Antique Sofas
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Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Painted Pine Settee with Storage
$5,400.0046"H x 71"W x 24"D
Dimensions: 46” H x 71” W x 24” D
Swedish 18th century Gustavian style settee/banquette with its original hand-scraped & painted finish over the carved pine frame. The solid construction makes for a sheltering sofa as well, with striking decorative details on the back as two rosettes carved in low-relief to accentuate the double-camelback rise. To the sides are low arms that slope down toward the front, mounted with sugarloaf domed finials. The removable bench seat cushion stuffed with firm horsehair is currently wrapped in a neutral muslin (that shows a few areas of staining) which is meant to be temporary until its next home where a more fitting material can be selected. Lifting up the seat platform reveals the hidden storage underneath, perfect for halls and entryways. We believe this to be in good antique condition considering its age, and any visible signs of wear are captured in the photos. Please view the detailed image gallery for the current condition or reach out directly with any questions.
Seat dimensions: 23” H x 68” W x 21 ½” D
Arm: 30 ½” H -
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Bench
$3,200.0032"H x 54.38"W x 22.25"D
Dimensions: 32” H x 54 ⅜” W x 22 ¼” D
A delightful Swedish bench from the early 19th century, this petite settee in the classic Gustavian taste for lightness and simplicity features a chalk-white painted frame. The bench seat has been wrapped in new upholstery of plain muslin, sheltered by a pierced seat back accented with stylized carvings to represent iris (the beloved fleur-de-lis of French royalty) framed by Gothic arches. The delicate splats are variably patinated; the farthest on the right arm shows a more recent repair (see the image gallery for more information). Four elegantly tapering legs lift the piece from the floor in a unified look from tip to toe. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax–this sophisticated settee will make a fine addition to any seating arrangement, hallway, or entry. Please view the detailed images as they are an important part of the product description.
Seat height: 19 ½”
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Dutch Painted Parcel Gilt Settee with New Upholstery
$4,995.0034.50"H x 71.75"W x 26"D
Dimensions: 34 ½” H x 71 ¾” W x 26” D
A fantastic Dutch Regency style settee from the 19th century, recently updated with new upholstery to complement the painted frame with sections of parcel gilt trim. Wrapping the tight seat-back and wide bench seat is new upholstery of a soft, chenille texture printed with dense foliate imagery inspired by French Verdure tapestry. The cushions are held in place with brass hardware (knob latches) seen from the outside that lock the panels in place and can be easily removed for servicing or to change the upholstery. The cozy interior is outlined by the painted frame in a shade of green best described as “pistachio” enhanced with sections of parcel gilt. Four tapering legs carved in a faux bamboo silhouette (also ringed in gold) across the front and sabered legs across the back are sturdy on the floor. Please view the detailed images as they are an essential to the product description.
Seat height: 19”
Seat depth: 23” -
French 19th Century Massive Directoire Settee
$6,995.0038"H x 101.63"W x 26"D
Dimensions: 38” H x 101 ⅝” W x 26” D
This massive French Directoire 19th century fruitwood bench/settee is upholstered in a regal striped fabric of saffron gold & salmon pink. While the large scale might be generous and awesome, the construction in itself gives it the presence of authority to preside over a room without ostentatious symbols: the straight, rounded handrail is held together with a visible tongue-and-groove joint at the center and three pair of robust legs support the mass of the seat. A firm bench seat appears even wider by the railroaded stripes in vertical orientation across the upholstery, aided by a visual counterpoint that comes from a pair of matching bolster cushions which are finished on the ends in the figures of brass lion heads clutching rings! A fine addition to a hallway, library, living room, or study. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Seat height: 18 ½”
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French 19th Century Restauration Fruitwood Settee
$4,995.0038"H x 69.88"W x 25"D
Dimensions: 38” H x 69 ⅞” W x 25” D
French Restauration period (19th century) settee that is of reassuring proportions to become a regular spot for conversation and relaxation in a living room, library, or office. A pair of scrolled arms coiled to volutes enclose the sheltering interior with a tall, tightly upholstered seat back above a single bench cushion. These qualities would also make this adaptable to a banquette for an eat-in kitchen/breakfast nook. The current upholstery is a fantastic jacquard of botanical theme in a muted, pastel color palette that is in fair condition–please view the image gallery to see more. A total of seven legs support the mass of the sofa while keeping the effect light and elevated for any occasion. The fruitwood frame has been gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to maintain its natural glow, please view the detailed images as they are an essential part of the product description.
