Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Foam
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Stained Glass, Fiberglass
2010s American Modern Sofas
Cut Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas
Steel
1930s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
1940s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Foam, Wood, Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s American Sofas
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Wood, Wool, Foam, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Foam, Wool, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Wood, Wool, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Wool, Foam, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Wood, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s Italian Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather
1960s French Vintage Sofas
Steel
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Sofas
Jute, Muslin, Upholstery, Mahogany
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Satin, Wood, Paint
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel, Chrome
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.
Read More
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Who Is Mario Bellini, and Why Is His 1970s Camaleonda Sofa Everywhere Right Now?
Get the lowdown on the ultrachic modular sofas that are currently taking up real estate in your Instagram saved folder.
How to Arrange Furniture + Layout Ideas
Here, we give design advice and show layout examples to help you create the perfect living room setup.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Trend Spotlight: Velvet Chesterfield Sofas
The plush-yet-elegant seating piece you'll want to curl up on all winter long.