Sofas
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Foam
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Plastic, Foam
20th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1920s British Victorian Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Textile, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Aluminum
20th Century British Victorian Sofas
Leather, Beech
2010s Spanish Post-Modern Sofas
Marble
19th Century English Victorian Antique Sofas
Leather
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1970s European Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Stainless Steel
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Plastic
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Faux Leather
Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric
1980s Swiss Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Ultrasuede
1990s German Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Dutch Post-Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Wood, Fabric
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas
Bronze, Other
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Cotton, Foam
1990s Post-Modern Sofas
Velvet
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Sofas
Fabric, Velvet
1990s American Post-Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric, Glass
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric, Glass
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Glass, Fabric
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Fabric, Glass
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Glass, Fabric
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
2010s Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Other
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.