Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish four-seater sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with
Wool, Oak
GE-236/3 Sofa in Teak by Hans J. Wegner 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-236 / 3 sofa in solid teak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama in 1960s
Teak
Hans J. wegner GE-236/4 Sofa Getama Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
In very good vintage condition, ready for use.
Fabric, Oak
GE-236/4 in Teak by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Model GE-236 / 4 sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955 for Getama Denmark. Made in solid teak
Fabric, Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 92 in D 32 in
Mid century Hans Wegner Sofa GE-236/4 GETAMA Solid Oak Frame
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish Four-seat sofa model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
$4,860
H 30.72 in W 92.92 in D 31.5 in
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa For Getama. model 236/4 Made in Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
,, original ink stamp GETAMA ,hans wegner Classic Modernist Design,, Frame in solid teak. Model 236/4
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Danish Oak GE-236 Sofa by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vancouver, BC
Recently reupholstered in a warm grey fabric, this solid oak iconic model GE-236 sofa by Hans
Oak
Oak GE-236 Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak mid-century "GE-236" sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama circa 1960's. Much loved Danish four seat
Fabric, Oak
Unavailable
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 93.31 in
Hans Wegner 1960s GE 236 Model Sofa in rosewood and Grey Kwadrat Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Milan, IT
A Hans Wegner classic sofa GE 236 model in rosewood and grey Kwadrat fabric. Produced by Getama
Midcentury Hans J Wegner GE-236/4 Oak Sofa by GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Malmo, SE
A midcentury four-seat sofa by Danish designer Hans J Wegner. The sofa was designed in 1953 and
Oak
Unavailable
H 30.71 in W 92.92 in D 31.5 in
Hans J Wegner GE 236-4 Oak Four Seat Sofa by GETAMA, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Malmo, SE
A midcentury oak sofa designed by Hans J Wegner in the 1950s. The sofa has its original cushions
Bouclé, Oak
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 94.49 in D 29.53 in
Danish Model 236/4 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Vendor Reference Number
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Middelfart, Fyn
An great sofa designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Gedsted. This sofa's versatility made it to one of
Wool, Teak
Unavailable
H 28 in W 82 in D 31 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak & Leather Sofa GE 236/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak & leather Danish sofa, model GE 236/3 by Hans Wegner for Getama, circa 1960's. Three seat sofa
Leather, Oak
Unavailable
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Three-Seat Teak-Framed Sofa, Model GE-236, by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans Welling
Located in Vienna, AT
Hans Wegner designed this comfortable three-seat sofa, model GE-236, for GETAMA in the mid-1950s
Teak
Hans Wegner GE 236 Green Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handsome four place sofa designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA. Newly upholstered in period
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
vintage 1950s Danish four-seat sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid oak
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/3
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1950s Danish three-seat sofa, model GE236/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa original upholstered Epeda cushions with "Hestedække" wool. Frame
Oak, Wool
Hans J Wegner Ge 236/3 Sofa in Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Portland, OR
Classic Mid-Century Modern sofa by Hans J. Wegner in oak. GETAMA model 236/3. Reupholstered in
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with Halligdal wool from Kvadrat Frame in solid
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/3, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful 1950s Danish three-seat sofa, model GE236/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Produced by Getama, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Hans Wegner sofa model GE-236/3 produced by Getama in Denmark.
Oak
GE 236/4 - 4-seater sofa by Hans J. Wegner / Getama
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GE 236/4 - 4-seater sofa with frame in patinated oak and cushions in grey/brown textile. Hans J
Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model GE 236/4 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236/4 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model Ge 236/4 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236/4 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
Three-Seater Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Hans J. Wegner, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
Triple sofa, model GE-236/3, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Getama in the 1960s
Wool, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4 Wool and Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa upholstered with light wool. Frame in massive teak. Model 236/4
Teak
GE-236 Three-Seat Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Asaa, DK
GE-236 three-seat sofa by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Minimalist
Teak
Pair of GE-236/3 Sofas in Oak by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of GE-236 / 3 sofas in solid oak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama
Fabric, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4 Divina Wool and Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with 100 % New Zealand Divinia wool. Original Epeda
Oak, Wool
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4 Divina Wool and Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with 100 % New Zealand Divinia wool. Original Epeda
Oak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 83.47 in D 27.56 in
Three-Seat Sofa, Model GE-236/3, Designed by Hans J. Wegner, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
Three-seat sofa, model GE-236/3, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by GETAMA in the 1960s
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 30 in W 82 in D 32 in
Midcentury Hans Wegner Sofa GE-236/3 GETAMA Solid Oak Brown Wool Upholstery
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa model GE236/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer
Wood, Oak, Upholstery
Sold
H 30.71 in W 83.47 in D 31.89 in
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa, model 236/3 black leather and black oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa original upholstered with black leather. Frame in solid black oak
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 94.49 in D 29.14 in
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model 236/4 Divina Wool and Smoked Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with 100 % New Zealand Divinia wool. Original Epeda
Oak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 94.49 in D 31.5 in
Hans J. Wegner Sofa GE 236 / 4 of Oak with Original Green Wool by GETAMA, 1970s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) 4-seater sofa GE 236 / 4. This sofa is manufactured in the 1970s of
Wool, Oak
GE 236/3 Sofa in Oak by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GE 236/3, 3-seat sofa in patinated oak and with cushions in light textile. Maker GETAMA.
Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 81.5 in D 32 in
Rare Midcentury Sofa Designed by Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE 236, circa 1960
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare midcentury sofa designed by Hans Wegner Sofa, Model GE 236, circa 1960. Solid oak construction
Hans Wegner 3 Seat Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Getama GE-236 by Hans Wegner, recovered in grey with walnut stained frame.
Wood, Upholstery
Arden Riddle Lounge Chair and Ottoman Studio Craft, 1979
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
resembles Hans Wegner's classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in 1954. The chair is in excellent
Walnut
Arden Riddle Handcrafted Black Walnut Settee, 1971
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
walnut. The profile of this settee resembles Hans Wegner's Classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in
Arden Riddle High Back Lounge Chair Studio Crafted, 1988
By Arden Riddle
Located in Camden, ME
resembles Hans Wegner's classic GE 236 couch which Wegner designed in 1954. For his back support instead of
Walnut
Pair of Arden Riddle Studio Black Walnut Settees 1968
Located in Camden, ME
236 couch which Wegner designed in 1954. Unlike George Nakashima's use of spindles in his black
Hans Wegner for GETAMA Sofa 236/4
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. Wegner's unique slat back design pairs wonderfully with the piece's straight lines, vintage fabric and
Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
vintage 1950s Danish four-seat sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, solid oak
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model GE-236 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model GE-236 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28 in W 83 in D 30 in
Midcentury Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-236/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa rare model GE-236/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 32.25 in W 93.5 in D 30.5 in
Hans Wegner Four-Seat Sofa Model GE-236/4 in Oak and Beige Wool for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Hans Wegner four seat sofa model GE236/4 designed by Wegner for GETAMA in 1955 and likely
Wool, Oak
Model 236/3 Sofa - Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Bridport, CT
Model GE 236/3 three-seater sofa by Hans Wegner, Getama, Denmark. Beautiful original fabric.
Hans Wegner GE-236/4 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1950s Hans Wegner Four-Seater Sofa by Getama This Danish sofa is in like-new condition. We
Teak
Hans Wegner "Ge-236" Three Seat Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Shibuya City, JP
back when sitting deeply. Working in collaboration with GETAMA, Wegner created numerous designs for
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GE-236/4 Sofa for Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New London, CT
A wonderful sofa designed by Hans Wegner for Getama Gedsted. This particular example is the hard to
Teak, Upholstery
Mid-Century GE-236 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Mid-Century GE 236 three-seater sofa by Hans J. Wegner. The GE-236 has a solid oak frame and loose
Oak, Wool
Danish GE 236-3 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1959
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Teak, Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner GE-236 Oak, Danish Midcentury, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful sofa designed by Hans Jørgen Wegner for GETAMA Gedsted, the sofa is made in oak, with
Oak
Hans Wegner GE 236 Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE 236 sofa designed in 1954 and produced by GETAMA. We have some more that needs
Fabric, Oak
Danish GE-236-3 Three-Seat Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Teak, Upholstery
Vintage Danish Model Ge-236-3 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner, 1959
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hans Wegner believed furniture should be beautiful from every angle and the GE-236 is fine example
Oak, Wool
Three-Seat Oak-Framed Sofa, Model GE-236, by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this comfortable three-seat sofa, model GE-236, for GETAMA in the mid-1950s
Oak, Upholstery
Hans J. Wegner Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner Sofa model GE 236/3 Three seater sofa with frame of solid oak. Loose cushions in
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GE 236 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE 236 Sofa produced by Getama. Wood is Afromosia.
Fabric, Teak
Hans Wegner GE-236 Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-236 Sofa. Designed in 1954. Produced by Getama.
Fabric, Oak
Vintage Danish Teak GE-236 Sofa by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Vintage teak GE-236 sofa by Hans Wegner. Made by GETAMA in end/early 1950s/60s. Loose original
Fabric, Teak
$3,305 / item
H 14 in W 48 in D 8 in
4-foot Pendant Light in Black Walnut with Brass Fixtures by Hinterland Design
By Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
It’s believed that ancient Egyptians may have had the technology to harness electricity and create light thousands of years ago. This technology is referred to as the light of the De...
Brass
Sold|$13,227
H 78.94 in W 134.65 in D 11.82 in
20th Century, Italian Production Wall Bookcase with adjustable shelves 60s
By Italian school XX ct.
Located in Turin, Turin
Wall Bookcase composed of 5 bays with height-adjustable shelves. Designed and produced in Italy in the 60 s. It is made of lacquered metal structure with brass bases and 30 wooden sh...
Metal, Brass
French Limed Oak Armoire
Located in Antwerp, BE
Limed oak two door armoire. Height 210 cm. Width 127 cm. Depth 64 cm.
