Top 12 Classic Sofas for Relaxing in Style

Sink in, get on, nestle in or stretch out as we list some of the best sofas available for your home, office or foyer.

By Belinda Aucott-christie 25/07/2024

In any room a sofa is a statement of intent. It anchors the space and suggests a tone for the entire dwelling. Finding a perfect sofa to suit your lifestyle is a serious style flex. Like the perfect home or car, it’s a sound investment in your future that can last for generations.

Yet beyond a sofa’s lyrical beauty, it must also justify its place in terms of proportion, comfort and materiality. It must feel good to sit on (and in) and be designed to wear well over time.

A great sofa can , after all, make or break a room. It must make the best use of the space and also forge a dialogue with surrounding architecture. In a grand, warm-toned  room, a traditional sofa will form a solid foundation for accents to bounce off, while in a warehouse with high ceilings and concrete floor, a sofa may inject a certain poise or levity.

A great interior designer can help you to select the perfect sofa, but beginners should be prepared for a 6-12 month process. Sofa selection is more than a problem to be solved; colour, texture and shape all matter.

Here we present 12 classic sofas. Each possesses a timeless style with architectural kudos and time-honoured craftsmanship. Choose any of the these and you’ll be adding a piece of high design to your environment.

Camaleonda by Mario Bellini

In 2019 B&B Italia re-released this distinctive 1969 classic. The modular sofa can be ordered in high-back and low-back versions, with or without armrests and is made to order in Italy. Sculptural yet unexpectedly comfortable, the bulbous Cameleonda is a revolutionary statement that looks great in leather, velvet or corduroy. From $47,000; B&B Italia

Dune Ensemble by Pierre Paulin

This wildly modular seating system fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. Modules start from $8,000 and can be configured as a straight-edge rectangle, square or intersecting sofa; Paulin, Paulin, Paulin

Diesis by Antonio Citterio & Paola Nava

Diesis is a favourite of architects the world over. Elegant and sophisticated the load-bearing metal gives a subtle nod to Corbusier’s LC3 sofa but makes it a little more louche and modern. The soft cushions make a terrific foil for its strict architectural lines. P.O.A; B&B Italia

Maralunga by Vico Magistretti 

Maralunga by Cassina

An emblem of Cassina, the 1973 Maralunga is among the most memorable designs penned by architect and industrial designer Vico Magistretti. His revolutionary sofa was inspired by the cardboard flip-top of a cigarette packet. The backrests recoil and bend with the use of an internal bicycle chain and this innovative design, among others, helped Magistretti win the 1979 Compasso d’Oro. From $16,669; Cassina

Marenco by Mario Marenco

Marenco by Arflex

Designed in 1970 this contemporary design is an absolute favourite of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The “blow up” look of the cushions make its equally proportioned pillows, back and arms rests look very playful, while the overall effect is clean and linear. Three-seater from $12,845; Arflex

Cassina LC3 Sofa by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand

Synonymous with timeless style, this two and three-seater sofa has written its own chapter in design history. It’s globally recognisable as a tasty design package, and it works just as well in a corporate as home setting. From $16,280; Cassina.

Strips by Cini Boeri

Cini Boeri is famous for revolutionising sofa design with her futuristic sofa Strips (pictured above). Prototyped in 1968 this sofa with removable cover, paved the way for other pioneering Italian designs. Its relative simplicity has evergreen appeal and no matter how big or small the room, it can be configured into a large L-shaped system, or reduced to a compact straight-edge sofa. From $9,970. Arflex

So Sofa by Paola Lenti 

So Sofa by Paola Lenti

This sculptural two-seater by Milanese designer Paola Lenti has two central elements and partners well with a chaise lounge and pouf to create a setting. It’s dimpled-surface contrasts well with industrial or aged backdrops and adds a certain curvaceous, feminine oomph where it’s needed most. From $15,850 DeDeCe

On The Rocks by Francesco Binfaré 

This is pure Edra style. Inspired by the shape of icebergs floating in water this free-wheeling design allows for total flexibility. On The Rocks allows the user to manipulate the backrest and seating structure, which makes it perfect for breaking up a large space, or for  alternative view points curving around a fireplace, coffee table etc.,. P.O.A; Edra

Togo Composition by Michel Ducaroy for Lignet Rosset 

This classic foam-filled series has become a statement of low-fi luxury. No hard edges mean its design is perfect for people with young children and highly suited to house guests who want to sleep, lounge and dream the days away at your house. Two-seater love-seat starts from $6080; Lignet Rosset.

