Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2212 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for his own home in 1962.
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Oak
Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 2212 sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for his own home in 1962.
Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, model 2212
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original red brown leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia 2er Sofa Mod. 2212 Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Aachen, NW
Amazing 2-seater sofa mod. BM2212, 2-seater sofa designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark, 1962. This edition was made around the 80s, beginning ...
Leather, Teak
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Leather & Teak
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original black leather upholstery.
Leather, Teak
$5,265
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Dark Mocha Leather by Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with the original dark mocha colored leather, almost black.
Leather, Foam, Feathers, Teak
BM 2212 by Børge Mogensen
By Fredericia
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 2212 - Reupholstered 2-seat sofa in black pleasure with legs in walnut. Maker Fredericia Furniture.
Walnut
$6,500
H 29.75 in W 61.5 in D 31.5 in
A Danish modern leather and oak 2212 loveseat by Børge Mogensen, signed, 1962
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern Danish leather and wood 2212 loveseat sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture, Denmark circa 1962.
Leather, Wood
$4,568Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 24.41 in
Set Of 2 2. Pers Sofa Model 2212 Made In Red Leather By Børge Mogensen From 1960
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of 2 two-seater sofas, model 2212, designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolfabrik in the 1960s.
Leather, Oak
$5,499 / set
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 32.68 in
Børge Mogensen - Sofa and Ottoman for Fredericia, Model 2212, Denmark
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Børge Mogensen - Sofa and Ottoman for Fredericia, Model 2212, Denmark Timeless Danish design by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia: this 2-seater sofa with matching ottoman (Model 2212, ...
Leather, Oak
Unavailable
H 30.5 in W 62.25 in D 32.75 in
Børge Mogensen #2212 Fredericia Leather Sofa/Loveseat Danish Modern Vintage
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba
A Classic Danish sofa designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia. Solid legs and solid wood frame set this design apart.
Leather, Mahogany
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Paris, FR
the classic 2 seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful patinated chocolate brown leather with solid teak legs.
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa for Fredericia
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Berlin, DE
Fantastic early example of the Classic two-seat sofa designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, model 2213. This example in wonderful and super rare thick cognac leather wit...
Leather, Wood
Bm 2212 Sofa by Børge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen / Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Borge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Red Leather
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Berlin, DE
Borge Mogensen designed this sofa for his own home in 1962. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, this timeless sofa is one of the masterpieces of Danish design. Unmatched quality and ...
Leather, Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, model 2212
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original red brown leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Borge Mogensen for Frederica 2212 Leather Loveseat
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice chocolate brown leather Borge Mogensen loveseat. Square wood legs. Good original condition, Wear consistent with its age and usage.
Leather
Sofa 2212 by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Berlin, DE
Fantastic early example of the Classic two-seat sofa designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, model 2212. This example in wonderful and super rare thick cognac leather wit...
Leather, Wood
Børge Mogensen Sofa, Model 2212, Fredericia Furniture, 1980s
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Two-seat sofa designed by Børge Mogensen, model 2212, in 1962 and manufactured at Fredericia furniture in the early 1980s.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 27.96 in W 51.86 in D 28.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa Model 2212 by Borge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian sofa model 2212 by Borge Mogensen. Vintage édition by Stouby Furniture.
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Frederician 2212 -Sofa by Børge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Danish mid century modern Frederician 2212 -sofa designed by Børge Mogensen. He designed the sofa for his own home in 1962.
Leather, Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Model 2212, Original Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Model 2212, Original Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original leather upholstery.
Leather, Mahogany
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Model 2212, Original Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 57.09 in D 29.93 in
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Blue Yellow Velvet Oakwood Danish Sofa, 1970
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Madrid, ES
Two-seat sofa designed by Børge Mogensen in the early 1970 with an oakwood structure upholstered with an India Mahdavi designed cotton velvet edited in blue and yellow by Pierre Frey.
Velvet, Oak
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Two-Seat Sofa, Black Leather, Teak Legs
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original black leather upholstery.
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 61.82 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Model 2212, Original Indian Red Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original Indian red leather upholstery.
Leather, Mahogany
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Two-Seat Sofa, Cognac Leather, Oak Legs
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original cognac leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 61.82 in L 29.93 in
Børge Mogensen a Pair of Sofas, Model 2212 + 2213, Original Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen a pair of two-seat sofas with original leather upholstery.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 61.82 in L 29.93 in
Børge Mogensen a Living Room, Model 2212 + 2213 + 2204, Original Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Legs of oak. Model 2212 + 2213 + 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 32.29 in
Børge Mogensen 2-Seat Sofa Mod. 2212 Fredericia Denmark Dark Grey Leather
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wonderful two-seat sofa made by Fredericia and designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963. Original thick grained dark grey / black leather in perfect vintage condition (down filled cushions...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 with Black Leather by Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1981
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa for 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with the original black leather.