Seat height: 17″
Arm height: 25.5″
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Swedish Empire Painted Parcel Gilt Settee
$6,800.0033.25"H x 79"W x 28.75"D
Dimensions: 33 ¼” H x 79” W x 28 ¾” D
A glamorous Swedish Empire style settee from the early 19th century (circa 1820) as a painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, three back cushions, and two bolsters. The gondola-like frame (angled outward to be welcoming and luxurious) is painted a smooth, cream-white, accented by Neoclassical appliqués in parcel gilt such as anthemion and scrolled designs. Carved, gilded feet that appear to be a trophy from some ferocious animal elevate the settee as one final detail to exhibit the craft and imagination behind such a creation. Note the current upholstery of a plain muslin is meant to be temporary until its next home where a more fitting material can be selected. The backside is presently unfinished therefore should be placed against a wall. Please view the detailed images to see more of this comfortable and inviting settee.
Seat height: 17 ¼”
Seat depth: 22” -
French 18th Century Louis XV Parlor Suite
$9,800.0037"H x 65.88"W x 25.50"D
Dimensions: 37” H x 65 ⅞” W x 25 ½” D
French, 18th century Louis XV period seating ensemble to instantly transform a parlor or living room into a grand “salon” with seven pieces: one camelback sofa, three fauteuil armchairs, and three (armless) side chairs. Upholstery of cut velvet in pale green–like a white jade–has been brocaded with tonal damask patterns, harmonizing with the botanical theme in the caved frames, and outlined in brass nailhead trim. The giltwood frames have patinated over the centuries to reveal the deep red bole underneath, giving definition to the sinuous, rococo curves accented with floral and foliate carvings positioned at strategic points for maximum effect. The thoughtful proportions of the seat interior (balancing the heights and depths) are all quite comfortable, with dense stuffing of horse hair or other natural material that remains mostly firm and supportive underneath the tight upholstery. Please view the detailed images to see more of this fabulous set and get inspired. Sold as a complete set only.
Settee: 37” H x 65 ⅞” W x 25 ½” D
Arm height: 25 ½”
Seat height: 15 ½”
Arm Chairs: 36 ⅜” H x 25 ½” W x 21 ¼” D
Arm height: 25 ½”
Seat height: 15 ½”
Side Chairs: 35 ⅛” H x 19 ½” W x 18” D
Seat height: 18” -
Swedish 19th Century Maple Biedermeier Settee
$5,995.0040"H x 93.38"W x 22.13"D
Dimensions: 40” H x 93 ⅜” W x 22 ⅛” D
This wonderful 19th century maple settee from Sweden features classic Biedermeier design elements adapted to Scandinavian tastes for lightness and simplicity, using only the finest quality materials and techniques. A wide bench seat is wrapped in woven horsehair upholstery of black and brown strands, sheltered by a pierced seat back accented with ebonized fretwork. Stiles of maple and a handrail of quarter-sawn planks reveal shimmering waves in the grain to contrast the dark, opaque ebonized sections. Rising from the toprail is a pediment filled with the same ebonized effect for a unified look from tip to toe; four pairs of elegantly tapering legs lift the piece from the floor. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax this sophisticated settee will make a fine addition to a living room, hallway, or library. Please view the detailed images to see more.
Seat height: 18”
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French 19th Century Louis XVI Tall Back Settee
$4,500.0043"H x 54.63"W x 27.63"D
Dimensions: 43” H x 54 ⅝” W x 27 ⅝” D
A beautifully constructed French settee from the 19th century incorporating Louis XVI decorative motifs and proportions that would also fit with Empire or Directoire tastes as well. The straight lines and verticality of the high seat back is emphasized with subtle marquetry creating a trompe l’oeil, paneled effect in the glowing fruitwood frame, marked by gilded rosettes on the corners. Manchette (upholstered) arms use the same velvet and braided trim as the interior upholstery; originally a chartreuse color now more reminiscent of persimmon. Gilded palmette carvings soften the transition from the scrolled arm terminals to the gently sloping front, inlaid with thin strips of marquetry. Tapering front legs feature capitals of gilded acanthus leaves to underscore the Neoclassical inspiration. Please view the detailed images to see more of this elegant settee.
