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Sofas For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1940s
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height 16”
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

18th Century Dutch Rosewood and Fruitwood Marquetry Sofa
Located in CABA, AR
In the opulent realm of 18th-century Dutch furniture, the rosewood sofa with intricate marquetry in fruitwood stands as an epitome of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted during the ...
Category

Mid-18th Century European Antique Sofas

Materials

Silk, Fruitwood, Rosewood

Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white bouclé fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height: 14”
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Charles X Style Italian Sofa with Fornasetti Linen Fabric
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This Carlo X style boat sofa comes from a nineteenth-century villa on Lake Como, the gray and white lacquered sofa, shabby chic effect, has been upholstered with original Fornasetti ...
Category

1940s Italian Charles X Vintage Sofas

Materials

Linen, Walnut, Lacquer

Renzo Zavanella Attribution, Large Sofa, Shearling, Wood, Italy, 1940s.
Located in High Point, NC
A large shearling and stained wood sofa attributed to Renzo Zavanella, Italy, 1940s. Seat height 18”
Category

1940s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

A four-seat rattan and fabric sectional sofa in the style of Paul Theodore Frank
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A spacious four-seat sectional sofa crafted from curved rattan and upholstered in fabric manufactured in the 1940s, designed in the style of Paul Theodore Frank. This piece embodies ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and floral-printed fabric sofa or settee attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height 15.5”.
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan

Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Sofa in Two-Tone Wool, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Viggo Boesen style banana shaped or curved Loveseat made in Denmark, around late 1930s or early 1940s. These small sofas will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round vol...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Restored Rattan 3/4 Reverse Pretzel Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Four-strand 3/4 reverse pretzel rattan sofa featuring a decorative scalloped detail on the base. Dimensions: 28" tall x 74" wide x 36" deep Circa: 1940s, United States We only pur...
Category

1940s Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

1940's French Upholstered Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
The 1940s French Upholstered Sofa epitomizes the epitome of sophistication and timeless elegance. Its exquisite craftsmanship is evident in eve...
Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1940s Danish Large Curved Sofa with Buttoned Backrest Newly Upholstered
Located in London, GB
This comfortable large sofa is a classic Danish modern design from the 1940s. It has a simple, elegant design with clean lines and a curved back. The oak frame is sturdy and well-mad...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 in Original Cognac Leather Rud Rasmussen, Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Two-seater sofa model 5011 in original cognac leather and six-legged mahogany base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather. Back covered in original canvas. Shown at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition in 1935. Signed with decal manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier). Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations. Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol.2, pg 94. Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments. Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory. Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale chair...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Elegant Neoclassical Bronze and Velvet Sofa by Jacques Quinet, France 1948.
Located in Brussels, BE
Neoclassical bronze sofa recently reupholstert in rust color velvet ( City velvet collection CarluccI - JAB ), feat cushions, two bolsters available. Designed by Jaques Quinet-Franc...
Category

1940s French Neoclassical Vintage Sofas

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Decorative Maison Jansen Style French 1940s Caned Sofas
Located in London, GB
A fabulous pair of large 1940s Maison Jansen style sofas. Crafted from hand carved wood with caned seats - they are both in fantastic condition. Please take a look at all our photog...
Category

1940s French Belle Époque Vintage Sofas

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint

Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Sofa in Floral Wool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Viggo Boesen style banana shaped or curved Loveseat made in Denmark, around late 1930s or early 1940s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round volup...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Antique French Neoclassical Style Carved Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Cherry Wood, Inlaid Woods, Original Upholstery Style: French Neoclassical
Category

1940s American Neoclassical Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Cherry

Original sofa in beech by Alfred Christensen, Denmark.
Located in København K, DK
Rara sofa designed by Alfred Christensen in the 1940s and produced by Slagelse Møbelværk. Restored with new sheepskin.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Beech

Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 3-Seat Sofa for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen's significant work has been mainly carried out together with his partner, fellow Danish architect-designer, Peter Hvidt, but the designer’s earlier models -like...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Period Antique English Hepplewhite Style Carved Mahogany Sofa Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Period Antique English Hepplewhite Style Carved Mahogany Sofa Upholstered in a heavy pink brocade fabric. Carved mahogany trim encircles the curved sofa back terminating at opposing ...
Category

Late 18th Century British Hepplewhite Antique Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Fabric

Jules Leleu three seater sofa mohair velvet 1940s
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful sofa designed by Jules Leleu around 1945 embodies the smooth lines of the art deco living room sets that came on the market in the early 1930s. The smooth and round lines are a thing of beauty, finished with curved oak feet, one of Jules Leleu clubs signature. This sofa has been fully restored and reupholstered using an offwhite thick mohair velvet from Elitis, which is exceptionally soft to the touch, and 100% mohair, that enhances the sofa’s beautiful shape. Impart a luxe, homey and elegance feel to a contemporary living room with this incredible sofa. Photos of the restoration process and documentation are available upon request. The matching pair of club armchairs is also available. Literature: Mobilier et Décoration août-septembre-octobre 1945, Edition Edmond Honoré / Mobilier et Décoration year book...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, The Party Sofa, Model 5407, for Reupholstery.
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid-century sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Party sofa, Model 5407, United States, 1950. Crafted with a solid wood frame and inner spring seats, this sofa is upholstered ...
Category

