Sofas
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Steel
1990s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Wood, Fabric
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum, Steel
1980s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood, Foam, Beech
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1920s French Louis XV Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Birch
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Rosewood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1980s Italian Vintage Sofas
Wool
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s French Sofas
Fabric
Early 2000s French Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Linen, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Bronze
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
20th Century Modern Sofas
Cotton, Upholstery
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Sofas
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Scottish Gothic Revival Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Textile
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Sofas
Leather, Calico, Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1970s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1990s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Birch, Linen
1950s American Vintage Sofas
Rattan
1950s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
1950s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
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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