Sofas
1970s French Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
2010s North American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
2010s American Modern Sofas
Hardwood
2010s Italian Sofas
Fabric
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
20th Century Italian Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Italian Sofas
Velvet
20th Century French Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Polyester
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
2010s American Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Maple, Down
19th Century Antique Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Modern Sofas
Maple
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Sofas
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
1980s Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Cotton
1660s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Sofas
Leather
Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Sofas
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Swedish Vintage Sofas
Steel
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s European Space Age Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Ukrainian Modern Sofas
Textile, Foam, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Silk, Velvet, Wood, Trimming
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Foam
1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Chesterfield Sofas
Cowhide
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Elm
1990s German Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s Unknown Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
1940s Danish Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Wood
1950s Indian Vintage Sofas
Teak, Cowhide, Cane
20th Century Mexican Hollywood Regency Sofas
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
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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