Shell Back Couches
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Restored Art Deco Rattan Shell Back Rattan Sectional Loveseat Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
1930s Art Deco sectional two-seat rattan sofa features a red shell back seat around the perimeter
Category
Vintage 1930s American Sectional Sofas
Materials
Rattan
21st Century Lorsky Sofa, Velvet, Sardonic Shell and Solid Wood, Made in Italy
By Hebanon Fratelli Basile, Hebanon Studio
Located in Nocera Superiore, Campania
. Seats and backs upholstered and covered in white velvet. Elegant hand-chiselled cameos in sardonic shell
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Shell, Velvet, Wood, Hardwood
H 32.29 in W 47.25 in D 25.2 in
Modern Shell Form Sofa after Vladimir Kagan in Dove Grey
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The elegant curved shell form sofa with tall back, sloping sides and single seat cushion
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Shell Midcentury Curved Sofa, Brass Cast Feet, Original Velvet, Casa e Giardino
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Update: This is the sofa which is part of the group with two armchairs. The armchairs were
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
H 31.89 in W 64.97 in D 35.44 in
Antique Caribbean Regency Carved Wood and Hand Caned Sofa w/ Shell & Wave Crest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Caribbean Regency carved-wood and cane sofa from the early 20th century. This antique sofa from
Category
Early 20th Century Jamaican Sofas
Materials
Cane, Wood
H 33 in W 81 in D 22.5 in
Modern by Giuseppe Carpanelli Galileo 3 Seater Sofa Back in Canaletta Walnut
By Carpanelli
Located in Desio, IT
Three seats sofa with structure in wood. Visible shell in natural canaletta walnut. Upholstery
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 44.89 in W 32.29 in D 74.81 in
Swedish Period Rococo 3-Chair Back Painted Sofa Bench, Early 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Rococo style three-chair back sofa from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Swedish Rococo Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Popus Editions Graziella 4 Seater Sofa in Egg Shell off White Como Velvet Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Popus Editions Graziella 4 seater sofa in egg shell off white como velvet fabric
A foot that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
H 23.63 in W 102.37 in D 38.59 in
Popus Editions Graziella 2 Seater Sofa in Egg Shell off White Como Velvet Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Popus editions Graziella 2 seater sofa in egg shell off white como velvet fabric
A foot that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
H 23.63 in W 78.75 in D 38.59 in
Popus Editions Graziella 3 Seater Sofa in Egg Shell Off White Como Velvet Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Popus Editions Graziella 3 Seater Sofa in Egg Shell Off White Como Velvet Fabric
A foot that
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
H 23.63 in W 90.56 in D 38.59 in
Bergère Sofa
By Autoban
Located in Kemankeş, 34
rigid, boxy outer shell. An icon of Autoban’s unique design sensibility, the sofa’s seat frame is
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Ash, Chestnut, Oak, Walnut
Murphy 3-Seater Beige Sofa
By Bodema
Located in Milan, IT
provided by the back cushions with polyurethane inserts. Color-coordinated leather covers the back shell
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
18th Century Swedish Rococo Sofa
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Rococo sofa from Lindome. The raised sofa back crowns and undulating s-shaped front edges
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Sofas
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Metropol Sofa by Cesare Arosio
By Laura Meroni
Located in Milan, IT
the seats with the back and side shell in brushed matt lacquered wood, providing a highly aesthetic
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century Spanish Silk Sofa
Located in Faversham, GB
generously padded back is crested with striking volutes, leafage and a central clam shell.
Each end of the
Category
Antique 1820s Spanish Spanish Colonial Sofas
Materials
Silk, Birch, Oak, Giltwood
Kom Blue Sofa by Angeletti Ruzza
By Angeletti Ruzza, MyHome Collection
Located in Milan, IT
An exquisite blue velvet upholstery lends vintage character to this sofa. The sleek metal base
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
Koa Blue Sofa by Angeletti Ruzza
By Angeletti Ruzza, MyHome Collection
Located in Milan, IT
large seats with padded armrests and back cushions. The wood shell is softly padded with polyurethane
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
Pola Sofa by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Pola sofa by Sebastian Herkner.
2 seats
Dimensions: D 92.5 x W 197 x H 75.5 cm
Materials
Category
2010s French Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Berga Mobler Sofa in Beige Wool Upholstery
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, sofa, beech, wool, Denmark, 1940s.
