5 Sofas That Became Legends

1. Salvador Dali's Lip Sofa

Perhaps this surrealist sofa deserves an award for the most memorable shape. Salvador Dali created it in 1937 with the involvement of British patron Edward James. Its shape resembles the lips of actress Mae West—one of the most scandalous stars of her time and a source of erotic fantasies for generations. Many years later, in 1974, Salvador Dali revived his own concept of a lip-shaped sofa, collaborating with Spanish designer Oscar Tusquets Blanca. Together, they created a leather sofa that decorated Mae West’s room in the artist’s museum in Figueres. Today, the Bocca sofa—inspired by another iconic actress, Marilyn Monroe—is produced by brands Gufram (fabric-covered) and Heller (entirely plastic). The original costs approximately €4,300 (206,400 Russian rubles), while a replica is available for around 12,000 hryvnias.

2. Togo Sofa by Ligne Roset

Last year, the Togo sofa by French brand Ligne Roset celebrated its 40th anniversary. First introduced in 1973, the design by famed designer Michel Ducarre became a true breakthrough in the furniture industry and won the prestigious Réné Gabriel award at the Paris Salon des Arts Ménagers. This prize was awarded to the most democratic and innovative furniture pieces. The main structure of the Togo sofa features high-quality polyurethane foam. The pleated upholstery resembles a Shar-Pei, and Ducarre himself compared his creation to a toothpaste tube sealed at both ends, bent into a pipe-like shape. In 2007, the company launched a children’s version of Togo. The original Togo Ligne Roset in Ukraine costs approximately 45,000 hryvnias.

3. Marshmallow Sofa

The Marshmallow sofa, designed by George Nelson and his assistant Irving Harper, was first introduced to the public in 1956—and has since become one of the most iconic pieces of furniture. It consists of eighteen rounded cushions resembling the famous marshmallow candy, beloved by Americans. The cushions are attached to a fiberglass frame and supported by steel legs. Available in a wide range of colors—from neutral tones like gray to bold and playful hues—these sofas can be combined to form long benches. In Europe, the iconic sofa is produced by Vitra; in the U.S., it’s made by Herman Miller. The original costs $5,169 (about 57,000 hryvnias). Replicas are available for two to three times less than the original.

4. Polder Sofa

The Polder sofa is a modern piece that has already become a classic in less than a decade: Dutch designer Hella Jongerius introduced it in 2005. The name translates from Dutch as "a piece of land drained by dikes and drainage canals"—a fitting description for its low, flat, asymmetrical design. The sofa features a wooden frame upholstered in fabric, with space for four differently shaped cushions. Around them is a removable armrest, usable as a tray for magazines or tableware. The Polder sofa uses five different fabric types, further emphasizing its asymmetry. Another distinctive feature is the large buttons on the cushions, made from natural materials like bamboo and mother-of-pearl. These buttons are stitched with thread contrasting with the cushion background. The Polder sofa is a brilliant example of how diverse elements can be harmoniously combined. Available in multiple configurations, it’s produced by Vitra and costs nearly $10,000.

5. Freeform Sofa

As known, legendary designer Isamu Noguchi, who was both a furniture maker and a sculptor, paid meticulous attention to form. He created his famous Freeform sofa in 1946. Its shape resembles river pebbles, and Noguchi himself referred to this form as "soft stone." The Freeform sofa, along with its ottoman, was first produced by Vitra close to 1950 in limited runs. Production resumed in 2002. Today, the sofa is available in various calm colorways. The original Freeform sofa costs slightly over €7,000.