Question 1

What is a finial in architecture?

Accepted Answer

A finial is a decorative feature that accentuates the top or end of a piece of furniture. It is used in architecture to draw attention to the top of a spire, tower, dome, roof, or other conspicuous elements of a building. You can find a range of antique architectural finials on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is a Knoll Sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Knoll sofa, or a Knole sofa, is an interesting piece of furniture that’s believed to have its origins in the 1600s and to be the precursor to the modern sofa. It features two side-by-side cushions and arms that are as high as the back of the sofa. The most interesting feature is that these arms can often be tied back or dropped to change the profile of the sofa. Find an assortment of Knole sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a Chesterfield sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Chesterfield sofa is a couch with rolled arms that are as tall as the back of the sofa. They always feature deep button tufting everywhere, including the cushion.

Question 4

What is a Lawson sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Lawson sofa is characterized by a classic-shaped frame, with deep detachable cushions. The arms might be straight or feature a slight roll. The sofa is often decorated with complementary pillows to offer an extra level of comfort. Find a selection of Lawson sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What are cloud sofas?

Accepted Answer

Cloud sofas can refer to one of two pieces of furniture. In some cases, the phrase indicates a mid-century modern couch designed by the American designer Adrian Pearsall. On social media, you may see someone reference the Restoration Hardware cloud sofa, a contemporary piece that went viral in 2021. You'll find a selection of Adrian Pearsall cloud sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a bumper sofa?

Accepted Answer

A bumper sofa is a sofa with a specific design. Usually part of a larger sectional sofa, it is a long chaise with an extended armrest. The design of the bumper sofa makes it possible for a single person to sit with their legs stretched out along the chaise or for multiple people to sit on the chaise with their feet on the floor, using the armrest as a backrest. Shop a large collection of sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a Bridgewater sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Bridgewater sofa is a sofa with a low profile and low arms that are set slightly back from the front of the sofa. Classic Bridgewater sofas also feature a skirt and a rolled back. This is a simple and classic sofa that is an excellent choice for many homes. Shop charming Bridgewater sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a sofa and loveseat?

Accepted Answer

A sofa and loveseat are two different pieces of seating furniture. The size is the most significant distinction between a loveseat and a sofa. Sofas are bigger and available in a variety of lengths, though the conventional three-cushion seat is one of the most popular. Loveseats, on the other hand, are significantly smaller and often only seat two persons. The second significant comparison between the two is the function of the seat. Sofas are bigger and hence more suited to lounging and socializing. You may sprawl out on a sofa or gather a group of friends to speak or watch a movie. Loveseats are more useful in small spaces where a larger sofa would be too large. Find a collection of antique and vintage loveseats as well as sofas today on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the sturdiest sofa?

Accepted Answer

The sturdiest sofa is largely a matter of personal opinion. Generally, the materials of the frame greatly impact the sturdiness of a sofa. Kiln-dried hardwoods are often more durable than softer woods and engineered wood materials. Pieces featuring dowel construction, corner blocks and metal-bracketed joints are usually stronger than ones assembled with staples, nails and glue. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage and antique sofas.

Question 10

What is smaller than a sofa?

Accepted Answer

A loveseat is a piece of upholstered furniture that is smaller than a sofa. Most sofas can accommodate three or more people, while a loveseat generally seats two. Single-seat furniture like accent chairs and armchairs are also smaller than sofas. Shop a collection of living room furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is a Corbusier sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Corbusier sofa is a sofa designed by Swiss-born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, best known by his adopted name Le Corbusier. He was a highly influential architect, designer, painter, urban planner and writer whose career spanned almost five decades. With the help of Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier created a number of designs for seating, including the famous LC2 and LC3. Each couples a tubular chrome frame with soft, supple leather upholstery, lending an organic warmth to an industrially made design and is engineered using ergonomic principles to complement the contours of the human form. Find a variety of vintage Le Corbusier sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is a Nelson sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Nelson sofa is a sofa designed by George Nelson. Introduced in 1968, it features an exposed wooden frame and button-tufted cushions outlined by piping. The American industrial designer created the piece for Herman Miller, and the company continues to manufacture and sell it today. Explore a variety of George Nelson sofas from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is a bergère sofa?

Accepted Answer

A bergère sofa is a piece of furniture more commonly called a bergère chair. The term describes an armchair that features upholstery on its back, arms and seat and a decorative wooden frame. Bergère chairs emerged during the Regency period in France but became especially popular during the Rococo era. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of bergère chairs.

Question 14

What is boucle sofa?

