Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Sofas
Oak, Walnut, Leather
1970s French Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Fabric
Early 2000s Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass
20th Century Louis XV Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Hardwood
1940s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
2010s Asian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Rattan, Teak, Synthetic
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary Korean Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s Spanish Modern Sofas
Linen, Hemp
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Velvet
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Sofas
Velvet, Giltwood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1950s Danish Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Teak
2010s Asian Modern Sofas
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
2010s American Modern Sofas
Marble, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin
Early 2000s Danish Modern Sofas
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen, Wood
2010s South African Modern Sofas
Ceramic, Fabric, Walnut
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
19th Century Swedish Louis XV Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Down, Wood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1990s American Modern Sofas
Velvet
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Sofas
Tapestry, Giltwood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Leather, Fabric, Wood
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Wool, Wood
2010s French Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s Mexican Modern Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Sofas
Leather
2010s Portuguese Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1990s American Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Lucite
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Leather, Upholstery, Faux Leather
2010s American Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Moroccan Modern Sofas
Wool, Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Pewter, Steel, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Fabric
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.