$3,608 / item
H 26.38 in W 43.21 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Ottoman by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Together with the armchair and sofa already featured in a Tacchini re-edition in 2015, the Sesann ottoman continues the story of a vision of contemporary living that invites you to a...
Leather, Fabric
$7,363 / item
H 26.38 in W 43.21 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Armchair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergono...
Leather, Fabric
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cozy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$9,472 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.18 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Leather, Fabric
$10,693 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
$3,480Sale Price|77% Off
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.01 in
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Sesann 180cm Sofa Mays Color 01 - Cat. M Frame T07 Painted Black Walnut T43 Feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs...
Fabric
$9,602 / item
H 26.38 in W 70.87 in D 37.1 in
Customizable Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric and chrome frame A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evo...
Leather, Fabric
$12,565Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with sof...
Fabric
$10,994Sale Price|30% Off
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.01 in
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Black chrome frame with Walnut feet upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft...
Textile
$20,980Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.01 in
Set of Two Tacchini Sesann Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
One NEW and one floor sample Black chrome frame with Walnut feet upholstered in ricinus 05 - cat v A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of ...
Textile
$6,323
H 26.38 in W 43.31 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Armchair in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Fabric
$10,770
H 26.38 in W 43.31 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Armchair in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Leather
$15,753
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa black leather by Gianfranco Frattini Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Leather
$11,890 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Fabric
$11,890
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Fabric
$15,754
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa in leather by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Leather
$11,890 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Fabric
$11,890 / item
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 38.19 in
Sesann - Sofa in fabric by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini W 240 cm (94.49 in)
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Tacchini Craftsmanship Reissued by Tacchini, Sesann embodies the brand’s dedication to preserving Italian design icons while updating them with contemporary quality standards.
Fabric
$24,500 / item
H 26.4 in W 94.5 in D 37 in
Gianfranco Frattini Sesann Sofa in Dedar Karakorum by Tacchini
By Tacchini
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Sesann sofa is a masterpiece of modern style and comfortable elegance.
Chrome
$11,285 / item
H 10.39 in W 41.08 in D 16.59 in
Customizable Tacchini Grand Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Grand Sesann thus becomes synonymous with peace and absolute rest, without losing the distinctive features of Gianfranco Frattini’s iconic project and the re-edition already presente...
Fabric, Leather, Textile
$4,074Sale Price|40% Off
H 26.37 in W 43.3 in D 37 in
Sesann Lounge Chair by Tacchini designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Carson, CA
The Sesann armchair designed by Frattini is an icon of 1970s Italian design, the absolute representation of softness, inviting one to give in to the beauty of the most authentic comf...
Chrome
$8,226
H 26.38 in W 42.52 in D 39.38 in
1970s Italian Cognac Leather & Chrome Sesann Lounge Armchair by Frattini Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original 1970s Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina upholstered in aniline cognac / camel colored calfskin leather. Gianfranco Frattini was born in Italy, in Padua, on 15...
Chrome
$8,227 / set
H 17.33 in Dm 24.02 in
Gianfranco Frattini Set of Four 780/783 Stacking Low Tables by Cassina 1960s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Among his best sellers, the 780/783 set of stacking tables for Cassina, the Sesann armchair for Tacchini, the Albero bookcase and the Kyoto table for Poltrona Frau.
Plastic, Laminate, Beech
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini.
Metal, Chrome
50% Allison Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
CUSTOMER OWN FABRIC - FRAME:TBD FEET: TBD A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feel...
Leather, Fabric
NEW Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Black Painted frame with Walnut feet upholstered in Dionea 02 Please ask for picture of the fabric! A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection o...
Fabric
50% deposit Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Chrome t24 frame Dionea 08 - uphosltered walnut feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that...
Fabric
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN Ricinius 05 frame: T09 CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feel...
Textile
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN - thesium 26 Matt black frame T07 Dark walnut feet T43 CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with sof...
Textile
Sold
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini with Black Chrome Frame in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
ONE IN STOCK _ AVAILABLE TO SEE IN NYC Bopha 01 (image attached), with a polished black chrome frame and walnut feet. A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is...
Fabric
Sold
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.01 in
Set of Two Tacchini Sesann Sofas Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN Ricinius 05 frame: T09 CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feel...
Textile
NEW Tacchini Leather Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Black Painted frame with Walnut feet upholstered in Analina Leather 02 cat.z BLACK FRAME A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and...
Leather
Sesann Leather Lounge Chair by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in Boston, MA
An icon of Italian design in the 1970s, the Sesann collection by Gianfranco Frattini was part of a new vision of contemporary living in which ergonomics were adapted to social change...
Chrome
Kristi Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
-fabric BOPHA, color 01. -base T23 chromed metal -feet T134 walnut Helsinki A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs wit...
Fabric
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth and sensuality, thanks to the...
Textile
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Sesann 180cm Sofa Karakorum by dedar: #007 ecume painted black frame t07 walnut feet t43 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of so...
Textile
JAMES 50% BALANCE Tacchini Sesann Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
50% balance SHIPPING WAS INCLUDED IN THE DEPOSIT for 2 SESANNS UPHOLSTERED IN RICINUS 01 CATEGORY SUPER LEATHER CHROME FRAME - T25 Matt Champagne Gold 240CM WIDE EACH FOR JAMES. A...
Leather, Fabric
Sold
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
extra shipping Kristi Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
-fabric BOPHA, color 01. -base T23 chromed metal -feet T134 walnut Helsinki A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs wit...
Fabric
50%BALANCE Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
Chrome t24 frame Dionea 08 - uphosltered walnut feet A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that...
