The thought of a vintage sofa may seem strange to some… especially considering we mostly find modern sofas in virtually every furniture store. But—as we like to say—the pendulum of design swings. And while it reaches modernism at one end, it also hits the rustic style on the other. That’s why vintage style pieces are still so relevant today (even if they’re not popular in stores, they’re loved by designers—us included 😁).
If you love the farmhouse style—and all things vintage—you may be struggling to find a vintage style couch for your home. We were, too, until we did hours of research and found the right picks. We also learned a few things along the way that we would like to pass on to you. So, let’s get started!
What Makes a Sofa “Vintage Style”?
First and foremost—which may also come as a surprise for some—vintage isn’t necessarily always antique. In fact, it’s a modern piece inspired by designs from the past eras (for example, Victorian and Art Deco periods).
Here are a few details to look for when spotting a vintage style couch:
A curved silhouette (e.g., rounded backs)
Carved wood frame
Tufted upholstery
Durable fabrics
You will also often find decorative stitching.
Types of Vintage Style Sofas
If you’re not into noticing the details and trying to judge whether it’s a vintage style couch or not—don’t worry. There are quite some sofas that instantly qualify as vintage (listed below, along with their features). So, as soon as you see one of these, don’t hesitate to pick it up!
Chesterfield Sofa
Deep button tufting
Rolled arms
High back
Upholstered in leather
Camelback Sofa
Curved back
Exposed wooden legs
May or may not have tufting
Lawson Sofa
Simple, boxy shape
Loose back cushions
A good fit for both vintage and contemporary decor
Tuxedo Sofa
Arms and backrests of equal height
A clean and modern shape
Often come tufted
Add glamor to the space
What to Consider When Buying a Vintage Style Sofa
A vintage style sofa can be bulky and bold—so there’s quite a few things to consider before you purchase it. This helps make sure it fits into the space.
Scale
Think about a Chesterfield. It’s big and pretty commanding. When you place it in your home, it’s going to take up a big chunk of visual estate. This means if you have a small room, a Chesterfield may dominate it. That’s the spot for a sleek camelback!
Fabric
Particular materials give off more of a vintage vibe than others—including:
Leather
Velvet
Linen
Colors
You will find traditional colors—like deep green, navy, maroon, and beige—in vintage style sofas. You can also go bold, though. For example, a jewel-toned sofa can have a fresh presence in your space.
Top Vintage Style Couches
Cotton and Linen Biscuit Sofa with Ottoman
Price: $1,300
Shop: Homary
This stylish, beige sofa has a beautiful retro charm. We love how it’s versatile enough to be placed in any—and every—interior. The linen fabric will keep you cool during those long lounging sessions. (That’s inevitable—especially with those overstuffed cushions and low profile).
Freja Velvet Upholstered Sofa Bed
Price: $1,289
Shop: Her Nest
The round (and oversized!) arms as well as the tufted cushions of this sofa reflect the mid-century modern aesthetic—something you’d find in 1970s furniture design. The earthy orange color is also reminiscent of the retro palette you’d see in vintage decor. This is the kind of piece that will create a statement in your space. A head-turning vintage couch it is!
Wicker Patio Loveseat
Price: $199
Shop: Yita Home
Been eyeing a vintage piece for your patio? You’ve found it 😉 This set includes a loveseat and a coffee table. The loveseat features a woven rattan build and a minimalist frame that speaks of the mid-century modern design style. The retro appeal of this set is reminiscent of vintage patio setups that you’d see in the 1960s.
Anderson Sofa
Product: Anderson Sofa
Price: $3,710
Shop: Ethan Allen
This tuxedo sofa has a tufted back as well ass a boxy shape. Its sophisticated look makes for a good addition in formal settings, such as the drawing room. Plus, it’s available in multiple colors—so you can choose the piece that works best in your interior.
Giantex Sectional Sofa Couch
Price: $1,700
Shop: Giantex
The warm, caramel-colored upholstery in this sofa gives it a retro feel, as does its low profile. The bolstered pillows also add to the vintage vibe (and the comfort level!). We especially love the tapered wooden legs making the piece all the more traditional.
How to Style a Vintage Style Couch
Too much antique can sometimes appear dated. So, the trick is to mix different pieces. For example, if your vintage style couch is forming the center of attention in your living room, balance it with more contemporary elements (like a minimalist coffee table).
You can also use some vintage-inspired decor to build that connection. We especially love a Persian rug laid under the sofa. A brass lamp on the table nearby would also look great!
Greenery can help balance the old-world appeal of a vintage style couch. Consider a hanging planet somewhere near your sofa.
Does a Vintage Style Couch Fit in a Modern Home?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that vintage and modern furniture don’t go well together. A vintage style couch will cohabit beautifully alongside newer pieces. In fact, the end result will be a surprisingly brilliant effect. You’d need a vintage style couch—and a modern interior style—to find out what we mean 😉
How to Keep Vintage Style Couch in Good Condition
Regularly cleaning your vintage style couch can keep it in good condition.
For the wooden parts: Use a damp cloth with mild soap and water.
For metal parts: Use a special metal polish (made for that type of metal).
For upholstery: Vacuum regularly using the soft brush attachment.
For stains: Use an upholstery cleaner that’s appropriate for the fabric type. Or perhaps a DIY dry clean with vinegar + a detergent.