Glass, Wood, Oak
$74 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 1 in
Charcoal Brutalist Sculptural Collage Artwork, Mural from Upcycled Wood
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
These CHARCOAL collage tiles are composed randomly from recycled wood remnants and when installed bathe any space with a warm feeling and texture which is meditative, sanded to a sof...
Wood
$2,140 / set
H 20.48 in W 18.51 in D 12.6 in
Pair Teak Nightstands Bedside Tables by Carlström & Co from Sweden 1950's
By Carlstrom & Co. Mobelfabrik
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful pair teak nightstands / bedside tables with drawer and magazine rack on beech legs from the 1950s. The night stands are made by Carlström & Co Mobelfabrik in Bjärnrum Swede...
Teak
$130,621 / set
H 59.45 in W 46.07 in D 4.73 in
Fine and Important Pair of Polychrome Decorated Giltwood Mirrors
Located in London, GB
Each with a rectangular plate within a stiff leaf, entwined vine and fleur de lis carved surround, the cresting centred by an armorial shield for the Thorold baronets surmounted by a...
Mirror, Giltwood
$22,000 / set
H 31.5 in W 127.56 in D 80.91 in
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Bedroom Set in Oak
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, set consisting of a double bed, headboard and nightstands, oak, Italy, 1980s Giuseppe Rivadossi once again proves his great eye for materi...
Oak
$8,895
H 32.5 in W 108 in D 33 in
Adrian Pearsall Sofa with Travertine Side Tables for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
$2,697 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.48 in
Set of 6 Lucite Pink and Chrome Plia Chairs, Piretti for Castelli, Italy 1970s
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in Roma, IT
Original and signed set of 6 "Plia" pink lucite folding chairs. This fantastic set was designed by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli in 1967. These folding chairs are made of very rar...
Aluminum, Chrome
Adrian Pearsall "Havana" Satellite Chaise Lounge Chair & Ottoman / Baughman
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Adrian Pearsall "Havana" Lounge Chair & Ottoman for Craft Associates. Style of Milo Baughman Chair Model #1717 - RC / Ottoman #1841-O Most likely will desire to reupholster this fo...
Wood
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 37.8 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
Aurora stool, walnut solid wood finish, solid back, camel leather seating
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the award-winning Aurora Collection, also known as Dawn — a transformative milestone in our esteemed design legacy that has earned the pr...
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Hardwood, Walnut
$10,600 / set
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Modernist Lounge Chairs, by Martin Eisler, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler showcase the mid-century modern Brazilian style with a classic yet innovative design that harmonizes form and function. These pi...
Fabric
$7,149 / set
H 22.05 in W 31.89 in D 18.12 in
Monumental Handcrafted Oak & Walnut Night Stands, End Tables
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
An alternative monumental version of our architectural Post-Modern oak & walnut pillar table/nightstands. Designed and handcrafted in England using traditional furniture and cabi...
Oak, Walnut
$5,282 / item
H 32.68 in W 94.49 in D 37.41 in
Minimalist style "Lina" sofa, upholstered fabric, natural wood sides
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alessandra Delgado is passionate about Lina Bo Bardi architectural work, including the project for the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo - MASP and its structural pillars that seems to hold...
Velvet, Walnut
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 32.5 in D 35 in
1960's Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Prestige Gondola Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Midcentury Modern gondola lounge chair for sale. Manufactured by Prestige, in attributed to Adrian Pearsall. The legs have been professionally refinished, and it has been pro...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Italian Ombre Peacock Cut Mohair Velvet Curved Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Italian ombre peacock cut silk mohair (Astrakhan style) velvet curved sofa with wood and brass legs. Fabric sample available upon request.
Brass
Best known for his chairs and other seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century.
Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic.
In keeping with that tenet, several of Hans Wegner’s best chair designs have their roots in traditional seating forms. The Peacock chair (designed in 1947) is a throne-like adaptation of the Windsor chair; pieces from the China chair series (begun in 1944) as well as the 1949 Wishbone chair, with its distinctive Y-shaped back splat, are derived from 17th-century Ming seating pieces, as is the upholstered Ox chair (1960). Wegner’s comfy Papa Bear chair (1951) is an almost surreally re-scaled English wingback chair.
Wegner’s most representative piece, the Round chair (1949), gained a footnote in political history when it was used on the TV stage of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960. That chair, along with Wegner’s more bravura designs — for example, the 1963 Shell chair, with its curved surfboard-shaped seat — bring a quietly sculptural presence to a room.
Wegner was a designer who revered his primary material — wood — and it shows. His wood gathers patina and character with age; every Hans Wegner piece testifies to the life it has led.
Find vintage Hans Wegner lounge chairs, armchairs, daybeds and other furniture for sale 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.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
To celebrate the Wishbone’s 70th anniversary, Carl Hansen & Søn’s third-generation CEO, Knud Erik Hansen, shares some of the secrets behind the beloved chair.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.