet-maker
Upholstery, Velvet, Teak
Sold
H 26 in W 67 in L 26 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Soriana Sofa in Original Black Anthracite Corduroy, 1970
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
original in black anthracite corduroy velvet, which is in excellent vintage condition. This sofa features a
Steel, Chrome
Soriana Two-Seat Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, Cream Corduroy
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in New York, NY
Model 944 Soriana Sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina. Made in Italy. Labeled underneath
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 31.5 in W 74.02 in D 31.5 in
Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset Beige Corduroy Togo Sofas, Set of 5
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. Originally designed in the 1970s the iconic togo sofa is now a
Textile, Foam
Sold
H 7.49 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Le Mah Jong Roche Bobois Modular Sofa Square Cushion Set Missoni Silk Corduroy
By Hans Hopfer, Missoni, Roche Bobois
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mah-Jong modular sofa square cushion set by Hans Hopfer, designed in 1971 for Roche Bobois and
Textile
Vintage 4-seat Brown Italian Modular Design Sofa Corduroy, 1970s
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This vintage modular sofa was made around the 1970s in Italy. It features 4 elements covered in
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 100.4 in D 37.41 in
Airborne sectional sofa with ottoman 'Patate' in orange Corduroy wide ribbed
By Airborne International
Located in Oirlo, LI
Airborne sectional sofa with ottoman 'Patate' in orange Corduroy wide ribbed fabric Discover
Fabric
Sold
H 26 in W 40.25 in D 38.5 in
2-Piece 'Gilda' Sofa in Brown Corduroy by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Chicago, IL
"A French ‘Gilda’ sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1972. This piece is modular
Upholstery
Sold
H 25.6 in W 118.12 in D 32.29 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Beige Sofa Cornaro by C. Scarpa, S.Gavina, 1973
By Gavina, Carlo Scarpa
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern large beige sofa Cornaro by C. Scarpa, S. Gavina, 1973 Large sofa model
Fabric
Velvet Corduroy Lounge Set of 5 Pieces, 1970s
By Bruno Munari
Located in Den Haag, NL
Velvet longer set. Consisting off, one lounge chair, can be transformed into a bed, two poufs and one pillow, all in the same geometric pattern, typical, 1970s. Space ace. Good vin...
Velvet
Grand Modern Robsjohn-Gibbings Style Sofa
Located in Miami, FL
walnut mid-century three seater sofa features tufted back cushions along a back that has a hint of a soft
Foam
Sold
H 26.78 in W 96.46 in D 36.23 in
Italian Modular Sofa Sistema 61 by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern beige modular sofa Sistema 61 by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli
Metal
Sold
H 29 in W 50 in D 29.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Brown Corduroy Loveseat Sofa by James David Inc
By James David Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern chrome and brown Corduroy loveseat by James David Inc. Item features sling seat
Chrome
Cassina Maralunga Corduroy Sofa by Vico Magistretti
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cassina Maralunga striped velour loveseat by Vico Magistretti. Award winning innovation and comfort focused design with an ingenious design allowing the head rests and back rests to ...
Upholstery
Sold
H 25.99 in W 63 in D 39.38 in
'Soriana' Sofa by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in Original Corduroy Fabric, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Aartselaar, BE
condition. The fabric of the sofa is a bright warm orange corduroy. The sofa is signed, proving its
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 39.38 in W 66.93 in L 39.38 in
'Soriana' Sofa Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa in Original Corduroy Fabric, 1970s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Aartselaar, BE
incredibly good condition. The fabric of the sofa is a bright warm orange corduroy. The sofa is signed
Metal, Chrome
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Corduroy Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, corduroy, brass, Denmark, 1960s Characteristic Danish Mid-Century sofa with fair yet
Brass
Mario Bellini Camaleonda Sofa in Original Green Corduroy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini, 'Camaleonda' sofa, in original green corduroy, Italy, 1972. This sofa is designed
Fabric
Mario Bellini 'Camaleonda' Modular Sofa in Green Corduroy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini, large modular 'Cameleonda' sofa, green original upholstery, Italy, 1971. The
Fabric
MarCo Comolli 'CP1' Sofa in Mahogany and Beige Corduroy
By ICF De Padova, Marco Comolli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, sofa, lacquered wood, mahogany, leather, corduroy, Italy, 1965
Leather, Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 23.5 in W 180 in D 34 in
Milo Baughman Semi Circular Two-Piece Sofa Caramel Corduroy Upholstery, 1980s
By Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Milo Baughman semi circular two-piece sofa caramel corduroy upholstery, 1980s Awesome sofa set
Wood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 84.26 in D 40.95 in
Italian Sofa with Tubular Chrome Frame in Dark Blue Corduroy Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Italian sofa, chrome, corduroy, Italy, 1970s With a strong resemblance to the Afra& Tobia Scarpa’s
Chrome
Sold
H 38.19 in W 66.93 in D 33.47 in
Maralunga 2 Seater Sofa by Vico Magistretti Upholstery in Ocean Green Corduroy
By Vico Magistretti
Located in Ozzano Dell'emilia, IT
This Maralunga 2 seater sofa comes from the first Cassina production (early Seventies) and has been
Fabric
Sold
H 27.5 in W 93 in D 34.5 in
Lawson Style Wide Wale Corduroy Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Lawson style sofa in its original olive colored wide wale corduroy fabric by Milo Baughman
Fabric
Mario Bellini 'Camaleonda' in Green Corduroy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini, large modular 'Cameleonda' sofa in green velvet alpaca wool, Italy 1972. The
Fabric
Mario Bellini's Camaleonda in Red Corduroy
By Mario Bellini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini for C&B Italia 1971 Postmodern sectional sofa by
Velvet, Foam
1970s Milo Baughman Style 3-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original 1970s Mid-Century Modern lounge couch for sale. It comes with three pieces, and is
Velvet
Grete Jalk Style Danish Midcentury Two-Seat Sofa in Green Corduroy
By Grete Jalk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Handsome Danish two-seat sofa in the style of Grete Jalk similar in design to her JH 180 by
Velvet, Teak
Mid Century Brown Corduroy Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Brown Corduroy Three Seater Sofa Vintage Retro MCM Vintage original three
Cord, Foam
Sold
H 29.25 in W 70.5 in D 29.5 in
Swedish Mid-Century Modern 3-Seat 1950s Newly Upholstered Corduroy Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Swedish 3-seat fabric sofa with tight back and 3 loose seat cushions, Classic 1950s sofa on solid
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 27.56 in W 53.94 in D 28.35 in
Mid Century Two Seater Brown Corduroy Sling Sofa By Gillis Lundgren For Ikea
By IKEA, Gillis Lundgren
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Two Seater Brown Corduroy Sling Sofa By Gillis Lundgren For Ikea Vintage
Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 77.96 in D 28.35 in
Mid Century Three Seater Brown Corduroy Sling Sofa By Gillis Lundgren For Ikea
By Gillis Lundgren, IKEA
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Mid Century Three Seater Brown Corduroy Sling Sofa By Gillis Lundgren For Ikea Vintage
Steel
Green Corduroy Modular Corner Sofa
Located in London, GB
bottle green cotton corduroy. The 5 piece elemental sofa has multiple configurations.
