Western Red Leather Sofa
Antique 1860s Scottish High Victorian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Early 20th Century American Country Benches
Oak, Leather
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Rosewood, Leather, Fiberglass
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bird Cages
Copper, Iron, Bronze
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s French Gothic Revival Benches
Walnut
Antique 1890s Swiss Black Forest Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century British Benches
Oak
20th Century American Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1900s French Renaissance Tables
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Tray Tables
Oak
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Rosewood, Rope
Antique Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Settees
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Benches
Oak
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Mid-20th Century American Other Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Iron
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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