Ratchet Sofa

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the ratchet sofa you’re looking for. A ratchet sofa — often made from animal skin, leather and fabric — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a ratchet sofa, we have 9 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer ratchet sofa, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each ratchet sofa bearing modern, Baroque or Georgian hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made ratchet sofa over the years, but those crafted by Morant & Co., Arflex and De Sede are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

Prices for a ratchet sofa start at $2,295 and top out at $24,798 with the average selling for $9,324.

Vintage couches and antique sofas have anchored living rooms for generations. The pieces most sought after today carry the deep-buttoned tufting of a Chesterfield or the low, sculptural ease of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design.

Styles to Know

Rolled arms and tufted backs point to Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency pieces, while tight backs and turned legs skew more traditional. Velvet is enjoying a renewed moment across most of these silhouettes; see our velvet chesterfield sofa trend report for examples. A mid-century modern coffee table within reach and a vintage mirror nearby round out the seating area.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Sofa

A sofa's frame and upholstery history can be difficult to judge from photographs alone. Ask a seller for more information when a listing doesn't show the fabric or joinery clearly, and confirm whether the upholstery is original or has been redone. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.