How heavy are they usually?

They carry quite a bit of weight. The carcase uses solid hardwoods like beech or ash to support the joints, and the dense mahogany show wood adds further mass. Moving one isn't a one-person job. The metal springing inside later examples pushes the weight up even further.

I have an old sofa with little bits of metal set into the wood along the back, but some pieces are popping out, is that normal for these?

Brass inlay lifting from the frame is standard. The metal responds to temperature changes differently than the wood around it, straining the old animal glue holding it in place. Central heating speeds this up by drying out the timber. Restoration isn't complicated. It involves cleaning out the old channel, laying the metal back down with fresh glue, and gently clamping it flat until it sets.

Can you sit on them safely?

Yes, if the joints are sound. They were built for daily use in busy households. Check the junction where the back legs meet the seat frame. Give the arm a firm wiggle. If nothing moves, you won't have any trouble.

My living room has quite low ceilings and mostly modern stuff in it, do you think a big dark wooden antique piece is going to look out of place?

Mixing periods often works better than matching everything. An antique inlaid sofa breaks up the harsh lines of modern seating, while the geometric inlay adds interest to contemporary patterns. The low ceilings shouldn't be a problem. Many Regency and Edwardian examples have relatively low backs compared to Victorian pieces, keeping the proportions of the room in balance.

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Antique Inlaid Sofas

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Antique inlaid sofas are formal wooden seating frames set with flush, contrasting veneers or metals, built to provide impressive seating in grand reception rooms.