Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Teak
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Elm
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Silk
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Iron
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1930s Philippine Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Sofas
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s North American Modern Sofas
Hardwood
2010s German Modern Sofas
Fiberglass
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Steel
2010s Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome, Iron
Late 20th Century French Provincial Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood, Down
1930s Italian Bauhaus Vintage Sofas
Straw, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Oak
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
2010s French Other Sofas
Fabric
Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Sofas
Foam
2010s French Art Deco Sofas
Mohair, Velvet, Lacquer, Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Resin, Fiberglass, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Imbuia
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome, Iron
2010s Italian Sofas
Wood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Sofas
Damask, Giltwood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Oak
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s American Modern Sofas
Ultrasuede
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Sofas
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Faux Leather
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Naugahyde, Foam, Walnut
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century American American Empire Sofas
Fabric
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s South American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, 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 Right Now?
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How to Arrange Furniture + Layout Ideas
Here, we give design advice and show layout examples to help you create the perfect living room setup.
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Trend Spotlight: Velvet Chesterfield Sofas
The plush-yet-elegant seating piece you'll want to curl up on all winter long.