Sofas
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech, Fabric
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Hardwood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Birch
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wenge, Bouclé
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Upholstery
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Fur
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Walnut
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wrought Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Beech, Fir
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Polyester, Wood, Feathers
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plastic
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Alpaca
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1920s French Louis XVI Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian 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.