Sofas
1890s European Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1880s British Victorian Antique Sofas
Brass
Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Wool
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Wood
19th Century English Chippendale Antique Sofas
Fabric
1910s Hungarian Vintage Sofas
Wood
1840s Danish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Fabric, Oak
19th Century British Regency Antique Sofas
Brass
19th Century Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1880s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather, Walnut
19th Century English Georgian Antique Sofas
Satinwood
Late 19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Giltwood
19th Century British Regency Antique Sofas
Brass
19th Century Spanish Modern Antique Sofas
Plastic
1820s Italian Charles X Antique Sofas
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Giltwood
1820s American Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1890s Italian Rococo Antique Sofas
Leather, Foam, Wood
19th Century British Regency Antique Sofas
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Italian Charles X Antique Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century Louis XIV Antique Sofas
Mohair, Wood
19th Century British Regency Antique Sofas
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1880s English High Victorian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Mahogany
1810s Dutch Empire Antique Sofas
Satinwood, Upholstery, Mahogany, Tulipwood
1880s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Upholstery
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Turkestan Antique Sofas
Wool, Cotton
Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
Early 19th Century French Directoire Antique Sofas
Walnut
1850s European Hepplewhite Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Pine
19th Century Italian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Sofas
Silk, Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Birch
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Sofas
Fabric
19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Walnut, Fabric
1880s German Space Age Antique Sofas
Foam
1880s French Edwardian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Antique Sofas
Bentwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Sofas
Silk, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Sofas
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Sofas
Wood
19th Century English Country Antique Sofas
Linen, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Hardwood, Upholstery
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-19th Century Antique Sofas
Giltwood
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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