Sofas
to
1,866
9,285
5,598
7,597
7,447
672
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
14,654
6,867
6,343
6,297
6,104
6,201
6,005
6,141
6,017
6,130
5,964
6,111
4,221
3,708
978
275
131
73
58
53
51
51
48
42
34
32
25
25
11
3
145
577
6,725
8,269
210
3,727
2,192
35
15
43
170
247
929
1,361
1,372
400
142
10,766
7,468
3,522
3,289
3,682
11,077
3,673
2,142
2,094
1,983
15,716
8,584
9,081
427
298
177
158
111
Sofas For Sale
20th Century German Leather Sofa "Cirrus" By Peter Maly
By Peter Maly
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th-century German leather sofa, the "Cirrus" by Peter Maly, is a striking example of innovative modern design. Its aerodynamic form feature...
Category
20th Century German Sofas
Materials
Leather
Modern Twins Curved Couch, Beige Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Twins Sofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Designed by Rute Martins for the Contemporary Collection, the Twins ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric
Mario Bellini Bambole 2 Seat Sofa B&B Italia, Italy, 1973
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly cosy so called 'Bambole' 2-seater sofa designed by Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia, Italy 1973. This sofa was designed in 1973 and turned quickly to one of B&B It...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Leather
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Sweden ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique example of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. A...
Category
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pierre Guariche for Burov 'Monaco' Sofa in Red Velvet and Mahogany
By Burov, Pierre Guariche
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Guariche for Burov, 'Monaco' sofa, velvet, stained mahogany, France, circa 1960
Pierre Guariche (1926-1995), a multi-talented French designer, interior decorator, and archite...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa, original very good condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Original vintage green furniture velour. Can be pu...
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Teak
$1,539 Sale Price
20% Off
Patricia Urquiola 'Beam' Sofa for Cassina, Italy new
Located in Berlin, DE
Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2016. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. Prices are dependent on the color, material and size of the sofa.
Category
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
$17,919 / item
Midcentury Tiger Oak Daybed/Sofa by Marge Carson
By Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury tiger oak daybed/sofa by Marge Carson. This sofa is a wonderful piece that can use as a daybed or a sofa giving it two unique purposes. It features a tiger oak wood frame ...
Category
1710s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Danish Modern 3-Seat Sofa in Teak and Wool by Kurt Ostervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool sofa designed by Kurt Ostervig and manufactured in the early 1960s. Classic 1960s design with low elegant lines and yet enough of a presence to anchor a living room. Covered in its original yellow wool fabric and raised on legs of solid teak. We recommend that the sofa be...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Wool, Teak
Rea Velvet Sofa
Located in Milan, IT
A superb object of functional decor, this sofa will imbue a living room with modern sophistication, while also being a comfortable three-seater. Upholstered in Splendido velvet, with...
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Metal, Other
$22,994 / item
Gianfranco Frattini Khaki Brown Velvet Sesann Armchair for Cassina, 1972
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann armchair, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina.
It features khaki brown velvet upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as stru...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Unique 3-seater sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Probably unique 3-seater sofa handcrafted massive pine sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson and executed in Ågesta 1970s, Sweden.
This sofa (and a 2-seater, also available) was specially made...
