Sofas
1930s Danish Vintage Sofas
Mahogany
1960s Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Danish Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
1880s Antique Sofas
Wool
1950s Danish Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
1950s Danish Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Textile
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Fabric
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Hardwood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Wood
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Leather
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1950s Indian Vintage Sofas
Suede, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Pine, Fabric
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1960s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fiberglass
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Sofas
Alpaca
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
2010s Italian Sofas
Fabric
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
20th Century Danish Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Maple
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1970s Swiss Vintage Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1930s Philippine Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Cotton
1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Chrome
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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