Sofas
Mid-20th Century American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Leather, Wood
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Metal
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Late 20th Century American International Style Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century British Chippendale Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Faux Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1930s Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s European Space Age Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Cherry
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
1930s American Machine Age Vintage Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery, Maple
Mid-20th Century American Space Age Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Slate
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
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.