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Pine
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bent Wood Sofa After Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this stunning Vintage Mid-Century Modern Bent Wood Sofa, inspired by the iconic designs of Gilbert Rohde. Featuring a gracefully curved bent wood frame...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Sculptural Post Modern Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofa, USA, 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Postmodern Bilbao sofa, rendered in an upholstered wood frame, covered in a sumptuous grey performance velvet, designed by Vladimir Kagan, inspired by the Frank Gehry's Gu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Cigar Sofa by Hans J. Wegner GE 240/3
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Portland, OR
Iconic Scandinavian Design. This sofa is beautiful from any angle and timeless in its strikingly modern design. With a frame made from solid oak which is in fantastic original condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Amorphous Sculptural Outdoor Sofa In Dark Concrete Finish
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Contemporary garden sofa crafted of fiberglass-reinforced acrylic resin in aged concrete finish. The reinforced resin is forceful enough to withstand extreme weather conditions witho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass, Lacquer
Sofa in Hardwood & Loose Cushions in Blue Velvet, Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a-kind four seat sofa with no arms was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçoes in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The sofa features a...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Hardwood
Vibrant Mid-Century Modern Sofa in the Style of Adrian Pearsall
Located in North York, ON
Inject a playful splash of color into your living space with this striking Mid-Century Modern sofa, reminiscent of the iconic designs of Adrian Pearsall. Crafted in the USA around th...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Fabric, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo and beige fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s.
Dimensions: 39.25” H x 74.25” W x 35.5” D
Seat Height: 19”
All upholstered furniture can be reuph...
Category
1970s American Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo
18th Century Louis XVI Piedmontese Canape
Located in New Orleans, LA
Impressive in size and form, the walnut canape has an ochre glaze. Newly upholstered in white linen. Lovely carved detail on sides and back. The upholstered back and sides are easily...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$14,400 Sale Price
60% Off
002 Classic Sofa - 8ft
Located in Westlake Village, CA
TIMELESS STRUCTURE MADE FOR COMFORT
Made-to-order by masters of their craft, the Classic Sofa is fully upholstered, featuring sloped scrolled arms, an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Down
$11,800
Flap sofa by Francesco Binfarè for Edra
Located in Ravenna, IT
Sofa designed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra in 1999.
Flap is distinguished from others in the collection by its curved structure with independent backrests. The movable parts (the 5 ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Metal
Danish Vintage Teak Sofa Bed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in London, GB
A stunning, rare and very early Danish vintage teak sofa bed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. This was made in Denmark by France and Daverkosen,...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Teak
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Biedermeier sofa, Northern Europe, circa 1860. AFTER RENOVATION
Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of upholstery.
Wood: mahogany
dimensions: height...
Category
1860s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Victorian English Sofa with Floral Upholstery, Late 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Victorian English Sofa with Floral Upholstery
This Victorian English sofa features a classic silhouette with elegant rolled arms and a beautifully patterned floral upholstery. The pi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, Walnut - Louis Delanois JME
By Louis Delanois
Located in Göttingen, NI
A Large French Louis XV Canapé en Corbeille, carved walnut
Master Louis Delanois JME c. 1760
Provenance: Albrecht Neuhaus, Würzburg
Literature: P...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Coastal Bent Rattan Sofa With Cabana Striped Cushions
By Paul Frankl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Coastal sofa. A chic bent rattan with a classic pretzel arm. A fabulous bright blue cabana striped cushions set. Acquired from...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan
$2,600 Sale Price
20% Off
2023 Sacha Lakic Roche Bobois Bubble 3 / 4 Seat Sofa Tissue Orsetto Flex Ivoire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3/4 seat Bubble Sofa, originally designed by Sacha Lakic in 2014. This particular example was produced by Roche Bobois in Italy in 2023. The sofa is comprised of a wooden f...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Foam
Chocolate Brown COR Trio Sectional Sofa Germany Switzerland 1972 NEW UPHOLSTERY
By COR, Team Form AG
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Vintage COR Trio Sofa in new Dark Chocolate Brown Velvet.
The velvet can be brushed to give it a different look, with lighter and darker brown tones (see different looks in the image...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Velvet
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and blue velvet upholstery and black lacquered metal legs. The upholstery has been redone.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Metal
$2,466 Sale Price
30% Off
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa in Oak and Light Fabric, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Elegant Swedish Modern two-seater sofa, made by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. Made from oak, details in iron, carved elements, newly upholstered in light fabric.
Crafted by a...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Iron
Green and Teak Sofa
Located in London, GB
This striking mid-century sofa makes a bold statement through its vibrant green and mustard woven upholstery, offering a textural depth that instantly draws the eye. The upholstery f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
$4,685
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Seat height: 16.25"
All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for an additional fee. Lead...
