Distressed Leather Sofas
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
20th Century British Sofas
Leather
1990s Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s American Georgian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
Antique Early 1900s British Chesterfield Sofas
Silver Leaf
Vintage 1980s British Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Sofas
Leather, Beech, Walnut, Feathers
20th Century Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofas
Leather, Paint
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s English Sofas
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Early 2000s American Rustic Sofas
Wood, Leather, Velvet
Vintage 1960s Italian Loveseats
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Leather, Wood
2010s American Chesterfield Sofas
Brass
Early 20th Century Belgian Sofas
Leather
20th Century Chesterfield Sofas
Wood, Leather
Late 20th Century Art Deco Sofas
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Vintage 1920s French Sofas
Leather
20th Century British Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1930s English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Vintage 1930s French Sofas
1990s Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s English Georgian Sofas
Leather, Wood
20th Century British Sofas
Leather, Fabric
20th Century British Chesterfield Sofas
Leather, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
20th Century British Sofas
Leather
2010s British Modern Sofas
Leather
1990s American Chesterfield Sofas
Brass
20th Century American Neoclassical Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Felt
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Sofas
Hickory, Leather
Vintage 1940s English Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Sofas
Oak, Leather, Hide
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
20th Century British Settees
Leather
20th Century British Settees
Leather
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Chesterfield Sofas
Brass
1990s Unknown Edwardian Sofas
Leather, Walnut
2010s New Zealand Rustic Sofas
Leather, Palmwood
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s English Georgian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
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Distressed Leather Sofas For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Distressed Leather Sofas?
Finding the Right Sofas for You
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique 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. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How long a leather sofa should last depends on its construction and materials. You can get a good idea of how long a particular sofa will last by looking at its warranty. Often, the leather upholstery wears out on a sofa before the frame. Find a range of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few different types of leather that are great for sofas - royalin, full grain and top grain leather. In terms of style and comfort, it really comes down to a matter of preference. You’ll find a variety of leather sofa options from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I dye a leather sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, you can dye a leather sofa. To do so, you must typically begin by sanding down the upholstery, oiling it and then applying dye. Because there is a risk that you could damage your sofa, you may wish to enlist the help of a professional upholsterer or furniture repair expert. Find a variety of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Whether a leather sofa is a good investment depends on a variety of factors. The materials and quality of craftsmanship will affect how long a piece lasts, but how you care for and use it will also impact longevity. Forward-thinking design and sensuous materials are the hallmarks of 1970s-era leather seating, which feels as sexy, comfortable and radical today as it did in its heyday. Through joint research with several forward-looking furniture manufacturers into state-of-the-art industrial processes, designers of the original leather-clad beanbag chair Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro explored ways of employing polyurethane foam to serve as both cushion and structure, offering a whole new range of seating concepts. There is likely a leather sofa in everyone’s budget, but taking care of your investment is important. Unlike upholstery, the color of the leather sofa you choose won’t make a difference when it comes to regular maintenance. A damp cloth can be used to remove dust, for example. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of leather sofas from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022With Italian leather, you want to avoid getting the material wet. If you can, use a dry cloth or vacuum to remove dirt. For stains, use a damp cloth, but avoid chemical cleaners. Save the hassle and shop a collection of Italian leather furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is an Italian leather sofa good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Yes, an Italian leather sofa is typically good. Italian leather is known for being a high-quality material that is pleasing to the eye and has a luxurious, supple feel. As a result, it can be a fine option for sofas. Keep in mind that the sturdiness and strength of the frame and the resilience of the padding and suspension systems inside of sofas also impact their quality and durability. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024The highest-grade leather for a sofa is full-grain leather. It comes from the topmost layer of the animal hide and does not undergo any buffing or sanding. As a result, it is highly durable, has a luxurious, supple feel and shows off the beautiful natural grain pattern of genuine leather. Explore a variety of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Full-grain and top-grain leather are both good quality-leathers for sofas. Full-grain leather consists of the full hide, making it durable yet supple and visually appealing. Top-grain leather is more economically priced and has the outermost layer of the hide sanded and buffed away, giving it a smoother texture and less of a visible grain. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021When choosing a leather sofa, it's important to consider the material's quality, especially if you're looking for an enduring item. Top-grain calfskin leather, for instance, is more durable and simpler to maintain than corrected-grain leather. Top-grain leather also softens with age and develops a unique sheen. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024To tell if a sofa is real leather, run your hand along the upholstery. With real leather, you're likely to feel an uneven or bumpy underlayer due to the natural characteristics of the material. By comparison, man-made leather will usually feel perfectly smooth. The appearance of the leather can also be a giveaway. Natural leather will usually show off variations in its grain, while faux leather will typically have a regular repeated pattern. If you're still uncertain after completing an inspection yourself, consult a certified appraiser or experienced furniture dealer for assistance. Explore a large selection of leather sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The best type of leather for a sofa is top grain leather, which is smooth, supple and the most expensive. Top grain has two grades — aniline, which is most natural and semi-aniline, which may be coated with a protective top coat. You can also have top grain leather that is pigmented. If you are looking for some contemporary, vintage and antique leather sofas, you can visit 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Burgundy pairs well with grey, turquoise, golden yellow, and umber. In addition, the warm-green tone contrasts beautifully with the burgundy leather furnishings. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage and antique leather sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024To tell a good-quality leather sofa, examine its details closely. The highest-end pieces will usually feature full-grain leather, which refers to a strong and durable grade of leather that retains its original grain surface (hair and imperfections are removed). What type of fill is present inside the cushions also impacts the quality, with spring seats with felt and wool and high-grade foam being featured in the best sofas. Finally, frames will typically be produced out of sturdy materials like wood and feature strong joints. Explore a large collection of sofas on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The best choice for a wall color that goes with a caramel sofa depends on your preferences. Caramel is a mellow hue that embraces a diverse variety of color combinations. Some of the choices that may add to the visual appeal of your caramel sofa are beige, bluish pink, orange and teal. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary leather sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
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