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Sofas For Sale
Creator: De Sede
Creator: Vico Magistretti
De Sede DS-102 Sofa in Espresso Upholstery by Mathias Hoffmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A series with an eye-catching, core leather lacing. This model series’ softly upholstered shell with its extremely comfortable cushions creates an island in the living space. Whether...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-1088 Configurable Patchwork Leather Sofa with Elongated Cushions by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four adjustable sofa base elements DS-1088/05 and three cushions DS-1088/96 by de Sede. Patchwork in its prettiest form. DS-1088 presents itself with a beautiful special feature. The leather is elaborately crafted by hand in a patchwork appearance – for an individually stylish look. The sofa landscape consists of single cubic elements that can be combined with one another in infinite ways. Cushions with an elongated design need no attachment to stay on the sofa and can be moved around in flexible ways. We launched this favorite sofa back in 1975. Now, nearly 45 years later, we are celebrating its comeback. Details: Standard configuration: Seat element in a patchwork look, connectors can be used to combine the individual seating elements to create custom sofa landscapes. Upholstery and assembly: Sedex upholstery covered with wadding. Compact frame made of panel materials and strapped to seat frame. Cushions filled with spelt chaff and latex for combined support and comfort. Glides for hard and soft floor coverings. Function: Unused connectors can be removed. Note: Loosely covered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DeSede DS-707 Corner Element Sofa in Fabric Upholstery by Philippe Malouin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Where the St. Lawrence River Mon-treal flows in a serpentine pattern, a residential complex marked by the architectural style of brutalism rises up on a small headland – the famous Habitat 67. 354 concrete blocks arranged in a stepped pattern adorn a part of Montreal’s multifaceted skyline, designed by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. Not far from this memorable silhouette grew up Philippe Malouin, who was inspired by these forms of brutalism through-out his life. After Malouin received the call from de Sede and initial ideas were exchanged, the designer was largely given a free hand and Malouin started his work “by making things”. Simply drawing, cutting or even folding different materials are part of the creation of the new sculpture DS-707. Philippe Malouin experimented with folding foam for the Swiss manu-facturer - the result: a modular sofa system with a traditional yet con-temporary aesthetic. Carried by the sweeping serpentines of the river, the idea for a sculpture that fuses into one form was born in the London studio near the Thames. The masterpiece DS-707 is a homage to classic de Sede designs and was created for the future. The DS-707 is the modern composition of handmade leather and contemporary design. The flowing, soft transitions combine the postmodern era of Swiss furniture design with the clear, open structures of brutalism that inspired designer Philippe Malouin. Available as a comfortable armchair or as a modular sofa that can be combined in infinite ways, the DS-707 is the visual perfection of form that gives every room a unique highlight. Designed in the style of brutalism, recounting the unruly origins of modern esthetics and dedicated to the sustainable use of materials, this sculpture is now also available with a corner element...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede DS-101 Leather Three-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-101 Leather Three-seater sofa, Switzerland 1960s, This exceptional Leather De Sede DS-101 three-seater sofa, originating from Switzerland in the 1960s, showcases outsta...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

Juna Convertible Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Juna Sofa by De Sede. Luxurious lightness. Juna is quite clearly a clever symbiosis between elegant form and functionality. The sofa has slender legs that support a seat with two...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-17 Three-Seat Sofa in Black Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ingenious upholstery emphasizes the nonchalantly charming shapes, here is sofa program! This sofa is truly a master of seating comfort. Sink comfortably and recovering in the sof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-7 Four-Seat Sofa in Nougat Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A strong interpretation of the lounge idea; timeless everyday object and showpiece at the same time. The high seating comfort and the many possible uses are striking. Clear contours ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/123A Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Hazel Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-3 Three-Seat Sofa in Beige Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The DS-3 consciously emphasizes the importance of comfortable and relaxing sitting. Last but not least, with the DS-3, our Signora has succeeded in creating a new interpretation of t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21 Three-Seat Sofa in Hazel Upholstery by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-450/02 Sofa in Off-White Upholstery by Thomas Althaus
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A miracle of brilliant technical inspiration Designer Thomas Althaus updated the original developed by Reto Frigg in 1985, lovingly perfecting it with sophisticated technology, down ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-748 Small Two-Seat Sofa in Nougat Upholstery by Claudio Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With DS-748 as your dream destination, you can save yourself the stress of travel – while relaxing perfectly at home instead. It doesn‘t take much more than a perfect piece of furnit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-17 Three-Seat Sofa in Beige Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ingenious upholstery emphasizes the nonchalantly charming shapes – here is sofa program! This sofa is truly a master of seating comfort. Sink comfortably and recovering in the so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

KT-221 Bauhaus Two-Seat Sofa in Tufted Natural Leather and Metal by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Two-seat sofa KT221/02 by De Sede. Relaunch and update of the design created in 1956. Objectively functional design of an iconographic, architectural construction through the transfe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-60/52 Sofa in Grey Fabric by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The purist shape of the Boomerang with its bold yet elegant lines inspired Gordon Guillaumier while breathing life into the DS-60 family. The slender, floating shape blends harmoniou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

