Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Walnut
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Wool, Velvet
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
20th Century English Sofas
Linen
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Antler, Leather
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
Early 2000s Italian Sofas
Faux Leather
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Walnut
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Rattan
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Sofas
Aluminum
2010s Sofas
Teak
2010s Sofas
Teak
2010s Sofas
Teak
2010s Sofas
Teak
2010s Asian Sofas
Teak
2010s American Sofas
Brass
1990s French Modern Sofas
Bronze
1940s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rattan
1960s German Vintage Sofas
Steel
1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
Late 20th Century French Space Age Sofas
Suede
Late 20th Century American Napoleon III Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak, Teak
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Oak, Fabric, Linen, Elm
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Belgian Space Age Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Sofas
Gold, Gold Leaf
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Oak
Mid-20th Century Sofas
Foam
1970s British Vintage Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1970s French Vintage Sofas
Fabric
2010s German Modern Sofas
Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Sofas
Metal
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.
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