Sofas
Late 19th Century French Antique Sofas
Linen, Walnut
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Upholstery
17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Sofas
Walnut
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century Austrian Black Forest Antique Sofas
Wood, Antler
Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Sofas
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech, Fabric, Wood, Lacquer, Upholstery
20th Century British Victorian Sofas
Leather, Beech
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Sofas
Marble
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel, Nickel
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Sofas
Chrome
18th Century English Georgian Antique Sofas
Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1920s American Adirondack Vintage Sofas
Rattan
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Palisander
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Elm
2010s Romanian Minimalist Sofas
Bouclé, Upholstery, Hardwood, Oak, Bentwood
1890s Danish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Macassar
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Abalone, Wool
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Brass
19th Century British Georgian Antique Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Plastic, Velvet
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1990s North American Sofas
Upholstery
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
1990s French Modern Sofas
Velvet
1990s American Modern Sofas
Bouclé
1970s Swiss Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Textile, Oak
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1990s Modern Sofas
Mohair
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
20th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1990s American Modern Sofas
Velvet
Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs
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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