Sofas
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s French Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Beech, Walnut
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
1860s Victorian Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Oak, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass, Iron
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1950s Indian Vintage Sofas
Cane, Teak
1950s Indian Vintage Sofas
Cane, Teak
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Foam, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Satinwood
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Foam, Teak
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
20th Century Italian Sofas
Fabric
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Wood, Fabric, Foam
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
2010s American Modern Sofas
Steel
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Hardwood, Leather, Suede
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Hardwood, Suede
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Slate
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Linen, Pine
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
20th Century American Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s British Vintage Sofas
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Sofas
Leather, Foam, Plexiglass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
1970s French Space Age Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s Italian Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Late 20th Century Danish Chesterfield Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Wood, Down
1930s Danish Vintage Sofas
Leather
Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs: Find Mario Bellini Sofas, Togo Sofas, Vladimir Kagan Sofas and Other Seating for Sale
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.
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