Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
2010s American Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s British Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Oak
1880s Antique Sofas
Wood
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Oak, Fabric, Velvet, Walnut
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Teak
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1930s American Streamlined Moderne Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Sycamore
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Cotton, Foam, Maple
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
19th Century English Antique Sofas
Fabric
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Turkish Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
1990s American British Colonial Sofas
Leather
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Linen, Walnut
2010s Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Beech
2010s Austrian Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Velvet
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Teak
20th Century French French Provincial Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s French Modern Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
Mid-20th Century American Ming Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
19th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Vintage Sofas
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1990s American Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s European Modern Sofas
Metal
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Oak
2010s Emirian Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Late 19th Century Austrian Other Antique Sofas
Antler
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.
Read More
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Who Is Mario Bellini, and Why Is His 1970s Camaleonda Sofa Everywhere Right Now?
Get the lowdown on the ultrachic modular sofas that are currently taking up real estate in your Instagram saved folder.
How to Arrange Furniture + Layout Ideas
Here, we give design advice and show layout examples to help you create the perfect living room setup.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Trend Spotlight: Velvet Chesterfield Sofas
The plush-yet-elegant seating piece you'll want to curl up on all winter long.