Sofas
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Plastic
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Palisander
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fiberglass
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wood, Bouclé, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1970s Philippine Chinoiserie Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Rattan
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Sofas
Bentwood, Plywood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Chrome
1980s American Organic Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Cane, Reed, Wood
1950s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
Early 20th Century Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1930s Italian Louis Philippe Vintage Sofas
Beech
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Linen, Polyester
1950s Vintage Sofas
Steel
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Sofas
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
20th Century English Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech, Wool
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Beech
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1950s Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rattan
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
1950s German Bauhaus Vintage Sofas
Metal, Steel, Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1990s Dutch Post-Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Nickel
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Sofas
Metal, Chrome, Steel
1990s Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century British Sofas
Cowhide
20th Century English Kilim Sofas
Leather, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
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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