Chesterfield Sofas: A Piece of History For Your Home

A globally recognised emblem of elegant British design, the Chesterfield is a deep-buttoned

What is a Chesterfield Sofa?

A globally recognised emblem of elegant British design, the Chesterfield is a deep-buttoned, tufted sofa featuring rolled arms and a back of the same height. While the Chesterfield does look gorgeous in fabric or velvet, the classic choice is leather – a hard-wearing material that only looks more beautiful with age.

The History of the Chesterfield Sofa

The regal Chesterfield has graced the homes of the well-to-do for centuries. It is believed that the very first Chesterfield sofa was commissioned by Lord Phillip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), who paid for a local craftsman to construct a piece of furniture that would allow a gentleman to comfortably sit upright without wrinkling his clothes. On his deathbed, Stanhope’s last words were to instruct his servant to: "Give Mr. Dayrolls a chair." Confused, the servant couldn’t tell whether the Earl meant his visiting friend should sit down or if he should be given a chair as a present. Suffice to say, Dayrolls went home with the sofa. The piece was much admired among his friends and many soon commissioned their own versions. Within a few years, the Chesterfield became a well-recognised status symbol of the elite. By the 1800s, the Chesterfield became ensconced in the Gentlemen’s Clubs of London and also made its way into the homes of the well-to-do middle class. British colonisation helped the Chesterfield to go global and it soon became an internationally-recognised symbol of British heritage and style.

Portrait of Madame Edouard Manet on a Blue Sofa by Édouard Manet

Styling Your Chesterfield for The British Heritage Look

To channel the Downton Abbey vibe, opt for a traditional Chesterfield sofa in brown leather such as our Sackville Three-Seater. A brown Chesterfield sofa offers a timeless look and is a real investment piece. Set the sofa against rich colours, bold patterns, luxurious textures and pair with an eclectic mix of luxurious home accessories. Complete the look with ornate furniture in rich, dark woods such as our Victorian Glazed Kidney Drinks Cabinet.

Sackville Leather 3 Seater Sofa

Accessorise with Other Deep-Buttoned Furniture

Traditionally, designers paired the Chesterfield with matching deep-buttoned pieces such as ottomans or armchairs. If your living area is open plan, you may also want to consider complementing your sofa with upholstered dining chairs. Not only will this add a touch of old-world luxury to the space, but it will also help to create a pleasing sense of cohesion throughout.

Artisan Chair- Dark Legs

Cocoon Chair

Commodore Footstool

Padstow Dining Chair

Cocoon Sofa

Plump for a Vibrant Shade

Give this classic shape a shot of hipster appeal by opting for bright, punchy upholstery. In a modern home, the bright colour keeps the contemporary feel while the classic silhouette maintains a link with the past. Set the sofa against neutral walls and furnishings so that it can serve as the main block of colour in the room and stand out even more. You can also accentuate the unique personality of the couch by accessorising the space with quirky, offbeat accessories such as rugs or cushions.

Farrow 3 Seater in Green Velvet

Natty Sofa in Cotton Petrol

Chesterfields – The Scandinavian Way

Chesterfield sofas mightn’t be the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of Scandinavian design, however when styled right, these pieces can work beautifully in more minimalistic settings. Chesterfields are the perfect way to infuse warmth into these otherwise sparse interiors. To add that extra sense of hygge cosiness, adorn your sofa with a sheepskin or a chunky knit throw. We recommend going with a style in grey, such as the Natty, that will seamlessly blend in with the predominantly neutral Scandi colour scheme.

Farrow 3 Seater in Green Velvet

Ellis Fabric 2 Seater in Steel Grey

Natty Loveseat in Slate

Drop Into A Minimalist Décor for Contrast

Not only does the Chesterfield fit seamlessly into a Scandi interior, but it also works well with other minimalist styles. The chunky heaviness of the Chesterfield offers up the perfect counterpoint to the lightweight furnishings so typical of Mid-Century interiors. What’s more, a distressed leather Chesterfield could add the warmth you need to offset the otherwise clinical feel of an Industrial style room and provide a much-needed contrast to the austere feel of the other materials.

Natty Loveseat in Cotton Petrol

Glam it Up with Velvet

What could be more inviting than running your fingers over super soft velvet? Using a lush velvet to encase a Chesterfield really ups the luxury factor of this already distinguished sofa. When selecting a colour, you can choose to embolden your living room décor with a statement shade or keep it classy with a sleek neutral tone. It’s important to exercise some restraint, so be sure to balance out the sumptuous velvet sofa by pairing it with modern, minimalistic home accessories.