1650s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Mid-Century Danish "Banana" Sofa Upholstered in Velour, Denmark ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa recalls the Art Deco style of the 1930s with the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism. Thanks to its elegantly curved shape, this type of sofa is often referred to as the “banana” style, which not only creates an intimate gathering place but also defines the look of the home: warm, cosy and never goes out of style. Apart from the visual appearance, the exquisite craftsmanship of this sofa echoes Art Deco as well. Over time, Danish Modern design produced in the last century has come to impart a sense of resistance to faddism. Its forms draw users back to the idea of design as intelligent problem-solving rather than vapid styling. Still, many of the well-known Danish architects felt the urge to try their hands at “Nordic Art Deco...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Birte Iversen 1940s Vintage Danish Boucle Sofa
Located in London, GB
This exceptional piece of Danish furniture was designed in the 1940s by designer Birte Iversen and produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. This example has been reupholstered i...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Louis Philippe style sofa
Located in Premariacco, IT
Louis Philippe style sofa upholstered with fabric and wooden frame. H 40cm seat. Normal signs of wear from age and use as pictured.
Category

1940s Italian Louis Philippe Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Danish "Banan" Curved Sofa from the 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sought after Danish curved sofa made in the 1940s. These charmers were made with variations from the 1930s up to about 1950. These design with the beefier legs were generally from th...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool

Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa Lambskin Sofa, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Danish cabinetmaker banana sofa new upholstered with lambskin. Legs of beech. Made in the 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Lambskin, Beech

Josef Frank, Sofa, Fabric, Mahogany, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An earl mahogany and floral fabric sofa, Model 703, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s. Seat height: 17.5”
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Curved sofa in sheepskin Finland circa 1940
Located in PARIS, FR
Very elegant curved sofa Finland circa 1940 newly upholstered in sheepskin 2 seats
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin

Theo Ruth for Artifort Sofa 109 in bouclé and oak, 1950s
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful and rare model 109 Sofa in bouclé and oak by Theo Ruth for Artifort, Netherlands, 1950s. This rare sofa features a sophisticated sculptural design. A comfortable and high q...
Category

1940s Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

A set of Sofa and 2 Arm Chairs by Jitona Soběslav, 1970s
Located in Porto, PT
A set of 2 Armchairs and one sofa (85 x 192 x 95 cm); para foteli (85 x 90 x 95 cm) Vintage pieces by Jitona, Czechoslovakia, 1970s,
Category

1670s Czech Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Danish 1940s Sofa in Lambswool with Armrests in Carved Elm by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of semi-open armrests carved from solid elm wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Elm, Wool

17th Century Walnut Sofa
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fine 17th century walnut Louis XIII canapé. The original frame was fully restored and newly upholstered by our workshop.
Category

17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Banana Shaped Curved Loveseat or Sofa Covered in Lambswool Denamrk 1940's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved two-seat sofa or loveseat made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room despite its smaller size. Beautiful...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

1940s Swedish Curved Sheepskin Sofa
Located in London, GB
Sweeping curved sofa designed and produced in the early 1940s. The legs are refinished stained elm wood and the sofa has been reupholstered in Skandilock 'Moonlight' sheepskin.
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Elm

Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Hollywood Regency Two Piece Sofa, 1940s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A designer two-part sofa frame with opposing scrolling arms and Hollywood Regency style. This exceptional sofa is reminiscent of the designs of Dorothy Draper from the 1940s. The frame is solid and structurally sound. The upholstery is vintage and new fabric is required. Old sofa...
Category

1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Early Florence Knoll 3-Seat Model 26 Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very early Florence Knoll sofa, circa late 1940s, in vintage oatmeal nubby wool Knoll fabric, with down seat and back cushions. The six inset legs make...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Textile, Maple

Danish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height: 14.75”
Category

1940s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa Lambwool Sofa, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Danish cabinetmaker banana sofa new upholstered with lambwool. Legs of beech. Made in the 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Lambskin, Beech

Italy Venezia Mid-18th Century Baroque Wooden Sofa
Located in Brescia, IT
Mid-18th Century hand-carved 1750 Venetian Baroque walnut sofa, three-seat with armrests. Remarkable work by Venetian cabinetmakers. The 18th C...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Silk

Danish Cabinetmaker Large curved 1940s Banana Sofa in Natural Sheepskin & Oak
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful and authentic banana sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s by a Danish cabinetmaker. This voluptuous sofa is based on a solid construction of round shapes and curvaceous lines....
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