Tufty-Time by Patricia Urquiola

Tufty-Time by B&B Italia

This wildly popular sofa system is the Spanish designer’s homage to the classic leather Chesterfield. Buffed into submission, Tufty-Time is a sofa perfectly updated for modern interiors. Made to order by B&B Italia it has a starting price of $23,245; B&B Italia

Foyer by Vilhelm Lauritzen for Carl Hansen and Sons

A Danish classic reworked to meet modern needs, the VLA Foyer series comprises a bench, a sofa and an armchair, each characterised by Lauritzen’s signature simplicity. Great for compact spaces like apartments, where minimal design often speaks volumes. $12,000-20,000; Cult Designed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best luxury brands for buying a sofa?

Arflex, B&B Italia, Cassina, Carl Hansen and Edra are all great brands. Along with stalwarts including; Living Divani, Maxalto, Minotti and Poliform.

Where do I shop for a great sofa in Australia?

In Australia Cult.Designed, DeDeCe, Great Dane, Living Edge, Mobilia, Anibou and Space Furniture all sell reputable made to order brands.

Interior Stylist Adam de Launay explains how to consider a sofa. Adam is the Creative Director at Delaunay Design. Specialising in bespoke property styling and sales ready consultation, event design and styling.
What are the key considerations for selecting a great classic sofa?
“Scale. Obviously one of the biggest considerations is selecting the right-sized sofa for your space. Ideally the sofa fits in the room and has space to breathe. Consider a sofa that can work as a stand alone piece or be accompanied by additional or contrasting pieces, in the case your homes get larger or changes entirely over the year.
“Choose a shape and fabric that you love, it is, after all your sofa. Avoid anything saturated in current trends. A simple classic design allows timeless appeal and longevity. Remember we can interchange objects, on and around the sofa as our tastes evolve over time. Make sure the sofa is comfortable for your needs, consider what the sofa’s primarily usewill be: If it’s a formal sittingroom, a more upright design may suit, television nook on the other hand requires maximum comfort.
What are the best materials for sofa that can last 40-50 years, which ones wear the best?

“Typically a go-to for longevity is leather. This will not suit every home or space so a high quality blended fabric, velvets and corduroy can also be long lasting winners.”

 

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Tom Brady Wears a Jacob & Co. Watch Decked in Yellow Sapphires to the Super Bowl

The $740,000 Caviar Tourbillon was an opulent choice for the former NFL star.

By 17/02/2025

Tom Brady was on the field tonight at the 59th annual Super Bowl game, and while the retired NFL hero—a seven-time Super Bowl winner (the most of any footballer in history)—wasn’t playing, he came dressed to impress with a $116,400 Jacob & Co. watch on his wrist.

Brady, who is a notable watch collector, recently sold off several of his timepieces at a Sotheby’s auction called “The GOAT Collection: Watches and Treasures from Tom Brady” this past December. Those timepieces ran the gamut from a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241 to a unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with his name spelled out in diamonds across the salmon-colored tapisserie dial. His Rolex Daytona sold for over $1.5 million, and, in total, his auction raked in around $7 million. So, he’s well-equipped for a new watch purchase.

Whether or not he owns the six-figure sapphire stunner or it was a paid spot, the watch certainly stood out against his conservative but immaculately fit gray suit. “Tom Brady is the epitome of excellence, both on and off the field,” said Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co, in a press release sent out by the company shortly after Brady’s appearance. “We’re thrilled to see him wearing two of our most prestigious timepieces on the biggest stage in sports. The Billionaire Mini Ashoka and Caviar Tourbillon embody the precision, luxury, and innovation that define Jacob & Co. We’re honored to have him represent the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece we create.”

Like much of Brady’s wrist candy, his 44 by 15.8 mm Caviar Tourbillon is not easy to come by. It is limited to just 18 pieces. It features hours, minutes, and a one-minute flying tourbillon in the JCAA43 movement with 216 components and 72 hours of power reserve. The movement itself is set with 338 brilliant-cut diamonds, while a total of 337 yellow sapphires adorn the case and dial. The clasp is decorated with another 18 baguette-cut yellow sapphires, and the crown comes with 14 baguette-cut yellow sapphires and one rose-cut yellow sapphire. As far as gem setting goes, this is one extraordinary piece, but it certainly seemed like a surprising choice for Brady, who was otherwise dressed like he just stepped out of a boardroom or a Ralph Lauren catalog.

