Sofas
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Walnut
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Philippine Sofas
Rattan
Early 19th Century American Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
2010s Indian Modern Sofas
Velvet
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Cotton, Foam, Walnut
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
2010s Indian Modern Sofas
Velvet
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Teak, Down
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass, Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Sofas
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Sofas
Metal
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Walnut
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cord
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Leather, Beech, Walnut, Feathers
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Empire Antique Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather, Walnut, Bentwood
2010s American Spanish Colonial Sofas
Walnut
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Hardwood, Fabric
1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
1950s American Other Vintage Sofas
Leather
1980s Danish Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Maple
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Australian Organic Modern Sofas
Leather, Palmwood, Rope
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Sofas
Rosewood
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Plastic
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Suede
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Sofas
Velvet
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s French Modern Sofas
Textile
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Maple
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
1970s Vintage Sofas
Leather
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1990s Modern Sofas
Mohair
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Upholstery
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
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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