Scandinavian Leather Sofa
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Rosewood, Leather
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Birch
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Canvas, Fiberglass
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
2010s American Modern Sofas
Ultrasuede
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Oak
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Bronze
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mahogany, Leather
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Walnut, Faux Leather
Vintage 1970s Swedish Brutalist Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Swedish Brutalist Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Brass
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wool, Teak
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Walnut
20th Century Swiss Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Walnut
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Walnut
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
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Scandinavian Leather Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Scandinavian Leather Sofa?
A Close Look at Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
Finding the Right sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique, new 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. 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.
- Can I dye a leather sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, you can dye a leather sofa. To do so, you must typically begin by sanding down the upholstery, oiling it and then applying dye. Because there is a risk that you could damage your sofa, you may wish to enlist the help of a professional upholsterer or furniture repair expert. Find a variety of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few different types of leather that are great for sofas - royalin, full grain and top grain leather. In terms of style and comfort, it really comes down to a matter of preference. You’ll find a variety of leather sofa options from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best type of leather for a sofa is top grain leather, which is smooth, supple and the most expensive. Top grain has two grades — aniline, which is most natural and semi-aniline, which may be coated with a protective top coat. You can also have top grain leather that is pigmented. If you are looking for some contemporary, vintage and antique leather sofas, you can visit 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024To tell if a sofa is real leather, run your hand along the upholstery. With real leather, you're likely to feel an uneven or bumpy underlayer due to the natural characteristics of the material. By comparison, man-made leather will usually feel perfectly smooth. The appearance of the leather can also be a giveaway. Natural leather will usually show off variations in its grain, while faux leather will typically have a regular repeated pattern. If you're still uncertain after completing an inspection yourself, consult a certified appraiser or experienced furniture dealer for assistance. Explore a large selection of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Full-grain and top-grain leather are both good quality-leathers for sofas. Full-grain leather consists of the full hide, making it durable yet supple and visually appealing. Top-grain leather is more economically priced and has the outermost layer of the hide sanded and buffed away, giving it a smoother texture and less of a visible grain. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022With Italian leather, you want to avoid getting the material wet. If you can, use a dry cloth or vacuum to remove dirt. For stains, use a damp cloth, but avoid chemical cleaners. Save the hassle and shop a collection of Italian leather furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021When choosing a leather sofa, it's important to consider the material's quality, especially if you're looking for an enduring item. Top-grain calfskin leather, for instance, is more durable and simpler to maintain than corrected-grain leather. Top-grain leather also softens with age and develops a unique sheen. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Whether a leather sofa is a good investment depends on a variety of factors. The materials and quality of craftsmanship will affect how long a piece lasts, but how you care for and use it will also impact longevity. Forward-thinking design and sensuous materials are the hallmarks of 1970s-era leather seating, which feels as sexy, comfortable and radical today as it did in its heyday. Through joint research with several forward-looking furniture manufacturers into state-of-the-art industrial processes, designers of the original leather-clad beanbag chair Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro explored ways of employing polyurethane foam to serve as both cushion and structure, offering a whole new range of seating concepts. There is likely a leather sofa in everyone’s budget, but taking care of your investment is important. Unlike upholstery, the color of the leather sofa you choose won’t make a difference when it comes to regular maintenance. A damp cloth can be used to remove dust, for example. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of leather sofas from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is an Italian leather sofa good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Yes, an Italian leather sofa is typically good. Italian leather is known for being a high-quality material that is pleasing to the eye and has a luxurious, supple feel. As a result, it can be a fine option for sofas. Keep in mind that the sturdiness and strength of the frame and the resilience of the padding and suspension systems inside of sofas also impact their quality and durability. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024To tell a good-quality leather sofa, examine its details closely. The highest-end pieces will usually feature full-grain leather, which refers to a strong and durable grade of leather that retains its original grain surface (hair and imperfections are removed). What type of fill is present inside the cushions also impacts the quality, with spring seats with felt and wool and high-grade foam being featured in the best sofas. Finally, frames will typically be produced out of sturdy materials like wood and feature strong joints. Explore a large collection of sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How long a leather sofa should last depends on its construction and materials. You can get a good idea of how long a particular sofa will last by looking at its warranty. Often, the leather upholstery wears out on a sofa before the frame. Find a range of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Burgundy pairs well with grey, turquoise, golden yellow, and umber. In addition, the warm-green tone contrasts beautifully with the burgundy leather furnishings. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage and antique leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The best choice for a wall color that goes with a caramel sofa depends on your preferences. Caramel is a mellow hue that embraces a diverse variety of color combinations. Some of the choices that may add to the visual appeal of your caramel sofa are beige, bluish pink, orange and teal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary leather sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
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