Sofas
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary European Chesterfield Sofas
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
2010s Sofas
Velvet
2010s British Sofas
Beech, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Fabric, Teak
2010s Sofas
Fabric
2010s Belgian Sofas
Textile
2010s Turkish Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Hardwood, Foam, Upholstery
1980s German Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary British Sofas
Chenille
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Wood
2010s Italian Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Bouclé
2010s Italian Sofas
Leather, Fabric
1980s European Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Velvet, Foam
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rope, Hardwood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s Italian Vintage Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Sofas
Wood
2010s German Sofas
Aluminum
Early 2000s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Ebony
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary British Sofas
Chenille
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Danish Post-Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Teak
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fiberglass, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wood
Early 2000s Italian Organic Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
2010s American Modern Sofas
Mohair
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Teak
2010s American Organic Modern Sofas
Brass
1970s Spanish Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
2010s Sofas
Suede
2010s Italian Sofas
Textile
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Sofas
Faux Leather
2010s American Modern Sofas
Brass
2010s Italian Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
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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