Accepted Answer

A bouclé sofa is a sofa that’s made from the heavy textile known as boucle. Bouclé is known for its fuzziness and soft texture, and designers often use it on rounded and asymmetrical furniture. Shop a collection of boucle sofas and other furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 15

What is a wingback sofa?

Accepted Answer

A wingback sofa or chair has extensions from the back that wrap around the sides partially creating a sort of wing that branches out of the back. Often the wings extend down and then form the arms of the chair or sofa, but not always. Shop a collection of wingback furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is a Togo sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Togo sofa is a piece of furniture designed by Michel Ducaroy. The sofa features an ergonomic design with a simple square back, a plush seat and open arm-less sides. Upholstery shows off pleats or button tufting. Shop a range of Togo sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is a Howard sofa?

Accepted Answer

A Howard sofa is characterized by its slightly curved sprung back, low level arms and a deep seat designed for comfort. It has been described as a timeless British classic. Shop a collection of authentic Howard sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is a horsehair sofa?

Accepted Answer

A horsehair sofa is a piece of furniture large enough to sit two or three people side by side. The term horsehair refers to the fact that its upholstery is fabric made from wefts of hair from a horse's tail. On 1stDibs, shop a range of horsehair sofas.

Question 19

What sofas are the most durable?

Accepted Answer

The sofas that are the most durable are those made of premium materials using techniques that maximize sturdiness and strength. Some long-lasting upholstery options include full- and top-grain leather and tight-weave fabrics. Durable sofas often feature kiln-dried hardwood frames, hand-tied suspension systems and high-resilience foam padding. Shop a diverse assortment of sofas on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Why is it called a sofa?

Accepted Answer

Why it is called a sofa is due to the history of the term. Sofa originated from the Arabic word soffa, which describes a low seat covered with plush pillows. French makers began producing their own versions of these furnishings in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, they had spread to other areas in Europe and were being referred to as sofas. Find a wide variety of sofas on 1stDibs.

Sofa With Finials

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas

1950s Guillerme et Chambron Inspired Brutalist Oak and Velvet Throne-Like Sofa

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches

Neoclassical Style Swedish Grey Gustavian Storage Sofa Hand Carved

21st Century and Contemporary Sofas

Custom Contemporary Knole Sofa with Giltwood Finials

1990s English Sofas

Knole Drop Down Sofa with Brass Finials

Early 20th Century Sofas

Knoll Style Sofa with Antique Velvet Back and Giltwood Finials

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Sofas

Ravishing Silk Velvet Knole Style Sofa with Gold Acorn Finials

20th Century Italian Sofas

Salterini Sofa

20th Century American Sofas

Knole Sofa

Vintage 1930s Unknown Charles II Sofas

Handsome and Comfortable Knole Sofa

Antique 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Sofas

Swedish Empire Biedermeier Birch Sofa

21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas

Showstopper George Smith Tiplady Knole Sofa

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Rare Black and White 868-M Walnut Sofa

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Rare Black and White 868-M Walnut Sofa

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Rare Black and White 868-M Walnut Sofa

Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Sofas

Liberty & Co. William Birch, an Arts & Crafts Dark Oak Settee with Angular Sides

Antique 19th Century Jugendstil Settees

Jugendstil Arm Box Loveseat

Late 20th Century Italian Regency Revival Furniture

Gianni Versace Upholstered Knole Suite, 7 Pc

1990s American Modern Sofas

Pair of Knoll Style Sofas with Acorn Finials in Champagne Velvet Upholstery

20th Century French Sofas

French Upholstered Bench with Arms, Carved with Swan-Head Finials and Garland

Vintage 1980s American Other Sofas

Baker Style Knole Sofa, 1980s

Vintage 1940s French Loveseats

French Sofa with Drop Sides and Brass Finials, circa 1940s

Vintage 1940s Sofas

Settee in Muslin with Carved pineapple base and finial

Vintage 1960s Italian Sofa Tables

Regency Style Brass Sofa Table With Beveled Glass

20th Century Belgian Sofas

Knoll Sofa

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Sofas

Knole Sofa

20th Century Sofas

Slip Covered Knole style Sofa

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Vintage Dark Brown Leather Three-Seat Sofa

American Sofas

Classic Elegant Hollywood Regency Sofa by A. Rudin

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Stainless Steel Upholstered Contemporary Outdoor Sofa of Black and White Color

Vintage 1970s French Canapes

Vintage French Ivory Velvet Canapé Sofa with Adjustable Arms and Brass Finials

Vintage 1960s Italian Daybeds

Iron Daybed or Sofa by Papperzini for Salterini

Sofa With Finials For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are Sofa With Finials?