FULLY RESTORED ViNTAGE CIGAR BROWN LEATHER PORTERS WINGBACK CHESTERFIELD SOFA
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable circa 1940's fully restored Chesterfield Porters Wingback sofa Please n...
Category

1940s English Chesterfield Vintage Sofas

Materials

Leather

18th Century French Louis XV Walnut Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
Sofa in Walnut,molded and sculpted backrest with triple convolution,recessed armrests,resting on eight arched serpentine legs. of the Louis XV Period. We can re cover the Sofa upon r...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Fritz Hansen Model 1669 Three-Seat Sofa, lambswool. 1940's
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A model 1669 sofa by Fritz Hansen in the style of Mogens Lassen which can seat three comfortably. A timeless Art Deco inspired design. Legs of beech and teak. New upholstered with la...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Lambskin, Beech, Teak

Finnish Designer, Curved Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic curved dark-stained birch and light pink bouclé fabric sofa designed and produced in Finland, 1940s. Seat height: 15”
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Antique 18th C. William & Mary Mahogany Carved Settle Bench Sofa Empress Hotel
Located in Dayton, OH
An Impressive William & Mary mahogany Settle or sofa, circa 18th Century. Featuring heavy scrolled frame with downswept open arms, six legs and Neoclassical floral upholstery. The beautifully "S" scrolled feet are footed with recessed casters allowing for ease of movement. The fabric showcases stunning Grecian urns with elaborate acanthus leaves and bouquets of roses flanked by feathery wings and other lively greenery One of the original lobby furnishing of the Empress Hotel...
Category

18th Century William and Mary Antique Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

"Bastiano" Sofa & Armchairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stendig
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Three Piece "Bastiano" Set by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Stending, 1960s. Original Labels Intact. Set Includes Three-Seater Sofa + Two Armchairs. Newly Reupholstered in a Beige Cott...
Category

1660s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

David Rosén "Berga" Sofa in Solid Stained Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Berga" mid century sofa in solid stained pine by David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet produced in the 1940s. Good original condition acquired from the original owner togethe...
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Pine

Art Deco 1940s Red Two Seater Distressed Sofa Restoration Project As Seen Poirot
Located in London, GB
1940s Art Deco two-seater, distressed sofa, featuring timeless oak wood arms, as seen at Hercule Poirot BBC series. This piece requires comprehensive...
Category

1940s British Art Deco Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Slagelse Danish Sculpted Mohair Banana Sofa, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Step into a world where design meets artistry with the mesmerizing Danish Sculpted Mohair Banana Sofa, brought to life in the 1940s by the renowned Slagelse...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Oak, Mohair

Danish Art Deco or Early Midcentury Sofa with Open Wooden Armrests, 1930's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury sofa from the late 1930's or early 1940s with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Cuban mahogany with gr...
Category

1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Elegant Three-Seat Danish Curved Sofa, 1940s, New Velvet Upholstery
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and elegant three-seat curved sofa manufactured in Denmark, in the 1940s. Very soft and comfortable seat. Light oak feet. Perfect condition. Original piece from the 1940s newly...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Oak

Manner of Flemming Lassen Danish Mid-Century Sofa, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Journey back to a transformative era of design with this alluring sofa, echoing the style of the legendary Flemming Lassen. A Danish mid-century marvel from the 1940s, this piece cap...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Oak

18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Gustavian sofa. Scraped to original paint with exquisite carving and recently reupholstered in linen.
Category

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas

Materials

Linen, Wood

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa. the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1790s Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas

Materials

Pine

1940s Curved Sofa
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large 1940s sofa, in a generous, curved design. Round, chunky wooden legs, bouclé fabric upholstery. Very elegant design, high quality and comfort.
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Danish Mid-Century Sofa in the Style of Flemming Lassen
Located in Norwalk, CT
Journey into a world where design meets dream with this captivating Danish Mid-Century Sofa, channeling the evocative style of the legendary Flemming Lassen. A relic from the radiant 1940s, this piece gracefully straddles the line between art and comfort, inviting you to experience an era where every curve had a purpose and every hue had a heart. Cloaked in a luxurious teal, the sofa’s sculpted mohair frieze fabric is a tactile delight, as sumptuous to touch as it is spellbinding to behold. The deep button tufting not only accentuates the plushness but also creates intricate patterns of light and shadow, turning the sofa into a landscape of valleys and peaks, of coziness and charm. Yet, the essence of this masterpiece lies in its sculpted contours, reminiscent of Lassen's commitment to organic form. Its silhouette, with flowing lines and gentle arcs, evokes the serene landscapes of Denmark—rolling dunes, gentle waves, and the seamless union of nature and nurture...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Danish Designer, Organic Sofa, Shearling, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A organic curved beige shearling and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height: 15”
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, 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.

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