Sofas
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Velvet
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Velvet
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Teak
1960s English Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s British Minimalist Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Plywood, Feathers
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sofas
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s South African Modern Sofas
Ceramic, Fabric, Walnut
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
1970s American Vintage Sofas
Lucite
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1930s Danish Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century English Kilim Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
19th Century English Chippendale Antique Sofas
Walnut
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Plywood
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton
1960s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Rosewood
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Velvet
Early 20th Century Danish Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas
Oak, Walnut, Leather
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Elm
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Foam
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Bronze
Late 18th Century William and Mary Antique Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Wool, Bouclé
1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood, Birch
21st Century and Contemporary American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Linen, Wood, Paint
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1960s Italian Vintage Sofas
Leather
Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
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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Who Is Mario Bellini, and Why Is His 1970s Camaleonda Sofa Everywhere Right Now?
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