Sofas
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Napoleon III Sofas
Velvet, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Velvet
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Wood
1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Sofas
Chrome
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Velvet
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Velvet
1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Silk, Giltwood
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Brass, Steel, Iron
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Wool
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Fabric, Oak
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Fabric
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Brocade, Beech
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Brocade, Beech
1890s European Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1970s Unknown Industrial Vintage Sofas
Brass
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Sofas
Concrete
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Sofas
Leather
1960s French Napoleon III Vintage Sofas
Fabric
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Sofas
Concrete
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Cotton, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Industrial Sofas
Steel
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Sofas
Metal
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Wood
1950s French Napoleon III Vintage Sofas
Wood, Satin
Early 20th Century English Napoleon III Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Sofas
Mohair, Silk
1890s Napoleon III Antique Sofas
Fabric, Wood
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.