Sofas
Late 20th Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Rope
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Teak, Chenille
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Textile, Plexiglass
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Linen
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Oak
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XIV Sofas
Fabric, Giltwood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mahogany, Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Suede, Beech
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Brass, Other
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Textile, Foam
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Teak
2010s American Modern Sofas
Pine
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Sofas
Mohair, Silk
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century French Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Giltwood
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Sofas
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Brass
1950s Vintage Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bamboo
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Steel, Brass, Cut Steel
2010s American Modern Sofas
Oak, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Ash
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Austrian Sofas
Leather, Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Velvet
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Plexiglass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Aluminum
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Polyester
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Hardwood
1970s Spanish Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
1940s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Rustic Sofas
Fabric, Linen
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
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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