Sofas
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century French Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Sofas
Polyester, Maple, Down
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Sofas
Leather
19th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century Jamaican Sofas
Cane, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Leather
19th Century Danish Empire Antique Sofas
Ormolu
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Silk, Velvet
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Faux Fur
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Brass
Early 20th Century Sofas
Velvet, Oak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
2010s Spanish Sofas
Polyester
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Metal
1990s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Sofas
Oak
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Chrome
1960s Italian Baroque Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
20th Century British Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Sofas
Animal Skin, Leather, Wood
2010s Dutch Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Linen, Foam, Plywood
20th Century Queen Anne Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1960s American Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather, Mahogany
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Sofas
Fabric, Birch
2010s Saudi Arabian Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
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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