Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Teak
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chenille
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Birch
Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Canvas, Walnut
1950s Italian Vintage Sofas
String, Beech
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
1990s European Post-Modern Sofas
Fur
19th Century Antique Sofas
Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
2010s Portuguese Sofas
Suede, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Teak
2010s Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1980s French Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century French Modern Sofas
Ultrasuede
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
19th Century Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
1950s Italian Vintage Sofas
Iron
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
2010s Austrian Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Plastic
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Suede, Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1930s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather
19th Century Antique Sofas
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Italian Vintage Sofas
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bronze
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s French Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Sofas
Wool
Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Fabric
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam
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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