Question 1

What is a finial in architecture?

Accepted Answer

A finial is a decorative feature that accentuates the top or end of a piece of furniture. It is used in architecture to draw attention to the top of a spire, tower, dome, roof, or other conspicuous elements of a building. You can find a range of antique architectural finials on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Why is it called a sofa?

Accepted Answer

Why it is called a sofa is due to the history of the term. Sofa originated from the Arabic word soffa, which describes a low seat covered with plush pillows. French makers began producing their own versions of these furnishings in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, they had spread to other areas in Europe and were being referred to as sofas. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a Dune sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Dune sofa is not a particular type of sofa. Instead, it is a style name that several furniture makers have given to pieces they have produced. Among these makers are Nor11, Maiden Home and Ralph Pucci. You may also see the word “dune” used to indicate the color of a sofa. In this context, the term likely refers to a sandy beige shade.Mid-century modern furniture and Space Age design enthusiasts know French designer Pierre Paulin for his low-slung Dune seating collection, which is a favorite of musician Frank Ocean. Paulin’s Dune series features four different interchangeable modules for a custom arrangement.On 1stDibs, find a large selection of sofas.

Question 4

What is the most comfortable sofa?

Accepted Answer

The most comfortable sofa is a personal choice and will depend upon the sofa seat’s depth and height, filling and upholstery, back height and the back-pitch angle to recline or not to recline. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Today, options abound when it comes to style, material and comfort. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern sofas.

Question 5

What is a sofa plinth?

Accepted Answer

A sofa plinth is a low base or pedestal that a sofa rests on. It borrows its name from a platform used to support an arch in classical architecture. People also call statue bases plinths. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage sofas.

Question 6

What is a sofa suite?

Accepted Answer

Also known as living room suites or a three-piece suite, sofa suites are usually sofas with two matching chairs. On 1stDibs you will find a variety of options for antique, new and vintage sofa suites.

Question 7

What is a sofa armchair?

Accepted Answer

A sofa armchair is a type of armchair. Specifically, the term describes an armchair with thick cushions on its backrest and seat and a deep frame that provides plenty of space for the user to settle in and relax. As a result, it offers the comfort typically associated with a sofa in a single-seat design, which is how this type of accent chair gets its name. Find a large selection of armchairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a serpentine sofa?

Accepted Answer

A serpentine sofa is an upholstered seating solution with a curvy shape reminiscent of the letter “S.” Vladimir Kagan designed the piece of furniture in 1950, and it has since become one of the best-known couches of the mid-century period. On 1stDibs, find a range of serpentine sofas.

Question 9

What is a tufted sofa?

Accepted Answer

In a tufted sofa, the upholstery fabric is tightly pulled and folded into a geometric pattern and secured by buttons. The cushions on a tufted sofa remain plump and quite comfortable over time. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tufted sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

When was the sofa invented?

Accepted Answer

No one knows for sure when the first sofa was invented. However, ancient versions of the furniture date back to 2000 B.C. in Egypt. Generally, Jay Wellingdon Couch receives credit for inventing the modern sofa in 1895. People even use his surname, Couch, as another name for the sofa. Explore a large selection of couches on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is a sofa a chair?

Accepted Answer

By the strictest definition, a sofa is not a chair. Generally, a chair is a seating solution for one person. Since a sofa seats more than one person at a time, it usually isn't considered a chair. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs and sofas.

Question 12

What is a recamier sofa?

Accepted Answer

A recamier sofa is a type of couch that features a high curved headrest and a low footrest. This type of sofa is sometimes backless that can be kept flat across the wall. A recamier sofa looks great in a living room, bedroom, study or elsewhere in your home. Shop a range of antique and vintage recamier sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is a Sheraton sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Sheraton sofa refers to a specific neo-classical English furniture style that features round tapered legs with contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style grew in popularity in the late 18th century and remains to be a home-décor favorite for its classic style. Shop a selection of authentic Sheraton pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is a modular sofa?

Accepted Answer

A modular sofa is an upholstered seating solution meant to accommodate two or more people. Unlike standard sofas, modular designs feature multiple individual pieces that you can mix, match and arrange into different shapes and configurations. You will sometimes see them called sectional sofas. Find a range of modular sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is a studio sofa?

Accepted Answer

A studio sofa is similar to a futon in that it’s multifunctional. Studio sofas can be converted into a double bed by flattening out the frame.

Question 16

What is an Empire sofa?

Accepted Answer

The Empire movement in design started in the 19th century and is characterized by straight lines in rigid symmetrical compositions. Empire sofas, and furniture specifically, are part of the French neoclassical style. Shop a collection of Empire sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is an Italian sofa?

Accepted Answer

An Italian sofa is a sofa manufactured in Italy or produced by an Italian furniture maker. Some well-known Italian furniture brands include B&B Italia, Cassina, Mario Bellini, Alias and Afra & Tobia Scarpa. Keep in mind that an Italian sofa is different from an Italian leather sofa. Italian leather is a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather produced in Italy. High-end furniture makers from all over the world use Italian leather as upholstery. Therefore, a sofa with this name may have been manufactured in Italy or elsewhere. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is a chaise on a sofa?

Accepted Answer

A chaise, also known as a chaise longue (or, as it is sometimes spelled in the United States, a “chaise lounge”), is a long, upholstered sofa in the shape of a chair that can be used to prop one's legs upon. The name "chaise" refers to any long, reclining chair in modern French interior design, and the English translation is "long chair."

Question 19

What is a Knoll Sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a Chesterfield sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Chesterfield sofa is a couch with rolled arms that are as tall as the back of the sofa. They always feature deep button tufting everywhere, including the cushion.

Sofa With Finials

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Recent Sales

21st Century and Contemporary Sofas

1990s English Sofas

Early 20th Century Sofas

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Sofas

20th Century Italian Sofas

20th Century American Sofas

Vintage 1930s Unknown Charles II Sofas

Antique 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Sofas

Antique 19th Century Jugendstil Settees

Late 20th Century Italian Regency Revival Furniture

1990s American Modern Sofas

20th Century French Sofas

Vintage 1980s American Other Sofas

Vintage 1940s French Loveseats

Vintage 1940s Sofas

Vintage 1960s Italian Sofa Tables

20th Century Belgian Sofas

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Sofas

20th Century Sofas

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

American Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Vintage 1970s French Canapes

Vintage 1960s Italian Daybeds

People Also Browsed

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames

2010s English Folk Art Side Tables

2010s American Floor Lamps

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pen...

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces

21st Century and Contemporary American Club Chairs

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Fireplaces and Mantels

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Antique 1890s English Sofas

21st Century and Contemporary Sofas

Sofa With Finials For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are Sofa With Finials?

Finding the Right Sofas for You

Read More

How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

More Ways To Browse