Sofas
Late 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century Unknown French Provincial Antique Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech, Fabric, Wood
1670s Czech Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Fabric
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s French Bohemian Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Faux Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1980s Vintage Sofas
Cowhide, Leather
1810s English Regency Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1930s Louis XIV Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s Danish Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Plywood
1940s Italian Louis Philippe Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Late 20th Century Philippine Bohemian Sofas
Rattan
2010s Danish Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Plywood
Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Cotton, Beech
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
2010s Danish Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Plywood
Late 20th Century English Sofas
Cowhide, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Philippine Sofas
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Egyptian Country Sofas
Oak
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wool
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
2010s Asian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Foam
Late 20th Century Philippine Sofas
Rattan
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s European Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Fiberglass
2010s French Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
19th Century English Antique Sofas
Brass
1930s French Louis XV Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Giltwood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Dutch Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam, Wood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Oak
20th Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Upholstery, Hardwood
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plastic, Foam
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Oak
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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