Sofas
1920s Swedish Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Birch
1830s Federal Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1810s Federal Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Down
1950s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Wood
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Sofas
Fabric, Hardwood, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Sofas
Cotton, Velvet, Mahogany
1860s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Bentwood, Braid
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Mahogany
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Leather, Bentwood
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Iron
20th Century English Art Nouveau Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Beech
1980s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Nouveau Sofas
Rattan
20th Century Art Nouveau Sofas
Oak
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Brass
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Wood
Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Sofas
Mahogany
19th Century American Federal Antique Sofas
Rush, Chestnut
2010s Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Leather
2010s Italian Art Nouveau Sofas
Metal
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Bentwood
1910s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
1980s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1920s American Adirondack Vintage Sofas
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Beech
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass, Iron
1990s American Sheraton Sofas
Wood, Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
1960s Swedish Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Swedish Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
19th Century English Antique Sofas
Walnut
1950s American Vintage Sofas
Wicker, Wood
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1830s Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Birch
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
Mid-20th Century English Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1980s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1980s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1810s American Federal Antique Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
1880s Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Walnut, Velvet
Early 2000s Federal Sofas
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Sofas
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery
Early 1900s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Leather, Wood, Beech, Bentwood
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Sofas
Bentwood, Braid
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.