Category
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Muller Van Severen Corner Playful Pillow Sofa In Leather For Bd Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Muller Van Severen Playful Pillow Sofa Corner In Leather For Bd Barcelona
Muller Van Severen’s Pillow sofa modular arrives at BD. Initially designed by MVS for KASSL Editions, the ...
Category
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
$6,033 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Bielecky Style Wicker Conversion Sofa - 2 Chairs & Ottoman W/ Chinoiserie Toile
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I like this piece! It is a three piece wicker sofa that can also convert into two chairs and an ottoman. The back of the middle section pulls out easily. The vintage upholstery is a ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wicker
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Sofa
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern bamboo rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame ...
Category
20th Century American Sofas
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Lloyd Two Seats Sofa With Fringes by Giobagnara
By Giobagnara
Located in Milan, IT
Merging massive volumes with utterly soft and enveloping curves in a captivating aesthetic harmony, this sofa is a perfect blend of clean design and timeless elegance. The sleek and ...
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
$8,343 / item
Contemporary Medium Standard Sofa in Caramel Leather with Walnut Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The standard sofa is deceptively simple at first glance. Upon closer inspection it manages to be both modern and nostalgic, the sofa you will bring with ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Grey Nubuck Leather and Antique Nickel Sofa
By Stephen Kenn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Inheritance Sofa by Stephen Kenn is as comfortable as it is unique. The design features an exposed construction composed of three elements - a steel frame, plush upholstery, and ...
Category
2010s American Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
$14,500 / item
"Panoramic" sofa by Studio Glustin
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
"Panoramic Colisée" sofa upholstered with a bouclette fabric.
Matching armchair available.
Creation by Studio Glustin
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$46,949 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11
Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest):
L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Foam
$21,396 / item
Two Rope and Tasseled Gilded Sofas
Located in New York, NY
Two rope and tasseled gilded sofas in linen-blend upholstery. Hollywood Regency, Napoleon III style. Dorothy Draper style.
Sofas are priced individually.
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Sofas
Materials
Linen, Wood
$17,500 / item
Contemporary Leather Formalis deep buttoned back Sofa with Oak or Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Formalis Sofa is an exquisitely tailored piece featuring a gentle curved arm, deep buttoned back and luxurious feather and down wrapped seat cushions. This design works beautiful...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Leather
$9,734 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Scandinavian Sofa with Upholstered Dark Umber Mahogany Frame, circa 1915
Located in Miami, FL
A handsome and comfortable early 20th century salon sofa with West Indies (Cuban) mahogany frame and upholstery. Frame is fabricated in a dense mahogany with a dark-umber, French pol...
Category
Early 20th Century Baltic Belle Époque Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
American Mahogany Classical Swan Sofa, Philadelphia, Circa 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany classical upholstered sofa with swans head arm rest, carved corner cornucopia, and terminating on ebonized lions paw feet....
Category
18th Century and Earlier American American Classical Antique Sofas
Italian Sofa Gio Ponti Style 1960s Burgundy Velvet
By Gio Ponti
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian banana sofa in the style of Gio Ponti. Original velvet fabric (some signs of use, see photos).
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Velvet
1960s, Danish 3-seater "Banana" sofa by Edmund Jørgensen, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Edmund Jørgensen. 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture wool/cotton fabric, beech wood legs, brass springs in the ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Three-seater sofa designed by Adriano Piazzesi, 1970s Italy
Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District
Designed by Adriano Piazzesi in 1970s Italy, this three-seater sofa is a striking example of the era’s bold yet refined design sensibilities. Retaining its original brown velvet upho...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Materials
Aluminum
Børge Mogensen, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and off-white fabric sofa designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, c. 1960s.