Fabric
BALANCE 50% Allison Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
balance- buyer already paid for shipping with order- 124590232 CUSTOMER OWN FABRIC - FRAME:TBD FEET: TBD A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collect...
Leather, Fabric
Tacchini Sesann Sofa by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN - ricinus 04 CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with soft, cosy forms that evoke feelings of warmth ...
Textile
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in Stock
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN EXTRA Eremurus Cat. Extra Col. 05 Chromed structure: T23 Feet: T43 walnut CAL117 A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and ar...
Textile
Sold
H 26.38 in W 94.49 in D 37.1 in
JAMES 50% DEPOSIT Tacchini Sesann Sofas by Gianfranco Frattini with Chrome Frame
By Tacchini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
50% deposit for 2 SESANNS UPHOLSTERED IN RICINUS 01 CATEGORY SUPER LEATHER CHROME FRAME - T25 Matt Champagne Gold 240CM WIDE EACH FOR JAMES. A reissue of a historic design by Gianf...
Leather, Fabric
$2,360 / item
H 33.47 in W 17.72 in D 20.08 in
Giraffe dining Chair in Solid Brazilian Wood by Juliana Vasconcellos
By Juliana Lima Vasconcellos
Located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
The Giraffe dining chair was designed with soft curves and slender, but with volume, bringing comfort and elegance. The base structure was thought with three feet. The upholstered se...
Wood
$990 / item
H 18.5 in Dm 17.7 in
IDE Travertine Stone Side Table, 17.7Ø"x18.5"H - Accent, End Table, Coffee Table
Located in St Petersburg, US
IDE Table: a stunning piece that embodies the natural elegance of travertine stone. This table is crafted with precision and attention to detail, making it a unique addition to any ...
Travertine, Stone
$3,840 / item
H 37.8 in Dm 25.2 in
Joe 640 Tailored Minimal 20th Century Inspired Pendant Light by Wende Reid
By Wende Reid
Located in Chatswood, NSW
This Classic, tailored pendant light, inspired by the stitching on my father's Mark Cross cuff link box, is reminiscent of mid-century style and the early simplicity of Art Deco. Als...
Brass
$9,167 / item
H 21.66 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair Various Positions Nightstand in Walnut and Oak by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Inspired by his fascination with the aesthetic allure of interiors depicted in films and literature, Yaniv Chen endeavors to capture the essence of captivating spaces. Reflecting upo...
Oak, Walnut
Mamun Bedside (Dark Brown/Dusty Blue)
Located in Singapore, SG
Mamun, which translates to trustworthy in Arabic, was designed by Studio Kallang in 2021 as a playful take on both midcentury and brutalist forms. Designer Faezah Shaharuddin intende...
Teak
"Marchand" Scalloped Oak Nighstand by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Marchand nightstand features elegantly scalloped edge detailing and textural door fronts, creating a standout design for any bedroom. Designed for convenience, it includes a pull...
Oak
LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available In patinated unlacquerd brass or aged silver and steel with (1) E26 m...
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
$14,600 / set
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" Sofa for B&B Italia, Wool Bouclé, 1970, Set of 3
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini "Camaleonda" modular sofa for B&B Italia, ivory wool bouclé, Italy, 1970, three elements. "Camaleonda" is an icon, rediscovered. It was one of the truly modular sofa ...
Bouclé, Plastic
Sold|$18,372
H 32.49 in W 83.08 in D 44.49 in
FINE GEORGE SMITH HOWARD SiGNATURE SCROLL ARM SOFA MULBERRY FLYING DUCKS VELVET
By Mulberry, George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this brand new, George Smith Signature Scroll Arm large sofa with feather filled back and base cushions upho...
Upholstery, Beech, Oak
$3,360 / item
H 28.15 in W 27.37 in D 31.5 in
Customizable Modern Accent Armchair Toledo, Solid wood, Wicker and upholstery.
By Comité de Proyectos
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
This distinctive armchair can add boldness to your living room. The soft, big-cushioned seat makes it very comfortable and the small leather cushion perfectly supports the lower back...
Fabric, Wicker, Hardwood
$1,550 / item
H 5 in W 5 in D 5.25 in
Alice Flushmount or Sconce in Brass with Hand Blown Sandblasted Glass Cube
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alice collection is inspired by brutalist modular architecture. The textured hand blown glass cubes are sandblasted to create a soft glow. Available in satin brass or matte black...
Brass
$12,327 / item
H 43.31 in W 82.68 in D 55.12 in
Brass and Alabaster Three Globes Mobile Chandelier by Glustin Luminaires
By Glustin Creation
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Mobile kinetic chandelier made of three patinated brass arms of light each holding different sized alabaster globes and counterweight to ensure the balance of the piece. Original ...
Alabaster, Brass
$2,825 / item
H 7 in Dm 18 in
Leather Pendant Light in Berry, Capa, Talabartero Collection Saddle Lamp
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
The lamps in this collection are inspired by Colombia’s equestrian heritage, layered with a jewel-toned color palette that takes inspiration from the works of Colombian artist Fernan...
Brass
$3,990 / item
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.14 in
Mustard Velvet Daybed with V-Shaped Beechwood Base, Model V
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DD V daybed is an exclusive daybed made by hand in Bosnia and Herzegovina by skilled craftsmen with long experience in wood and upholstery. Both frame and the characteristic V-shaped...
Fabric, Beech, Velvet
$2,091 / set
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
French Pair of Nightstands Side Cabinets Bedside Tables Brutalist Style, 2022
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of oak nightstands "Pyrénées" signed by Sébastien Lamarre. This french side cabinets were made by Sébastien Lamarre for Maison Marie Anne. The creator chose for the Pyrénées mo...
Oak
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique 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. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. 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.