Velvet Camel Back Sofa
2010s American Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Steel
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Settees
Velvet
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Minimalist Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Console Tables
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
2010s British Minimalist Wall Lights and Sconces
Wood, Oak, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Anglo-Japanese Table Lamps
Metal
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Aluminum, Iron
Vintage 1980s Swedish Post-Modern Tables
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Chrome
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s English Chippendale Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Mahogany, Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century English Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany, Down
Mid-20th Century French Sofas
Metal
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Antique Early 1700s English Queen Anne Sofas
Wool, Silk, Velvet, Oak
20th Century British Chippendale Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century European Regency Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas
Mohair
20th Century American George III Sofas
Velvet, Rattan, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century British Regency Settees
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Canapes
Velvet, Walnut
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Wool, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany, Down
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Wood, Walnut, Textile, Velvet
Vintage 1930s American Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Sofas
Antique 19th Century American Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century American Sofas
Vintage 1950s Unknown Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
20th Century American Sofas
Antique 19th Century Loveseats
Early 20th Century Settees
Vintage 1970s American Modern Sofas
Chrome
Early 20th Century English Baroque Revival Sofas
Wood
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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