This bold and curvy sofa is based on a solid
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Arne Norell for Westbergs Möbler 'Divina' Sofa
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
'Divina' sofa is designed by Swedish designer Arne Norell. The seat is characterized by a shell
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Universal Sofa by Marco and Giulio Mantellassi
By Mantellassi 1926
Located in Milan, IT
The Universal sofa is one of the new and elegant products designed by the Mantellassi family. The
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile
Feeling Beige Sofa by Braid Design Lab
By Braid Outdoor
Located in Milan, IT
A sense of retro sophistication is exuded by this elegant sofa, characterized by an enveloping
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
18th Century French Provincial Louis XV Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Louis XV sofa, a testament to the era's grace and elegance. Its curvaceous serpentine shape and
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Uova by Piegatto, a Sculptural Outdoor Sofa
Located in Guatemala, GU
with a sleek and modern aesthetic, seamlessly blends comfort and style.
The outer shell of the chair
Category
2010s Guatemalan Sofas
Materials
Fiberglass
George I Style Walnut Bergère Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut bergère three-seat sofa, the shaped back above three tracery carved vase shaped splats
Category
Early 20th Century British Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Mid 20th century Scandinavian elm show frame sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
the 1960's. Shell back shaped back rest with complimentary piping, button back detailing to the
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Elm
Antique French Louis Xv Style Carved Giltwood Sofa
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely antique French Louis XV style carved giltwood sofa. Note the carved shell back
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Moonage Daydream Modular Sofa Grand Natté White Fabric
By Gio Pagani
Located in Milano, IT
Moonage daydream is a modular sofa. The configurations can be made by choosing from four elements
Category
2010s Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Materials
Metal
Cassina by Jaime Hayon Vico Purple Two Seater Sofa
By Jaime Hayon, Cassina
Located in London, GB
perfectly balances the past with modern design and comfort.
The two-seat sofa has a curved, shell-like
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
Contemporary Leather Sofa 'Giorgio' by Amura Lab, Daino 02
By Emanuel Gargano, Amura
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Giorgio by Amura Lab
Designer: Emanuel Gargano
Configuration: 421P
Model shown: Leather
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Contemporary Leather Sofa 'Giorgio' by Amura Lab, Legacy 8003
By Amura, Emanuel Gargano
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Giorgio by Amura Lab
Designer: Emanuel Gargano
Configuration: 421P
Model shown: Leather
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Contemporary Leather Sofa 'Giorgio' by Amura Lab, Daino 04
By Amura, Emanuel Gargano
Located in Paris, FR
Sofa Giorgio by Amura Lab
Designer: Emanuel Gargano
Configuration: 421P
Model shown: Leather
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
18th Century French Walnut Sofa in Pierre Frey Fabric
Located in London, GB
Wonderful late 18th Century French walnut sofa.
This sofa sits on shapely cabriole legs ending
Category
Antique 18th Century French Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Antique Regency Mahogany framed sofa with Dodo head detail
Located in Malton, GB
never seen before. The gilt decoration on these and the shell detail on the back are all original and
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Fine 19th Century Carved Velvet Upholstered Sofa for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
three front legs and two back ones with carved shell motifs over pendant foliate decoration and ending
Category
Antique 19th Century Georgian Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Frau Italian leather sofa by Tito Agnoli, Poppy model
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Milano, IT
meticulously crafted to ensure maximum comfort, with side shells providing ample support for the seat and back
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Customizable Artifort 905 Sofa by Artifort Design Group
By Artifort
Located in New York, NY
chair/footstool. Finishing: chrome or powder coat. Shell: Wooden shell, covered with cold foam. Zig-zag
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile
Customizable Normann Copenhagen Era Sofa by Simon Legald
By Simon Legald, Normann Copenhagen
Located in New York, NY
, Camira Oceanic, Camira Yoredale and Sørensen Ultra Leather.
