$20,445
H 41.74 in W 80.91 in D 30.71 in
RARE LION HEAD HAND CARVED ANTiQUE VICTORIAN CHESTERFIELD OXBLOOD LEATHER SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Georgian English style, Victorian Chesterfield Oxblood leather sofa with hand carved Lion's heads to the
Leather, Wood
$11,100Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 32 in W 71 in D 29 in
Victorian Down Chinoiserie Carved Wood Claw Rattan Cane Sofa Chairs , Set of 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
comfortable and packed with personality!! Just look at the gorgeous hand carved wood and caning details on
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
$2,500
H 33 in W 48 in D 27 in
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa. Item features
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Hand Carved Indian Folding Table
Located in London, GB
19th Century Hand Carved Indian Folding Table A larger than usual example of a turn of the
Wood
French Fabric with Wood Sofa Victorian
Located in Cookeville, TN
sofa which has detailed carved wood trim. Graceful curves make up the back and sides which sit atop a
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable
H 45.28 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in
19th Century Italian Sofa with Carved Wood Legs and Original Upholstery, 1890s
Located in Florence, IT
19th century Italian sofa with carved wood legs and original upholstery, 1890s.
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable
H 40.56 in W 96.07 in D 40.95 in
Classic Victorian Sofa in Walnut Wood and Patinated Gold Leaf
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Get comfortable and feel luxurious on this voluptuous silk velvet three seater sofa. The sofa is
Gold Leaf
Unavailable
H 41.34 in W 74.81 in D 21.26 in
19th Century French Carved Oak Wood Sofa with Upholstered Seat and Back, 1890s
Located in Florence, IT
19th century French carved oak wood sofa with upholstered seat and back, 1890s.
Fabric, Wood
Emerald Victorian Three Seater Sofa by Modenese Gastone
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Novelty Italian sofa sets in classic victorian style, this luxurious three seater sofa, upholstered
Marble, Gold Leaf
Unavailable
H 47.25 in W 64.18 in D 32.68 in
Italian Three-Seat Deluxe Sofa in Top Quality Massive Wood with Gold Leaf Decor
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
carved and gilded by our experienced artisans. The overall sofa is fully upholstered with silk blended
Gold Leaf
Three Seater Deluxe Sofa by Modenese
By Modenese Gastone
Located in PADOVA, Italy
decorated in walnut finish and gold leaf hand painted details. Wood is gently carved by Modenese artisans
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Carved Wood Sofa with Original Fabric
Located in Florence, IT
19th century French carved wood sofa with original fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Unavailable
H 39.38 in W 53.15 in D 29.53 in
19th Century French Carved Mahogany Wood Capitonné Sofa, 1890s
Located in Florence, IT
19th century French carved mahogany wood capitonné sofa with wheels, 1890s.
Fabric, Mahogany
Unavailable
H 40.56 in W 66.93 in D 26.78 in
19th Century French Ebonized Carved Wood Sofa with Original Upholstery, 1890s
Located in Florence, IT
19th century French ebonized carved wood sofa with original brocade upholstery, 1890s.
Brocade, Wood
19th Century Victorian Carved Wood Sofas in Striped Silk, a Pair
Located in New York, NY
These two sofas were made in the 19th century. They are of the Victorian era. The design consists
Silk, Wood
Antique Victorian Style Carved Ornate Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian Style Carved Ornate Sofa This antique Victorian-style sofa features a
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Large Victorian Carved Mahogany & Velvet Sofa, Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique oversized Victorian sofa offers mahogany frame with foliate carved crest, scroll form
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 40 in W 64.5 in L 40 in
Antique Victorian Carved Walnut & Velvet Medallion Back Sofa, Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Victorian sofa offers carved walnut frame in medallion and curved back form with foliate
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 51.5 in W 73 in D 28 in
1800's Antique Victorian, Ornately Carved, Floral, Upholstered Parlor Sofa!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Parlor Sofa, Victorian, Ornately Carved, Floral, Upholstered, 1800's, 19th
Fabric, Wood
1800s Antique Victorian, Transitional, Newly Upholstered Sofa
Located in Austin, TX
!! Nice transitional Victorian sofa newly upholstered with rose carved back and burled front in nice
Wood
Antique Renaissance Revival Jelliffe School Carved & Inlaid Walnut Sofa
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Renaissance Revival Jelliffe School triptych sofa features carved frame with segmented back
Upholstery, Wood
Arts and Crafts Oak Settle Hand Carved Hall Bench Chest
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous Victorian hand carved oak settle or hall bench We date this piece to circa 1890 The carved
Wood
Antique Victorian Carved Settee / Loveseat / Sofa with Tufted Back
Located in Wilmington, DE
Antique Victorian carved settee/loveseat/sofa. Offered is a nice Antique Victorian carved settee
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 44 in W 72 in D 29 in
Antique Victorian Carved Medallion Back Sofa with 2 Side Chairs Parlor Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian carved medallion back sofa with 2 side chairs newly upholstered in a plush
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 52 in W 82 in D 27 in
20th C, Vintage Victorian Style, Carved, Eagle, Pink, Sofa, Arm Chair, Set of 3
Located in Austin, TX
, 20th Century, 1900's!! A Victorian Style sofa with an ornate carved wood eagle on the back
Wood, Fabric
Sold
H 37 in W 82 in D 35 in
Antique French Victorian Walnut Tufted Back Bergere Sofa Newly Upholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian French Walnut Carved Tufted Back Bergere Parlor Sofa Newly Upholstered in High
Mohair, Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Antique Conversation 3 Person Victorian Chair Petite Sofa With Carved Legs
By Modern Georgian
Located in Bensalem, PA
A rare and impressive 19th century 3 person conversation lobby sofa with carved mahogany legs that
Upholstery, Wood
Late Victorian carved walnut sofa
Located in Miami, FL
Late Victorian carved walnut sofa.
