Sofas
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Leather, Sheepskin, Cotton, Foam
1980s American Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Palisander
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather, Walnut
1990s Italian Modern Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Felt
Late 20th Century French Sofas
Leather, Foam
1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Foam
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
1980s Swiss Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1920s British Victorian Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1920s American Neoclassical Vintage Sofas
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s German Minimalist Vintage Sofas
Steel, Chrome
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Foam, Leather, Sheepskin
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1950s American Vintage Sofas
Rattan
Late 20th Century Italian Other Sofas
Velvet
1990s German Modern Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century French Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Linen, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wicker
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin, Elm
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Rosewood, Leather
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cane, Mahogany
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Wood, Fabric
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Art Deco Sofas
Leather
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
1980s European Vintage Sofas
Leather
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Cotton, Foam, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood
20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1970s American Vintage Sofas
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
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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