Sofas
1970s Dutch Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Foam
Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Sofas
Mohair, Wood
2010s Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
1930s Southeast Asian Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wood, Paint, Textile
1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wool, Foam, Wood
1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Hide
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Velvet
2010s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1980s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Walnut, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Sofas
Wood, Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Aluminum
2010s German Modern Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1960s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1950s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Steel, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Oak, Velvet, Bouclé, Leather, Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
1980s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Art Deco Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
2010s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Fruitwood
20th Century Art Deco Sofas
Suede, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Art Deco Sofas
Brass, Stainless Steel
1940s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Other
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Dutch Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Other
2010s American Modern Sofas
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
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.