Benjamin Arabov, son of Jacob & Co. founder Jacob Arabov, is now the CEO of the company. The 32-year-old recently took to Instagram to post that he was looking for a rebranding agency with experience in visual identity and packaging. As far as marketing goes, however, with Tom Brady, he’s golden.

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This Vintage Rolex Day-Date Has an Ultra-Rare and Coveted ‘Bark’ Design

The ultra-cool piece from Wind Vintage also comes in pristine condition with a desirable patina.

By Paige Reddinger 17/02/2025

Over the last four years there has been a resurgence in interest for 18-karat yellow gold watches. Much of that is due to fatigue over the long-running craze for steel tool watches, but it is also in part due to the rising value of gold (which shows no sign of slowing), rendering these once undesirable pieces increasingly worth collecting. Add to that the fact that, in some niche and stylish circles, unusual bracelet treatments, gem-setting, and interesting dials are becoming increasingly appealing and you have a new wave of watch collecting emerging. Steel sports watches are still the bread and butter for most dealers, but as pockets of interest in more unusual timekeepers, often from younger and fashion-forward collectors, continue to rise we’re seeing some really fun pieces pop up on the market. Case in point: This 1980s Rolex Day-Date in 18-karat yellow gold with a sapphire and diamond dial from Wind Vintage currently available exclusively on The Vault.

It wasn’t that long ago that dealers had a hard time unloading an all-gold gem-set piece. Eric Wind, the notable dealer and founder of Wind Vintage, says five years ago he would have sold this piece for around $23,000 to $28,000. The asking price today? $45,000. “It is very rare,” he tells Robb Report. “I think that was all clearly hand-done. Funnily enough, bark watches were not very desirable in the past. You know, even five to 10 years ago, they were very, very hard to sell. But, over the last three to five years, there’s been such an emergence and interest in jewellery and watches and work like that engraving and other kind of artistic forms that the watches took.” The style of engraving he is referring to on this watch can be seen on the bezel and middle links of the bracelet that is referred to as “bark” for its rough tree-like appearance.

“Bark” engraving on the bezel and bracelet of the Wind Vintage 1980s Rolex Day-Date
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

And while the bracelet is certainly a notable feature that will stand out in a sea of Submariners and Daytonas, the dial is also worth bragging about. Its diamond minutes track and sapphire hour markers are executed in what is known as a “string dial” because it looks like a string of pearls. “They’ve become very popular,” says Wind. “They were very expensive back in the 80s, just because of the cost of the stones, and there are just not many that exist on the planet.” Likewise, Wind says the canary yellow matte dial is not something he comes across often, having only seen a couple of others.

An up-close look at the patina and “bark” engraving on this 1980s Day-Date from Wind Vintage.
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

Part of what makes this watch so hard to find on the market is that pieces like this often didn’t survive past their ’80s heyday. “A lot of times these watches were so undesirable that dealers would replace the bezel inserts and put on fluted inserts, or smooth bezels or fluted bezels and melt down the bracelets or polish the center link so they looked like a standard Day-Date. Those dealers should have learned that what goes around, always comes around. Now with these interesting Rolex watches on the rise, they’ll become even harder to find.

A Wind Vintage 1980s Day-Date with “bark” engraving and a gem-set “string dial”
Courtesy of Wind Vintage

If you’re interested in the piece and want to speak to Wind about it IRL, he will be at Robb Report’s House of Robb event in San Francsico today during the NBA All-Star weekend.

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Soccer Star Kylian Mbappé Is Now an Investor in Watch Marketplace Wristcheck

Just like Jay-Z.
Published on February 7, 2025

By Abby Montanez 11/02/2025

Kylian Mbappé just went from brand ambassador to investor.

The celebrated French footballer, who currently plays for Real Madrid, has taken a stake in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck, Hypebeast reported lat week.

Off the filed, the 26-year-old soccer star is a known timepiece collector and has served as an ambassador for Swiss marque Hublot since 2018. With this new partnership, the forward joins a growing group of influential backers, including Jay-Z. The rapper and business mogul took an equity stake in the Hong Kong-based company last summer as part of a recent funding round of $7.9 million.

“I’m thrilled to join Wristcheck as an investor through Coalition Capital,” Mbappé said in a press statement. “As a Hublot ambassador and someone passionate about watches and innovation, I see Wristcheck as a platform that truly understands the next generation of collectors. They’re reshaping the watch industry with a forward-thinking approach that blends technology, transparency, and creativity.” Mbappé did not immediately respond to Robb Report‘s request for comment on his new business endeavor.