Shell: hard molded PU foam
Cushion: soft
Category
2010s Danish Sofas
Materials
Leather, Textile
Moonage Daydream Modular Sofa Black Timeless Leather and brushed brass
By Gio Pagani
Located in Milano, IT
Moonage daydream is a modular sofa. The configurations can be made by choosing from four elements
Category
2010s Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Materials
Leather
H 24.02 in W 145.67 in D 41.34 in
Gervasoni Loll Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
"EJ315" Two-Seater Sofa by Erik Ole Jørgensen, Denmark 1970s
By Erik Ole Jørgensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Utrecht, NL
seat and back are constructed with a tightly padded shell with perfectly proportioned cushions that
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Cassina 265_267 Mex 3-Seat Sofa Designed by Piero Lissoni
By Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(not visible) Wool removable cover: Ebonized oak support shell: with (3) seat sections/arm/back support
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Oak
Customizable Normann Copenhagen Swell Sofa 2 Seater by Jonas Wagell
By Normann Copenhagen, Jonas Wagell Design & Architecture
Located in New York, NY
Swell Sofa
Swell is a minimalistic collection of furniture for the living room with a playful
Category
2010s Danish Sofas
Materials
Textile
Fredericia by GamFratesi Two Tone Blue Fabric Haiku 2 Seater Sofa, 2018
By Fredericia, GamFratesi Design Studio
Located in London, GB
Haiku sofa is both contemporary and classic.
The sofa has a curved moulded foam shell which integrates
Category
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
H 29.53 in W 59.06 in D 36.23 in
Mid-Century Modern Farrah Sofa Cotton Velvet Wood Polished Brass Nails
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
, as is the Farrah Sofa for Ottiu’s designers. Inspired by Fawcett, Ottiu came up with this shell-like
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Sofas
Materials
Brass
H 39.38 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
Cassina by Le Corbusier Tan Leather LC3 Grand Confort 3-Seat Sofa
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in London, GB
shell.
The boxy silhouette allows for a deep comfortable seat with separate back, seat and arm cushions
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Leather
Tellus Sofa by Folke Jansson for SM Wincrantz, Sweden 1950s
By SM Wincrantz 1, Folke Jansson
Located in Utrecht, NL
honest treatment of materials. As such, this sofa has a welcoming, open design with a shell-like body and
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Gervasoni Loll 16 Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
quality of the materials and the uniqueness of the craftsmanship, such as the profile of the sofas
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 12 Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
quality of the materials and the uniqueness of the craftsmanship, such as the profile of the sofas
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 10 Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
quality of the materials and the uniqueness of the craftsmanship, such as the profile of the sofas
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 14 Sofa in White Linen Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
quality of the materials and the uniqueness of the craftsmanship, such as the profile of the sofas
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Mid Century Mark Goetz Three Seat Sofa for Herman Miller Sage Green
By Herman Miller, Mark Goetz Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This sofa color muted sage green/tan upholstery with a vertical texture and lighter wood shell that
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
Gervasoni Loll 11 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
H 30.71 in W 208.67 in D 120.08 in
Gervasoni Loll 4 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 6 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 7 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Gervasoni Loll 10 Modular Sofa in Munch Upholstery by Paola Navone
By Gervasoni, Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
with polyurethane foam shell is combined with large seat and back cushions made with a soft layer of
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
H 30.71 in W 192.92 in D 108.67 in
Svante Skogh Two-Seater Sofa for Ab Seffle Möbelfabrik, Sweden 1950s
By Svante Skogh
Located in Utrecht, NL
elegant and modern. The union of the shell-shaped body and the back legs’ structure define this model. The
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
Customizable Artifort 905 Sofa in leather by Artifort Design Group
By Artifort
Located in New York, NY
square 25x25mm. Beam: ditto chair/footstool. Finishing: chrome or powder coat. Shell: Wooden shell
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile
Mid 19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Gilt Carving Sprung Sofa Loveseat
Located in LONDON, GB
Very beautiful Swedish Antique Gustavian two- three-seat sofa loveseat intricately decorated with
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Materials
Birch
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 25.6 in
- 1
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Save "Shell Back Couches", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Shell Back Couches For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of shell back couches is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct shell back couches — often made from fabric, wood and metal — can elevate any home. Find 62 antique and vintage shell back couches at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 48 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Shell back couches have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. modern, mid-century modern and Baroque shell back couches are consistently popular styles. Gervasoni, Paola Navone and Alias each produced beautiful shell back couches that are worth considering.
How Much are Shell Back Couches?
Shell back couches can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $7,586, while the lowest priced sells for $575 and the highest can go for as much as $130,038.
Finding the Right seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Questions About Shell Back Couches
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A couch without a back is called by different names depending on the style. A recamier is a backless couch with a curved headrest and a low footrest. A divan is a low backless sofa with a thick tufted cushion and no arms. Shop a range of sofas and other seating on 1stDibs.
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