De Sede DS 76 Two-Seat Sofa Bed in Black Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-76 was launched as early as 1972, when it was considered revolutionary, no sofa bed could manage with a simpler mechanism: in a few simple steps, the model ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-333 Small Two-Seat Sofa in Grey Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One would prefer not to get up once the unique living atmosphere of the DS-333 has embraced one. The fascinating interaction of highest leather quality, clear designs and perfect sad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede Fixed Leather Sofa by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-110/02 sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Thread color according to the color of the body. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Vintage modular sofa set by De Sede, 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Mid century sofa set in brown leather by Desede. The set consists of a three seater bench and a two seater bench. Nice quality leather, as ...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-910 Armchair by de Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Whether as an armchair or a sofa, the DS-910’s static position demonstrates the high quality of Swiss craftsmanship. Whether as a single piece or seating group, all components convey...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-600 “Non-stop” Modular Sofa in Cuoio Leather and Adjustable Elements
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Launched in 1972, DS-600 is an indestructible, variable modular system of upholstered furniture consisting of individual, addable armchair elements. These consist of an L-shaped hard...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-910 Lounge by de Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Whether as an armchair or a sofa, the DS-910’s static position demonstrates the high quality of Swiss craftsmanship. Whether as a single piece or seating group, all components convey...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/203A Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Hazel Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Ds-490 Modular Sofa in Off-White Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With two flicks of the wrist, DS-490 can be converted into a double recliner. The seat units with elaborately stitched upholstery offer supple comfort ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DS-450 Adjustable Leather Modern Sofa or Armchair by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa DS-450 with adjustable elements by De Sede. Master of transformation: From sofa to double armchair with two simple flicks of the wrist. Invitingly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DeSede DS-600 “Non-stop” Modular Sofa in Espresso Leather & Adjustable Elements
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Launched in 1972, DS-600 is an indestructible, variable modular system of upholstered furniture consisting of individual, addable armchair elements. These consist of an L-shaped hard...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-175 Medium Two-Seat Sofa in Hazel Upholstery by Patrick Norguet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Belle Époque meets French touch. It is the combination of straight contours and proven comfort that makes DS-175 a style icon. The seating surface positioned on a platform and the fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-48 Three-Seat Sofa in Nougat Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Available as a sofa, armchair, stool or récamiere, the DS-48 enables the typical De Sede seating experience, characterized by high quality and unique durability. Loose fabric cushion...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/123A Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Black Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-175 Large Two-Seat Sofa in Hazel Upholstery by Patrick Norguet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Belle Époque meets French touch. It is the combination of straight contours and proven comfort that makes DS-175 a style icon. The seating surface positioned on a platform and the fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-17 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ingenious upholstery emphasizes the nonchalantly charming shapes, here is sofa program! This sofa is truly a master of seating comfort. Sink comfortably and recovering in the sof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-600 “Non-stop” Shape Modular Sofa in Adjustable Elements
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Launched in 1972, DS-600 is an indestructible, variable modular system of upholstered furniture consisting of individual, addable armchair elements. These consist of an L-shaped hard...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-47 Sofa in Brown Leather Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-47 is available as a two- and three-seater sofa, and as an armchair and stool; 5-mm-thick NECK leather recognizable in characteristic fat wrinkles lend it an unmistakable expressi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-2011 Two-Seater Sofa in Snow Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its fluid, curved shapes, the DS-2011 appears powerful and dynamic where other furniture is already in a sleep mode. The visual lightness and modern, casual elegance underline the timeless look that makes the DS-2011 a sofa that can be and is everything but ordinary. With its exciting appearance, the sofa fills every room and surrounds people with its extraordinary, distinctive appearance. The solid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21 Three-Seat Sofa in Black Upholstery by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sesam Adjustable Reclining Leather Sofa by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Sesam sofa by De Sede. The ultimate in comfort. A simple adjustment - that can even be made while seated - swivels out the footrest and reclines the sea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/123B Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Black Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Ds-247 Three-Seat Sofa in Olive Upholstery by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-247 is a new sofa system that can not only be adjusted to different positions, but also to your life – with all its facets. Do you want to relax, read or simply do nothing? Have a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

