What is a curved back sofa?

Curved back sofas are also known as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. Curved sofas are highly coveted as comfortable seating as well as for being a unique seating option. Shop a wide selection of curved back sofas on 1stDibs.

What is a split back sofa?

A split back sofa is a sofa which features a back that is made up of two separate panels. These panels can be reclined and adjusted separately from one another, allowing for customizable comfort. On 1stDibs, find a range of split back sofas.

What is a Bow back sofa?

A bow back sofa is a sofa which has a back that bows upward, forming a graceful curve that peaks at the center of the bench and tapers down to the arms. Chairs can also have a bow back design. Browse a collection of bow back furniture from top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between high-back and low-back sofas?

The difference between high-back and low-back sofas is that the former has a taller backrest than the latter. Some people, especially tall men and women, feel that a high-back sofa is more comfortable because the taller back offers more support for the shoulders and neck. Low-back sofas are popular picks for open-plan interiors, as they allow sightlines to be maintained across a space. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of high-back and low-back sofas.

What is a sofa without a back called?

What a sofa without a back is called depends on its style. A divan is a casual, low backless sofa, often clad in fabric and tufted. More formal backless sofas, usually framed by scrolled arms, are recamiers. Find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas on 1stDibs.

Sway Back Sofa

Recent Sales

Gorgeous Sway Back Sofa with Exposed Mahogany Frame Attributed to Paul McCobb

Sold

H 30 in W 90 in D 30 in

Gorgeous Sway Back Sofa with Exposed Mahogany Frame Attributed to Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber, Milo Baughman

Located in New York, NY

Gorgeous sway nack sofa with exposed mahogany frame attributed to Paul McCobb. Very well made, sturdy, and comfortable. Fully restored in a soft grey velvet. Refine Limited is a cur...

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany

Vintage Chesterfield Tufted Leather Sofa

Sold

H 36 in W 96 in D 33 in

Vintage Chesterfield Tufted Leather Sofa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 1970s vintage Hollywood Regency-style chesterfield sofa features a uniquely shaped swayed seat back.

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

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Finding the Right Sofas for You

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.

Questions About Sway Back Sofa

What is a curved back sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Curved back sofas are also known as conversation sofas or crescent sofas. Curved sofas are highly coveted as comfortable seating as well as for being a unique seating option. Shop a wide selection of curved back sofas on 1stDibs.
What is a split back sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A split back sofa is a sofa which features a back that is made up of two separate panels. These panels can be reclined and adjusted separately from one another, allowing for customizable comfort. On 1stDibs, find a range of split back sofas.
What is a Bow back sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A bow back sofa is a sofa which has a back that bows upward, forming a graceful curve that peaks at the center of the bench and tapers down to the arms. Chairs can also have a bow back design. Browse a collection of bow back furniture from top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between high-back and low-back sofas?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between high-back and low-back sofas is that the former has a taller backrest than the latter. Some people, especially tall men and women, feel that a high-back sofa is more comfortable because the taller back offers more support for the shoulders and neck. Low-back sofas are popular picks for open-plan interiors, as they allow sightlines to be maintained across a space. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of high-back and low-back sofas.
What is a sofa without a back called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
What a sofa without a back is called depends on its style. A divan is a casual, low backless sofa, often clad in fabric and tufted. More formal backless sofas, usually framed by scrolled arms, are recamiers. Find a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas on 1stDibs.

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