Small Camel Back Sofa
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Aluminum, Steel, Cut Steel, Metal
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1970s French Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Foam, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Chaise Longues
Steel
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century French Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sofa Tables
Cedar
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Cabinets
Brass
Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Polyester, Wood, Walnut, Lacquer, Foam, Teak
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Recent Sales
Antique 1790s English Chippendale Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Walnut
20th Century American George III Sofas
Velvet, Rattan, Walnut
20th Century English Country Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century French Sofas
Beech
Vintage 1970s George III Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany, Feathers
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Vintage 1970s Unknown Chinese Chippendale Loveseats
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Settees
Leather
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 18th Century English Sofas
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Chippendale Sofas
Vintage 1940s English Sofas
Mahogany, Fabric, Upholstery
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Sofas
Mahogany
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.
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