Sofas
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Sofas
Walnut
Early 1900s Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Giltwood, Velvet
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Birch, Upholstery
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Maple
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1940s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
Early 20th Century English George II Sofas
Walnut, Upholstery
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
Early 20th Century Sofas
Beech
1940s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Copper
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Beech
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Beech
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Wood
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Sofas
Alpaca, Wood
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Sofas
Wicker, Rattan, Bentwood
1940s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Walnut
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1910s Indian Vintage Sofas
Cotton
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Walnut
1940s Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1910s Indian Vintage Sofas
Cotton
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Beech
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Beech
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Sofas
Linen, Upholstery, Oak
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Sofas
Bentwood, Plywood
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1940s Italian Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1920s American French Provincial Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s French Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Velvet
Early 20th Century French Sofas
Leather, Wood
1940s European Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Birch
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair, Wood
Early 20th Century British Victorian Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century Sofas
Leather
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Birch
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century Danish Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Shop Unique Sofas on 1stDibs
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique, new 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. 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
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.