Kylian Mbappé is an investor in online watch shop Wristcheck.
Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Launched in 2020 by renowned horophile and Instagram personality Austen Chu, Wristcheck offers a platform for collectors to buy and sell pre-owned watches that have been authenticated by Swiss-trained watchmakers. Since it was founded, the company has raised more than $21.6 million in funding from investors including the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners GBA, and K3 Ventures.

Mbappé, meanwhile, has achieved remarkable success in his soccer career. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, becoming the youngest player to score in a final since Pelé. At PSG, he has secured multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. Individually, Mbappé has earned the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award and regularly features in top European scoring charts. And in 2020, he was ranked the world’s highest-paid player, surpassing rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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Sotheby’s Will Put on the Largest Auction of Breguet Watches in Decades This Fall

To celebrate the revered watchmaking house’s 250th anniversary, the sale includes rare collectibles belonging to living Breguet family members.

By Paige Reddinger 11/02/2025

Interest in Breguet has experienced a quiet resurgence among savvy collectors who appreciate the brand’s deep-rooted watchmaking heritage. This growing enthusiasm will soon take center stage with an upcoming auction that shines a significant spotlight on the storied Maison.

Founded in Paris 250 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet was one of the most influential watchmakers in history, best known for inventing the tourbillon and the automatic winding system—along with many other groundbreaking innovations. His legacy continues to inspire modern masters such as F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour. You can see Breguet’s influence pointedly in pieces like F.P. Journe’s famous Chronomètre à Résonance timepiece, voted one of Robb Report‘s 50 Greatest Watches of All Time.

Now, Sotheby’s has announced “the largest sale of Breguet timepieces in three decades.” Though the auction won’t take place until November, the auction house is already working to build anticipation. In the meantime, it might be wise to brush up on the most coveted Breguet references.

Breguet 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch made for King George IV Breguet

What may pique collectors’ interest is the sale is being curated in conjunction with Breguet and Emmanuel Breguet, the vice president and head of patrimony, who happens to be a descendant of the original Monsieur Breguet. So far, the only timekeeper publicly associated (at least visually) with the auction is the 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch made for King George IV. Still, it hints at the historic level of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks that will be on offer. Abraham-Louis Breguet was a frequent supplier of high-end and state-of-the-art timepieces for royalty, including Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, and King George III.

Other highlights include an open-faced montre à tact (a watch that replicates the internal hour hand on the cover of the pocket watch via an arrow so that time could be read via touch) with a calendar and moonphase indications that was the inspiration for the Ref. 3330. A pendulette with alarm, perpetual calendar and repeater, and a two-color gold open-faced tourbillon watch is said to be a part of the sale, although no images were provided as of press time. More info on what will be in the sale will come this spring.

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Capella Brands Their Own Caviar to Mark Chinese New Year

Capella Sydney continues its commitment to exceptional luxury experiences, with a high tea and caviar upgrade all part of its 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations to usher in the Year of the Snake.

By Belinda Aucott-christie 07/02/2025

These days caviar bumps are on the menu at all the best seaside restaurants, and now guests checking into a suite at Capella Sydney will be saved the trip to the beach with a tin of caviar conveniently stationed in their mini bar.

Downstairs at the chic lobby café Aperture, caviar is also part of their elegantly indulgent high tea. Expertly crafted by Head Pastry Chef Arthur Carré. This bespoke menu features a delectable selection of delicacies, including Capella Kaluga Caviar, sesame prawn toast, Peking duck pancake roll cornetto, fried pork dumplings, and pandan and mandarin lamingtons. The experience is complemented by the delicate notes of white rabbit jasmine tea from Zensation Tea House, with an optional upgrade to a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne for a truly indulgent experience.

It’s all part of a chic lunar collaboration with Kaluga Caviar (from central China) which supplies 21 of the 26 three Michelin starred restaurants in Paris. Kaluga caviar offers a balance of luxury, flavour, and sustainability. Its rich, creamy texture and large pearls make it a close alternative to Beluga caviar with a lovely walnut aftertaste.

Even if you are a guest just for the day at Capella Sydney you can indulge your palate with a high tea that pairs Oscietra black caviar, from Russian Sturgeon stock, with champagne and traditional accompaniments.

Ask for the Capella Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea when you make you reservation, and take your place at the table. Each set comes with a 10g tin of Capella Sydney x Kaluga Queen Caviar.

Capella Sydney

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