Leather, Foam, Mahogany, Feathers
Børge Mogensen 2213 & 2212 Sofa Set for Fredericia in Brown Lea
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Børge Mogensen sofa set mod. 2213 & 2212 for Fredericia, Denmark, 1962.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 61.03 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Gold Velvet Two-Seat Sofa, “Model 2212” by Børge Mogensen, 1960s.
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This stunning two-seat sofa is an exceptional piece by the Danish master Borge Mogensen. Designed in 1962, for the home of Borge Mogensen featuring clean lines and minimalistic elega...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Cognac Colored Leather and Oak by Fredericia Furniture
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Børge Mogensen danish vintage 2 seater sofa model 2212.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Red Brown Leather and Mahogany by Fredericia Furniture
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa for 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with original brick red / red brown leather.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 with Red Brown Leather by Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1982
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa for 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with original brick red / red brown leather.
Leather, Foam, Feathers, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.32 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Red Brown Leather and Oak Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1986
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa for 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with original brick red / red brown leather.
Leather, Foam, Oak, Feathers
Sold
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 32.29 in
Børge Mogensen Sofa 2212 Black Leather and Walnut by Fredericia Furniture, 1975
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish vintage Børge Mogensen sofa for 2 persons model 2212. It's upholstered with original black leather.
Leather, Foam, Walnut, Feathers
Sold
H 29.93 in W 61.82 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen a Pair of Two-Seat Sofas, Model 2212, Original Brown Leather
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen a pair of two-seat sofas with original brown leather upholstery.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 86.62 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Living Room Mod. 2213 & 2212 Sofa & 2x Club Chair
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Aachen, NW
BM2213, 2-seater sofa mod. 2212, 2x club chairs mod. 2207 and ottoman mod. 2202 designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark, 1962.
Leather, Teak
BM 2212 Two-Seat by Børge Mogensen
By Fredericia
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa in patinated natural leather with legs in walnut. Maker Fredercia Furniture.
Sold
H 32.75 in W 55.25 in D 33.5 in
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Style Two-Seat Sofa in Dark Sapphire Leather by Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant and comfortable Classic Børge Mogensen style sofa model 2212 in Dark Sapphire navy blue leather by Stouby Polsterfabrik of Denmark.
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 55 in L 28.75 in
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Style Two-Seat Sofa in Black Leather by Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Norwalk, CT
Very elegant and comfortable classic Børge Mogensen style sofa model 2212 in black leather by Stouby Polsterfabrik of Denmark.
Leather, Beech
Sofa, 2-Seater by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa, 2-seater by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture. Model: 2212. Design 1962.
Teak
Sold
H 25.99 in W 61.03 in D 29.93 in
Børge Mogensen Free Standing Two-Seat Camel Leather, 1970s, Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, Frederecia Furniture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury sofa "Model 2212" by Børge Mogensen (Danish, 1914–1972) Denmark 1970s.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 62 in D 31 in
Danish Borge Mogensen Style Two-Seat Tan Leather Sofa with Patina by Stouby
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish two-seat sofa in the style of Borge Mogensen's model 2212. Executed in supple tan leather by Stouby Mobler raised on beech legs.
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30 in W 76.5 in D 29 in
Stunning Borge Mogensen Style Leather Sofa by Takashi Okamura for Svend Skipper
By Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquardsen, Svend Skipper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquardsen's Model "Oberst" a beautiful and super luxe take on Kaare Klint's original sofa that also inspired Borge Mogensen's classic model 2212. Handstitc...
Beech, Leather
Sold
H 29.93 in W 62.01 in D 31.89 in
Original Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa in Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1960s-1970s
By Frederecia Furniture, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Original two-seat model 2212 sofa designed by Borge Mogensen in 1965 and made by Frederecia, Denmark.
Leather
Sold
H 32.75 in W 55.25 in D 33.5 in
Ryesberg Borge Mogensen Model 2212 and 2213 Sofa Set in Tan Leather
By Ryesberg Møbler, Børge Mogensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish sofa set (3+2) in the style of Borge Mogensen's model 2212 and 2213. Executed in supple tan leather by Ryesberg Mobler raised on beech legs.
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Black Leather 2-Seat Sofa with Legs of Mahogany, Model 2212, by Børge Mogensen
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Black leather 2-seat sofa with legs of mahogany, model 2212, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1962 and manufactured by Fredericia furniture in the 1980s.
Leather
Sold
H 32.75 in W 55.25 in D 33.5 in
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Style Loveseat in Dark Blue Leather by Stouby
By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant and comfortable Classic Børge Mogensen style sofa model 2212 in Dark navy blue leather by Stouby Polsterfabrik of Denmark.