Dimensions: 41” H x 80.3 x 32” D
Seat Height: 16” H
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Biedermeier Sofa, Walnut Wood, Black Teddy, Vienna, Austria circa 1825
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful neoclassical Biedermeier Sofa from Vienna, Austria circa 1825.
Walnut veneered and solid walnut. Two fluted full columns in beech with ebonized capitals and bases.Newly cov...
Category
1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Beech, Walnut, Softwood
$6,929 Sale Price
23% Off
De Sede DS-44 two seat sofa in Tan Buffalo leather – Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Introducing the De Sede DS44 Sofa in Buffalo leather – Where Luxury Meets Comfort
The seat of this sofa is extractable for extra comfort when wanted.
Designer: De Sede design team
M...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Leather
Italian Three-Seater Sofa Model Diesis by Antonio Citterio for B&B, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern three-seater sofa model Diesis by Antonio Citterio for B&B, 1970s
Three-seater sofa model Diesis with armrests, with aluminum structure and padded cushion...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Metal
$5,877 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Lounge sofa in fine leather and Walnut Wood, Italy 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Italian Lounge sofa in fine leather and Walnut Wood, Italy 1970s
This Italian oversized lounge sofa from the 1970s is made of solid walnut wood and fine leather. This sofa has an el...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Mid-century Sofa or Day Bed by Miroslav Navrátil, Interier Praha, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Iconic model by Interier Praha, produced in the 1960's. When unfolded, the bed measures 85 cm in width.
Cleaned.
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Suede and Steel Sofa by Jacques Charpentier (attr.), France 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the 1970s, the power of television sparked a profound shift in households and a sofa became a "must-have". Sofas became the core of the "Les Contemporains...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Steel
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa - Very Fine Quality
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 19th Century Mahogany Scroll Arm Sofa
This exceptional 19th Century mahogany scroll arm sofa is a stunning statement piece of the finest quality. With solid construction and...
Category
19th Century Antique Sofas
Materials
Wood
$5,869 Sale Price
30% Off
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, furniture wool, beech wood, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool fabric, beech wood, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufa...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Materials
Wool, Beech
Late 20th Century Modified Tuxedo Slipcover Style Pillow Back Large Scale Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Charming late 20th century modified tuxedo slipcover style pillow back large scale sofa. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. This sofa will need to be reupholstered. There are rust stains on the body along with other stains even though it has been professionally cleaned. It has been priced accordingly. The loose-24-inch pillows are in good condition although the poly fil in the animal print pillows is twisted and needs to be repositioned. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. circa, late 20th century.
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, well, behold this beauty! But don’t look at the fabric ethel!!!! Lol!!!! Ok, so… this sofa is a definite reupholster which we feel comes with SO MANY fabulous opportunities! Plus, the sofa has really good bones. Let’s talk about the “bones” first!! This baby is large scale, and the arms have a slight angle; hence, modified tuxedo style, two loose feather wrapped foam zippered seat cushions, a loose pillow back with five unzippered 24 inch poly filled pillows, and black painted wood tapered legs under the skirt. It is upholstered in a slipcover style and right now, it has a Neoclassical look with Greek key detail trimming the base of the skirt combined with animal print pillows, but changing the fabric will completely change the style of the sofa. Versatility overload!! Three pillows are solid off-white linen on one side and textured & striped off-white linen on the other side and two pillows are camel or khaki and off white animal print. If you put a neutral cover on the sofa you could use ANY pillows. You could have so much fun with that! Adorn it with seasonal or holiday pillows...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, 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.
Read More
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Who Is Mario Bellini, and Why Is His 1970s Camaleonda Sofa Everywhere Right Now?
Get the lowdown on the ultrachic modular sofas that are currently taking up real estate in your Instagram saved folder.
How to Arrange Furniture + Layout Ideas
Here, we give design advice and show layout examples to help you create the perfect living room setup.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Trend Spotlight: Velvet Chesterfield Sofas
The plush-yet-elegant seating piece you'll want to curl up on all winter long.