Vintage Parker Sofa
1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Fabric, Walnut
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1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century Vintage Parker Sofa
Glass
Early 20th Century English Hepplewhite Vintage Parker Sofa
Ash, Elm
1930s American Vintage Parker Sofa
Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Vintage Parker Sofa
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Upholstery, Maple, Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Aluminum, Chrome
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Rosewood, Walnut
Early 20th Century Renaissance Vintage Parker Sofa
Walnut
1950s Vintage Parker Sofa
Rattan
1960s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Parker Sofa
Oak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Chrome
1880s English Victorian Vintage Parker Sofa
Hardwood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Hide, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Oak
Recent Sales
20th Century Vintage Parker Sofa
Late 20th Century North American Regency Vintage Parker Sofa
Velvet
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Velvet
1950s British Vintage Parker Sofa
Mahogany, Mohair
1980s British Country Vintage Parker Sofa
Textile
1980s British Country Vintage Parker Sofa
Textile
Late 20th Century British Vintage Parker Sofa
Velvet
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Parker Sofa
Fabric, Oak
1960s Australian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Teak
1950s American Modern Vintage Parker Sofa
Upholstery, Walnut
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Where Parker Knoll sofas are made has changed over time. In 2016, the luxury furniture maker moved its factory to Castlewood, Nottinghamshire. Prior to the relocation, the company produced most of its pieces in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Parker Knoll sofas from some of the world's top sellers.
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