Wood
Sold
H 42.52 in W 52.37 in D 25.6 in
19th Century French Black Lacquered Carved Wood Reupholstered Sofa, 1890s
Located in Florence, IT
19th century French black lacquered carved wood reupholstered sofa, 1890s.
Fabric, Wood
Victorian style curved sofa
Located in Corona del Mar, CA
Unique curved sofa, circa 1900. Sofa has three separate cushions with original fabric and horse
Wood
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$4,781
H 49.81 in W 59.85 in D 85.44 in
EXQUISITELY CARVED ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN CIRCA 1880 FLAMED HARDWOOD DOUBLE BED FRAME
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime quality, hand carved Honduras Mahogany double bed frame Please note the delivery fe...
Hardwood
$33,950Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.25 in W 24 in D 23 in
Four French Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Carved & Chinoiserie Bergeres, Jansen Attr.
By Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Rare Assembled Set of Four French Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Carved and Japanned-Chinoiserie Lacquer Decorated Bergers Armchairs, attributed to Maison Jansen (House of Janse...
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
$1,954
H 27.96 in W 53.94 in D 25.6 in
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Da...
Velvet, Oak
$19,087
H 40.56 in W 108.27 in D 29.53 in
Giltwood "Confidente" Large Sofa in the Louis XV Style made by La Maison London
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
An elegant and impressive large Louis XV style confidante sofa which has been hand carved and gilded using traditional methods and materials to achieve an authentic period finish. Th...
Wood, Giltwood
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 72 in W 96 in D 0.5 in
Antique Japanese Ebonized & Gilt Chinoiserie Decorated Six-Panel Screen c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Japanese Chinoiserie screen offers six ebonized and gilt decorated panels with a continuous village genre scene with figures and en verso garden scene, c1920 Measures - 72...
Wood
Circa 1880 Italian Large Gilt wood LXV Style Confidente Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
A rare antique find from Tuscany Italy. This 'Confidante' sofa, circa 1880, is in beautiful condition. The large frame is finely carved in the LXV style, with its original water gild...
Gold, Gold Leaf
$3,650
H 23.5 in W 18.75 in D 18.75 in
Antique Middle Eastern Arabesque Style Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Middle Eastern, Moroccan or Moorish Arabesque style octagonal side table. This beautiful table has a great pattern with alternating intricately inlaid mixed woods and mother-...
Wood
Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This extraordinary concert grand piano with 88 keys was made by the prestigious firm Steinway & Sons around 1894. The case's decoration was entrusted to the company Cuel & Cie and mo...
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Rococo Walnut Salon Sofas
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of large-scale Italian Rococo salon sofas carved in walnut. Each sofa features a continuous serpentine crest rail with symmetrical rocaille carving centered by a shell motif. Sc...
Walnut
Antique Hand Carved Moorish Style Octagon Side Table Tabouret.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Hand Carved Moorish Style Octagon Side Table Tabouret. This octagonal hardwood Tabouret is hand carved with leaf and pierced designs created with brilliant intricacy. The to...
Hardwood
$3,500
H 39 in W 69 in D 25 in
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Figural Carved Mahogany Recamier Gold Chaise Lounge Sofa. Item features a carved face to lower crest ands further carved wooden frame throughout raised on paw...
Fabric, Mahogany
Enormous, circa 1930, Crystal Pagoda Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable, grand, crystal and hand-beaded, Sicilian pagoda chandelier featuring protruding turrets and a tiered upper level embellished with cascading, floral form drops. From the f...
Crystal, Metal
$115,855 / set
H 7.09 in Dm 7.09 in
Fine Important Lady De Rothschild Hermes Paris Farming Wicker Chrome Picnic Set
By Hermès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this once in a lifetime opportunity to own this custom made suite of Hermes Paris “Farming” picnic equipment, Barenia Edition to include a pair of ...
Chrome
$25,950
H 32.29 in W 80.71 in D 35.44 in
19th Century Pair of Antique Sofas in the Manner of Howard and Sons
Located in Miami, FL
This sofas have high sides and back which is cosy in front of a fire or anywhere. The high sides are sprung and have built in down cushions. This makes them supremely comfortable if ...
Fabric, Walnut
English Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Needlepoint Sofa, Circa 1750
By Joseph Aronson
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chinese Chippendale mahogany sofa with carved corner fret works, serpentine back, scrolled arms, and terminating on squared legs with connecting stretchers. Mid-18th century....
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.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.