DeSede DS 76 Vintage Leather Sofa
Located in Austin, TX
DeSede leather sofa, circa 1970, of thick leather brown hide. The iconic leather sofa is comfortable and versatile, all zippers are in great condit...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Sofa by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/03 3-seat sofa by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. Upholstery and Assembly: stabile compa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-748 Large Two-Seat Sofa in Nougat Upholstery by Claudio Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With DS-748 as your dream destination, you can save yourself the stress of travel, while relaxing perfectly at home instead. It doesn’t take much more than a perfect piece of furnitu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-810 Onda Sofa by Atelier Oï
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The works, installations and room concepts created by atelier oï never cease to amaze. The unusual designs provide a sense of the key areas that the design col- lective has worked on over several decades: materials, form and light. The collective’s way of working resembles that of a top- class chef, who uses experimental methods with exactly the right touch. The designers succeeded in developing their very own de- sign language, which is nourished by a love of authentic materials and artisan skills. When it came to developing the DS-808 for de Sede, this sensitive approach – with its focus on fully understanding the material – proved to be extremely valuable. While working with leather in a practical way, the designers found a way to push the boundaries of the material in a playful manner – and to clearly place the unmis- takable hallmarks of classic leather design in the here and now. The leather is laid over the structure like a throw. The end of each square pouffe forms a dynamic wave, which makes the heavy material appear fluid and light. The convex and concave lines allow in- finite, sinuous seating arrangements to be created in a modular way – side tables, too, are at home within the softly undulating structure. With or without backrests, in a group or as a solo performer, the DS-808 and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/323C Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Hazel Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-276/260 Modular Sofa in Natural Wot Upholstery by Christian Werner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generously curved, taut surfaces in a very soft implementation are the basic ideas of Christian Werner, as he designs the image of the DS-276 slowly in front of his inner eye; what a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-47 Sofa in Black Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-47 is available as a two- and three-seat sofa, and as an armchair and stool; 5-mm-thick Neck leather recognizable in characteristic fat wrinkles lend it an unmistakable expression...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-276/03 Three-Seat Sofa in Natural Umbra Fabric by Christian Werner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generously curved, taut surfaces in a very soft implementation are the basic ideas of Christian Werner, as he designs the image of the DS-276 slowly in front of his inner eye; what a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede RH-306 3-Seat Sofa in Cafe Fabric and Steel Feet by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
RH-306 is a striking appearance that impresses with craftsman like precision and refined details. The body stands on filigree feet, while the square leather panels harmonize elegantl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-276/02 Two-Seat Sofa in Natural Umbra Upholstery by Christian Werner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Generously curved, taut surfaces in a very soft implementation are the basic ideas of Christian Werner, as he designs the image of the DS-276 slowly in front of his inner eye; what a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-161 Two-Seat Sofa in Hazel Brown Upholstery by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Its linear outer contour and round inner shape make the DS-161 a fine silhouette of comfort. The forward sloping armrests let the arms rest enthroned, while the backrest embraces the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede Ds 98 Leather Three-Seater Sofa, Switzerland, 1980
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS 98 Leather three-seater sofa, Switzerland 1980. The De Sede DS 98 three-seater sofa, crafted in Switzerland during the 1980s, is the ultimate expression of comfort and ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

De Sede DS-7 Three-Seat Sofa in Snow Upholstery by Antonella Scarpitta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A strong interpretation of the lounge idea; timeless everyday object and showpiece at the same time. The high seating comfort and the many possible uses are striking. Clear contours ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-333 Large Two-Seat Sofa in Schiefer Leather by De Sede Design Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One would prefer not to get up once the unique living atmosphere of the DS-333 has embraced one. The fascinating interaction of highest leather quality, clear designs and perfect sad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-747/23 Multifunctional Sofa in Black Leather Seat and Back Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Once upon a time, there was a master saddler with his mind set on taking bulky, thick leather and using his perfect craftsmanship to make it comfortable and cozy. For genera-tions, the legacy of what Ernst Lüthy created when he established de Sede in the 1960s has been reflected in DS-747: form follows function. Be it sitting, sleeping, dining or relaxing – thanks to its essence of excellence, this all-rounder offers optimum functionality: with a few easy flicks of the wrist, the armrests can be tilted independently of each other and the soft seating surfaces enlarged. The exposed back lends DS-747 its lightness as a small sculpture with a high function – a sofa created to sit not on but in. A marvel in three dimensions, DS-747 is perfectly suited for small spaces or city apartments. If visitors spontaneously decide to stay longer, this elegant yet compact sofa offers an outstand-ing place to sleep – the armrests can be folded down with a few very easy flicks of the wrist. A sophisticated mechanism can be used to enlarge the seating surface, while the deliberately exposed back offers a glimpse into the functions of DS-747. The multifunctional sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede RH-306 3-Seat Sofa in Cafe Upholstery and Steel Feet by Robert Haussmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
RH-306 is a striking appearance that impresses with craftsman like precision and refined details. The body stands on filigree feet, while the square leather panels harmonize elegantl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-747/03 Multifunctional Sofa in Black Leather Seat and Back Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Once upon a time, there was a master saddler with his mind set on taking bulky, thick leather and using his perfect craftsmanship to make it comfortable and cozy. For genera-tions, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

De Sede KT-221 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Upholstery by Kurt Thut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With the KT-221, De Sede launches another re-edition Classic from Swiss Design, one of whose founding members was Kurt Thut. Good design, timelessness and quality are the attributes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS-21/123C Two-Seat Modular Sofa in Black Leather by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Opulent elements for modular use. The architectural structure of DS-21 is created by a metal frame that surrounds individual cushion volumes, seemingly carrying them effortlessly. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

De Sede DS 580 Three-Seat Sofa in Red Upholstery by De Sede Design-Team
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Extend me!”: More than just a piece of seating furniture Its clear contours give DS-580 a characteristic design that fits into the space with ease. The modular construction in p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

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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