Sofas
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather, Walnut, Bentwood
1980s Danish Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Maple
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sofas
Aluminum, Steel
1970s German Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather, Oak
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Sofas
Velvet
2010s French Modern Sofas
Textile
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet, Foam, Teak
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Sofas
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Cord
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Suede
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Sofas
Upholstery, Oak
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
Mid-19th Century American Empire Antique Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Velvet
Early 19th Century American Empire Antique Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut, Burl
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
1970s Vintage Sofas
Leather
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Maple
Early 2000s American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Wool, Beech
2010s French Modern Sofas
Fabric, Plastic, Foam
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
2010s Italian Sofas
Fabric
1970s Vintage Sofas
Leather
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Hardwood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
1950s American Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
1970s Belgian Space Age Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Chrome
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
20th Century Directoire Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Antler, Leather
Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Sofas
Pine, Paint
1960s Danish Brutalist Vintage Sofas
Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Fabric, Bouclé
2010s Sofas
Velvet
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sofas
Sheepskin
1960s Italian Vintage Sofas
Wool, Foam
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Walnut
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Bouclé, Oak
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sofas
Velvet
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century Swiss Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century Minimalist Sofas
Steel
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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