Seat height: 18.25″
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Massive 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Banquette
$12,500.0042.25"H x 93"W x 26.50"D
Dimensions: 42 ¼” H x 93” W x 29” D
This elegant Louis XVI style Swedish banquette is almost 8 feet long to be a commanding presence in a hallway, living and dining space, or bedroom. Entirely hand-carved with a foliate crest at the middle, continuing though the tightly upholstered seat framed by open arms (like a fauteuil) down to Louis XVI motifs such as tall, fluted legs under a pale wash of chalk-white pigment so desirable of Gustavian antiques. The long bench seat has a more recent upholstery of neutral, plain muslin secured with a double welt cording. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Seat height: 17.25″
Arm height: 27″
Seat depth 24.5″
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Austro-German 19th Century Biedermeier Sofa
$5,600.0041.5"H x 76.5"W x 24"D
Dimensions: 41-1/2″H x 76-1/2″W x 24″D
A fabulous Biedermeier style settee from 19th century Bavaria made from exceptionally beautiful, solid maple in a sheltering design like a banquette to enclose the upholstery. Some areas of the wood have a striped appearance to the grain, known as “tigering” that flashes in the light. The sofa’s back has a central pointed pediment with smart ebony moulded trim for bold contrast. Seat and seat back are covered in a blue-black twill upholstery outlined in a midnight tape trim for a linear effect; a blank canvas to accessorize with toss cushions for changing seasons and inspiration. The apron below the seat can pull out to reveal a hidden storage area below, or perhaps be converted to a small guest bed by a custom mattress. Please view the detailed images to see more of this eyecatching design.
Seat height: 18″
Trundle dimensions (interior): 5-7/8″ H x 70-3/8″ W x 38-3/4″ D
Shop Vintage & Antique Sofa
Sofas have been popular for hundreds of years. For example, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the two-seater loveseat was all the rage. This is because women’s dresses featured a great deal of fabric at the time. As a result, the wider seat was significantly more comfortable and accommodating of the elaborate clothing.
In France, high society renowned sofas as decor pieces. French sodas of the 18th century featured gilded mahogany frames and beautiful upholstery. Nowadays, sofas and couches come in various materials like leather and velvet, and there is a greater focus on comfort.
The Chesterfield sofa became popularized after the fourth Early of Chesterfield, Phillip Stanhope, commissioned a local craftsman to design a place for him to sit without wrinkling his clothes. The Chesterfield model is still popular to this day. It paved the way for Victorian-style sofas, which were more elaborate and had solid wood frames.
Finding the Perfect Antique Sofas and Couches
There are many different antique sofas to choose from, so it finding the right couch depends on your unique needs and preferences. Do you want a 19th-century carved wooden look, or are you interested in a more contemporary sectional sofa?
Couches come in all forms and sizes, even round, so it’s best to figure out what shapes would best accentuate the room you want to put the sofa in. Maybe your antique settee’s primary use will be a decoration as a talking piece amongst your guests. Or perhaps you want to take short, cozy naps on a soft chintz camelback couch in the afternoons. These are all options to consider when choosing the perfect antique couch for your home.
Antique Treasure Hunting Made Easy
Antiques are more than just art statements; they are preserved relics of a time gone by. Investing in antique sofas and couches adds elegance and flair to any home, plus a touch of mystery and intrigue. No matter what your vision is, you can count on a gorgeous antique sofa or couch to transform your space into a luxurious, comfortable, and stylish place you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Antique and Vintage Sofa Related Collections
- Antique Chairs
- Antique Rocking Chairs
- Antique Living Room Sets
- Antique Sofas
- Antique Windsor Chairs
- Antique Benches
- Antique Dining Chairs
- Antique Slipper Chairs
- Antique Office and Desk Chairs
- Antique Side Chairs
- Antique Chaise Longues
- Antique Loveseats
- Antique Settees
- Antique Footstools
- Antique Corner Chairs
- Antique stools
- Antique Wingback Chairs
- Antique Ottomans
- Antique Armchairs