Sofas
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine, Paint
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Early 2000s Sofas
Velvet
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Steel
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Fabric
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Suede
1960s Victorian Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Brass
2010s American Modern Sofas
Steel
18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Sofas
Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Sofas
Fabric
Late 19th Century Rococo Revival Antique Sofas
Walnut
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Steel
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Silk, Trimming
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Leather, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s Brazilian Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Imbuia
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Velvet
2010s Italian Sofas
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Wood, Fir, Plywood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1960s Danish Brutalist Vintage Sofas
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Beech
1980s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Wood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
1970s Brazilian Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Ash
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Jacaranda
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Teak
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Sofas
Velvet
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Pine
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Canvas, Velvet, Walnut
2010s Italian Sofas
Other
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
2010s Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
18th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Metal
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Oak
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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Who Is Mario Bellini, and Why Is His 1970s Camaleonda Sofa Everywhere?
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