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30 in W 62 in D 31 in
Børge Mogensen Style Two-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather by Stouby Mobler, Denmark
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic two-seat sofa similar to Børge Mogensen's model 2212 in cognac leather with teak legs by Stouby Mobler, Denmark.
Leather, Teak
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa, Fredericia Furniture
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa, Fredericia Furniture Top condition, minimal signs of use with premium black leather legs in mahogany retail price approx 12.000 usd
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing… Fantastic example of the classic 2 seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful patinated black leath...
Leather
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing… Fantastic example of the classic 2 seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful brown leather with so...
Børge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing… Fantastic example of the Classic two-seat sofa designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful red/brown leather w...
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing, fantastic example of the Classic two-seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful brown leather with...
Børge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing… Fantastic example of the classic 2 seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful red/brown leather wit...
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Wonderful example of the Classic two-seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful patinated black leather with stain...
Borge Mogensen 2212 Sofa
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
The real thing… Fantastic example of the classic 2 seat sofa designed by Borge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark model 2212. Unsurpassed quality and in beautiful patinated chocolate b...
Børge Mogensen Model #2212 Two-Seat Sofa
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen, model #2212 two-seat sofa designed in 1962 and produced by Fredericia.
Leather, Mahogany
Borge Mogensen Model #2212 Two-Seat Sofa
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen, model #2212 two-seat sofa designed in 1962 and produced by Fredericia.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
Børge Mogensen Chocolate Brown Leather Sofa 2212, Fredericia, Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Beautiful Danish Leather Sofa by Børge Mogensen in Chocolate Brown. Made by Fredericia, Denmark. Excellent original Condition.
Sold
H 31.5 in W 62.21 in D 31.89 in
BØRGE MOGENSEN SOFA MODELL 2212 Mid Century black Leather tow seater
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Very nice two seater sofa, in black leather. Very very good condition, the sofa would be hardly used.
Leather
Large Two Seats Borge Morgensen Sofa Model 2212
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Paris, FR
Large 1960 two seats Borge Morgensen Sofa in brown leather. Model 2212. Original Edition Frederica.
Leather
Original Midcentury Sofa by Borge Mogensen for Fredricia
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Paddock Wood, Kent
Original midcentury sofa by Borge Mogensen for Fredricia Model 2212 sofa designed by Borge Mogensen in the 1960s and produced by Fredricia in the late 1970s, it has been produced in...
Leather
$2,200
H 29.73 in W 58.67 in D 31.5 in
Mogens Hansen, Mid-Century 2-Seater Sofa, Patinated Black Leather, 1970s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Mogens Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern two-seater sofa upholstered in patinated black leather, resting on legs crafted from solid beech. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, and timeless com...
Leather, Beech
$11,701
H 29.93 in W 86.62 in D 31.89 in
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather Model 2213 by Børge Mogensen, 1963
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather by Børge Mogensen, 1963 Additional Information: Material: Teak and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Sofa model 2213 Produced by Fr...
Teak, Leather
$8,487
H 31.5 in W 87.41 in D 31.5 in
2213 3-seater leather sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark 1962
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This famous and beautiful shaped 3-seater sofa, model 2213, was designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture in Denmark in 1962. Mogensen designed this sofa for his own living...
Leather, Wood
Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith to traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials.
While peers such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen designed some of the most striking and now iconic furnishings of the era, Mogensen focused on making chairs, sofas and other pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable — and in the long run perhaps more useful and better loved.
Mogensen studied under and later worked for Kaare Klint, a master cabinetmaker whose chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Klint was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models. So, too, in his way was Mogensen, as two of his best-known earlier pieces attest.
His 1945 Spokeback sofa, with hinged arms that can be lowered to facilitate lounging, is a reinterpretation of the venerable Knole settee. With the oval silhouette of its plywood backrest and waterdrop-shaped cutouts, Mogensen’s Shell chair, designed in 1949, can be seen as a novel take on early 19th-century Empire side chairs.
Yet Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. His cabinets deploy the same spare geometries and lushly figured woods as those of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his disciple Florence Knoll, the chief difference being that Mies and Knoll used chrome steel for the frames and legs of their pieces. The brawny oak frames and slung leather seats and backrests of Mogensen’s Hunting chair (1950) and Spanish chair (1958) display the same hefty construction and appreciation of natural materials seen in the work of Charlotte Perriand and Sergio Rodrigues.
Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. While his chairs may not be the first pieces in a décor to draw the eye, they are often the first to draw in those looking for a comfortable seat.
Find vintage Børge Mogensen dining tables, bookcases and other Scandinavian modern 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.