Sofas
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
19th Century French Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
1860s English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
19th Century French Antique Sofas
Rush, Walnut
Early 19th Century Cuban Regency Antique Sofas
Cane, Mahogany
Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather, Walnut
19th Century Chinese Antique Sofas
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine
19th Century Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
1830s English William IV Antique Sofas
Leather, Elm
19th Century French Country Antique Sofas
Giltwood
19th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Antique Sofas
Wood
19th Century English Antique Sofas
Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
1810s Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Cherry, Upholstery
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Pearwood
1840s Italian Louis Philippe Antique Sofas
Walnut
1880s Italian Empire Antique Sofas
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Tapestry, Fabric, Hardwood, Giltwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Walnut
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Sofas
Chrome
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Wool, Wood
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather
19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
Late 19th Century French Antique Sofas
Linen, Walnut
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Cane, Walnut, Upholstery
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century American Federal Antique Sofas
Rush, Chestnut
1880s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
1860s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Walnut
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine
Early 20th Century Jamaican Sofas
Cane, Wood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century European Louis XIII Antique Sofas
Palisander
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Birch
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Walnut, Fabric, Upholstery, Spruce
Early 20th Century English George III Sofas
Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Wood
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Gold
Early 20th Century Dutch Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Italian Directoire Antique Sofas
Wood, Paint
1820s French Charles X Antique Sofas
Wool, Upholstery, Mahogany
1830s English William IV Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1830s American Neoclassical Antique Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
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.
Read More
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 Right Now?
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.