Victorian Curved Sofa
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Sofas
Beech
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Wood
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Fabric, Upholstery, Cane, Beech
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Wood
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Wood
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Mahogany
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Victorian Curved Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Victorian Curved Sofa?
Finding the Right Sofas for You
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.
- What is a curved sofa called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A curved sofa can be called many different things. Common names include arc sofa, arch sofa, crescent sofa and conversation sofa. You can shop a large selection of antique and vintage sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a curved back sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Curved 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 Victorian sofa called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A settee is the name given to long couches from the 17th century that were similar to the modern sofa but often much more elaborate than functional. Victorian furniture featured ornate carvings, heavy and luxurious fabrics and dark hardwoods. Shop a range of antique and vintage sofas and settees on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To identify a Victorian sofa, examine its details. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. Growing out of the earlier Gothic and Louis XV styles, it came into its own in the mid-1800s, during the reign of Queen Victoria in England. Sofas produced during the Victorian period frequently have curving lines, such as arched backrests and rolled arms. Rich, often exotic woods typically frame the upholstery, and you can expect pieces made during the era to have intricate touches, such as button-tufted detailing and turned legs. If you need assistance dating your sofa, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can be of assistance. Shop a collection of Victorian sofas on 1stDibs.
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