Sofas
1920s Empire Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Baltic Belle Époque Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Sofas
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century English Napoleon III Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1820s Russian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Velvet, Birch
1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
Early 20th Century Egyptian Revival Sofas
Velvet
1910s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Mahogany
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Linen, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Sofas
Jute, Muslin, Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Sofas
Walnut, Leather
Early 20th Century French Sofas
Fruitwood
1820s English George III Antique Sofas
Brass
1920s Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Macassar
1820s Jamaican British Colonial Antique Sofas
Muslin, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Sofas
Wood
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1920s Vintage Sofas
Beech
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Wood, Leather
Early 20th Century European Chesterfield Sofas
Wood, Leather
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Sofas
Velvet, Hardwood
1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Pine
Early 20th Century American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
1920s Danish Renaissance Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Unknown Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Walnut
Early 20th Century Swedish Victorian Sofas
Fabric, Birch
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Teak
Early 20th Century Danish Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Modern Sofas
Brass
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Macassar, Oak
Early 20th Century American American Empire Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
1920s French Chinoiserie Vintage Sofas
Wood
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Sofas
Chrome
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Sofas
Chrome
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.
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