Sofas
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
1880s French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Cotton, Linen, Walnut, Down
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wool
2010s British Bohemian Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
1970s Unknown Spanish Colonial Vintage Sofas
Brass
Early 2000s American Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery
2010s American Modern Sofas
Cut Steel
20th Century British Georgian Sofas
Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wool
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wool
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Teak
2010s American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Mohair, Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Bamboo
20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Velvet
2010s Chinese Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Tapestry, Foam, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Linen, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Sofas
Iron
Early 2000s French Space Age Sofas
Fabric
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Ultrasuede
2010s American Modern Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Textile
1970s Swedish Brutalist Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Upholstery
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Sofas
Fabric
2010s Chinese Modern Sofas
Wood, Plywood, Lacquer, Shell, Wool
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Cotton
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Sofas
Wool
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wool
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Late 19th Century Hungarian Baroque Antique Sofas
Velvet, Wood
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.
Read More
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
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?
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.





