Antique “Open Back” 2-Seat Sofa – In Fish Print Linen
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is a superb, antique Open-Back compact 2-Seat Sofa, dressed in a stunning, striking and unashamedly-eccentric fish-print linen-fabric, and with oak-woodwork...
Porcelain, Linen, Oak
Early 20thC Mahogany Console Table with Inlaid Bell Flowers by Wellington Hall
By Wellington Hall Ltd
Located in Port Jervis, NY
A beautifully built table which will work great in a hall or up against the back of an open room sofa.
Mahogany, Maple, Satinwood
Early 20th Century Edwardian Inlaid Rosewood Salon Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Petit Edwardian salon sofa, circa 1910. Open back sofa featuring an inlaid backrest.
Rosewood
Edward Wormley 1953 'Open Back' or 'New York' Sofa by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Utrecht, NL
Very rare fully restored 'open back sofa' / model 5316 designed in 1953 by Edward Wormley by Dunbar USA.
Brass
Open Back Wool Sofa, Italy, circa 1960
Located in Culver City, CA
Open back wool sofa, Italy, circa 1960. Newly reupholstered in striped wool maharam fabric, on black metal and brass feet.
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 66 in D 29 in
Danish 1940s Spindle Back Sofa with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests and spindle back carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk as model 9...
Beech, Wool
Danish Midcentury Open Arm Spindle Back Sofa Model 95 by Slagelse
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sought after three-seat open arm sofa in beech and wool manufactured in Denmark in the 1940s by Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 95. The frame is in very good original condition with the...
Beech
Dunbar Open Arm Sofa with Bracket Backs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare open-arm sectional sofa with exposed bracket back frames.
Mohair, Mahogany
Sold
H 36 in W 64 in D 25 in
Swedish Neoclassic Sofa Bench W/Open Hourglass Back-Splat Design, Early 19th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Neoclassical style carved-wood sofa bench from the early 19th century. This antique settee from Sweden features a straight back rail atop a beautiful succession of open bac...
Wood
Danish Teak Wood & Black Chenille High Back Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Quite comfortable Danish style floating high back sofa. Open sided teak base framing, and the absence of a back stretcher, lend to the floating appearance of this black striped cheni...
Danish Teak Wood & Black Chenille High Back Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Quite comfortable Danish style floating high back sofa. Open sided teak base framing, and the absence of a back stretcher, lend to the floating appearance of this black striped cheni...
Button Back Sofa in Linen Blend, England, circa 1880
Located in Culver City, CA
Open arm button back sofa recently upholstered in floral linen and cotton blend by House of Hackney Measures: 59”L x 32”D x 32.5”H x 18”seat.
Cotton, Linen
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century Swedish Gustavian style sofa with open back in cream white patina and with slight traces of gold leaf.
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century Swedish Gustavian style sofa with open back, reeded apron and side rails in cream white patina and with slight traces of gold leaf.
Tete-a-tete Conversation Sofa on Brass Bases
By Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Conversation sofa with open back. Solid brass bases.
Brass
Sold
H 39.38 in W 84.65 in D 25.2 in
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Sofa Quilted Golden Birch 19th Century Antique A
Located in Lewes, England
It has a plain wood frame open back as with all Biedermeier sofa and we will both re-polish the sofa prior to shipping.
Birch
Sold
H 39.38 in W 84.65 in D 25.2 in
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Sofa Quilted Golden Birch 19th Century Antique A
Located in Lewes, England
It has a plain wood frame open back as with all Biedermeier sofa and we will both re-polish the sofa prior to shipping.
Birch
Sold
H 39.38 in W 84.65 in D 25.2 in
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Sofa Quilted Golden Birch 19th Century Antique A
Located in Lewes, England
It has a plain wood frame open back as with all Biedermeier sofa and we will both re-polish the sofa prior to shipping.
Birch
Sold
H 39.38 in W 84.65 in D 25.2 in
Swedish Biedermeier Carved Sofa Quilted Golden Birch 19th Century Antique A
Located in Lewes, England
It has a plain wood frame open back as with all Biedermeier sofa and we will both re-polish the sofa prior to shipping.
Birch
Sold
H 28.5 in W 87 in D 29 in
Edward Wormley Open Back Sofas for Dunbar Original Dorothy Liebes Woven Textile
By Dorothy Liebes, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This is an early rare pair of floating back sofas designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 6133. They are upholstered in the original Dorothy Liebes loom-woven textile and were ac...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Sofa for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare Wormley walnut framed open back sofa with an X-base. Newly reupholstered and refinished.
Sold
H 22 in W 98 in D 33 in
Customized European Open Back Chaise Style Sofa Black and White with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Absolutely stunning open back sofa with striking fabric and solid brass legs.
Brass
Sold
H 33.5 in W 59.75 in D 29 in
Danish 1940s Spindle Back Sofa with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests and spindle back carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk as model 9...
Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 29 in W 58.5 in D 26 in
Fritz Hansen Attributed 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests and Spindle Back
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen attributed sofa in the company's characteristic style of open armrests and spindle back.
Wool, Beech
Solid Danish Teak Slat-Back Sofa by HW Klein for Bramin Mobler
By Henry Walter Klein, Bramin Mobler
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is the classically perfect, solid teak, Danish sofa designed by HW Klein for Bramin Mobler. This is a beautifully designed sofa with gorgeous dovetail joint details and an open...
Teak
Christian Liaigre Latin Sofa
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Miami, FL
“Latin" sofa by Christian Liaigre, upholstered deep armless, and open slanted sofa, with tight back and seat upholstery, with down-filled loose back seat cushions.
Muslin, Oak
Danish 1940s Spindleback Sofa by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sculptural and very beautiful 1940s model 117 high back open arm sofa made of stained and lacquered beech wood designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk.
Wool, Beech
Giuseppe Scapinelli Sculptural Caviuna Sofa, Brazil, 1955
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A nice detail is the open back, this sofa looks beautiful from the back as well so could also be standing free in a space.
Walnut
Brazilian Rosewood Open Back Sofa with Red Leather by Fatima Architects
By Fatima Architects
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A highly grained rosewood frame sofa upholstered in bright red leather by Fatima Architects, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sides of the sofa are also upholstered and the rosewood shows...
Leather, Rosewood
Stylish Open Back Regence Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant regency upholstered sofa
In a subtle white linen covered down cushion with foam core
Bordered with classic nail head trim,
exposed legs at the back an...
Slat Back Open Frame Sofa by Folke Ohlson for Dux
Located in Pasadena, CA
A classic mid 1950's slat back three seat American sofa by DUX with new upholstery, dark walnut finish, exposed open frame construction, and knife edge carved armrest continuing to t...
Wood, Upholstery
French Art Deco Moustache Back Convertible Sofa
Located in Hialeah, FL
French Art Deco Moustache Back Convertible Sofa. Opens to a bed. Size when open 46.75 deep by 60" long.
Metal
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Open Back Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
This extremely rare settee by Edward Wormley for Dunbar is completely original. It's graceful lines are reminiscent of Grecian furniture. A truly wonderful piece.
Fully docume...
Gustavian Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Open back Gustavian Sofa with guilloche carved seats and back rails in a soft, pale blue patina.
Wood
Custom Upholstered Center Stage Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Sofa with open back and sides. The wood frame is embellished with stylized reeded details and geometric wood inset.
Wood, Upholstery
Jindřich Halabala Art Deco Stool in Floral Tapestry Fabric, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Prague, New Town
Art Deco stool, designed by Jindřich Halabala. Produced by Spojené UP závody Brno in former Czechoslovakia, 1930s. Recently reupholstered in floral tapestry fabric. Dimensions: Heig...
Fabric, Tapestry, Wood
$2,450
H 35.25 in W 43.25 in D 20 in
French Art Deco Demilune Console Table circa 1930s Wall Mounted Refinished
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant French Art Deco Demilune Console Table, France, circa 1930s. This table is currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed. It is wall mounted. It is a versat...
Chrome
$1,300 / item
H 14 in W 9 in D 9 in
Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods
By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Double Decker lamp is a tall, brutalist-inspired table lamp, perfect for lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp is composed of a...
Brass
$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
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
$658Sale Price / item|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade ...
Oak
$950 / item
H 25.6 in W 32.67 in D 13.78 in
New Black Wrought Iron Curule Bench with Cushion, Savonarola, Throne
Located in Miami, FL
New black wrought iron curule bench with cushion, Savonarola, Throne. Cushion included.
Iron
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
Rosso Glass Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
IVY Cabinet, Cherry, Brass, Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
IVY Cabinet by Dosbananos. Two-door cabinet covered in original Josef Frank 'Paradiset' wallpaper. Cherry wood with brass hinges and brass stretchers. Cabinet has four adjustable she...
Brass
Large Art Deco Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
This table features a smooth, off-white wooden tabletop that sits atop a slender black iron frame. The eight iron legs boast subtle ornamental accents that hark back to traditional c...
Iron
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
$2,270
H 31.11 in W 47.25 in D 11.82 in
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Brass, Steel & Glass Console, France, C 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Jansen style neoclassical metal & glass console, France, C 1960 With glass top, the base and stretcher side and bronze head caryatids with pawn bronze feet.
Metal, Brass
Stunning Quality Console Table in the Art Deco Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning quality walnut console table in the Art Deco style with a curvilinear, clean design and a superb patina to the wood. The moulded curved top raised over frieze with two dra...
Metal
$8,570 / set
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
Italian Mid-Century Console table DHL shipping
Located in Palermo, IT
Italian console table Mid-Century marble top brass details 1950s Intact and in good condition. Elegant example of Made in Italy. We guarantee fast and accurate shipping on crate b...
Marble
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.
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