Cotton, Plastic, Plywood
Corduroy Ligne Roset T2-seater Togo by Michel Ducaroy
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in BREDA, NL
The iconic Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973, has become a design mid
Cord, Foam
Midcentury Danish Teak Daybed Sofa in Mustard Corduroy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lovely and unique midcentury Danish teak daybed sofa. In original mustard corduroy fabric. Super
Teak
Gold Velvet Corduroy Harvey Probber Sofa
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pasadena, CA
1960s Harvey Probber sofa upholstered in gold velvet corduroy fabric. Wooden legs.
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Biba Wicker Sofa
Located in London, west Sussex
This gorgeous mid-20th Century wicker sofa is from the well-known brand Biba, upholstered in black
Fabric, Wicker
Beige Corduroy 3-Seater Coronado Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B
By C&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Outremont, QC
Beige Corduroy 3 Seater Coronado Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for C&B, 70's // Dimensions: 81”W x 34”D x
Velvet
$82,000 / set
H 26.78 in W 35.44 in D 61.03 in
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" Sofa for De Sede, Brown Leather, 1974, Set of 4
By Ubald Klug, De Sede
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ubald Klug DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofas for De Sede, brown leather, Switzerland, 1974, set of four. Ubald Klug designed this rare modular DS-1025 "Terrazza" sofa as a real living landsc...
Leather
$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
Chic 'Méandre' Gilt Bronze Side Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating 'Méandre' gilt bronze finish side chair by Design Frères. Gilt bronze finish over steel frame. Natural linen upholstered cushion with contrasting piping. Chic and unders...
Steel
Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier
Located in Roma, Lazio
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Brass
Large Seventies curved bouclé sofa, Italy, 1970s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Astoria, NY
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY WITHIN NEW YORK CITY Curved sofa from the late 20th century, featuring an organic, bean-like shape. The backrest slopes asymmetrically to provide better support ...
Bouclé
$37,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Green Velvet, 1970, Set of 6
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, green velvet, Italy, 1970, set of six. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. Our atelier carefully restored this vintage...
Plastic, Velvet
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$5,189Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
$34,000
H 26.5 in W 92.75 in D 32 in
Warren Platner Walnut and Leather Floating Case Sofa for Lehigh Leopold, c. 1970
By Warren Platner, Lehigh Leopold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptionally rare and highly sought-after collectors piece (with celebrity provenance) is a Warren Platner Executive Leather Case Sofa designed for Lehigh Leopold in circa 1970...
Chrome
$1,913
H 27.96 in W 26.38 in D 32.68 in
Giancarlo Piretti Green "Alky" Italian Armchairs by Anonima Castelli
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century green fabric "Alky" armchairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy. These lovely Alky armchairs are fully original in brand...
Aluminum
Teddy Bear Sofa, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Teddy Bear Sofa, 1970's. Fabric is original, with no rips, tears or stains. Made by Schweiger. Measures 100" long, 37" deep, 27.75" tall, seat height 16.5"
Velvet
$5,473 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 1.19 in
Mid century style Ceiling Suspended Mirror with Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Mid-century style Vintage N.4 ceiling suspended mirror with a high quality pure brass full frame with a bronze patina finish. This piece is part of our original and fully customisabl...
Brass, Bronze
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This iconic “Croissant” lounge sofa, originally conceived by French designer Raphael Raffel in 1970, stands as one of the mos...
Leather
1930s Restored Art Deco Sofa, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carrefully refurbished - Newly upholstered- walnut finish - can be used with or without pillows - Seat height with pillows is 48cm
Fabric, Wood
Restored 1970s Palazzo Torta Sofa in Dusty Pink Silk Velvet
Located in Florence, Tuscany
I love a 'Palazzo Torta' sofa. These wonderful round sofas are mainly found in large palazzi or in old hotels in Italy. This one was found in Naples - it was made in the 1970s and we...
Canvas, Cotton, Silk, Velvet
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.
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the rooms our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Having created extravagant homes for reality TV’s biggest stars, the designer is stepping into the spotlight with his first book.