Sofas
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech
1990s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Foam, Teak
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chenille
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Elm
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Iron
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather, Imbuia
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1930s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Mahogany
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Late 20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1870s Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Sofas
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Rosewood
1990s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Iron
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Elm
Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Upholstery
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Walnut
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Foam, Cotton
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Ash
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Elm
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Feathers
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Beech
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Silk, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Foam
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Steel
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Mohair
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Walnut
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
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.