Sofas
1860s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofas
Walnut
19th Century British Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century German Space Age Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Beech
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Plastic, Foam
1980s Italian Bauhaus Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Rattan
Late 20th Century French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
2010s Unknown Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Sofas
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Bouclé, Cotton
1970s Swiss Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s Unknown Sofas
Leather
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Silk, Walnut
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s American Bohemian Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Rattan
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Walnut, Down, Feathers
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Cord, Foam, Wood, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Sofas
Stainless Steel
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Cane, Wood, Teak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Beech
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Unknown Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Teak
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
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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