What is a Chesterfield?
Chesterfield sofas are typified by their tufted appearance, as well as by armrests that sit at the same height as the back of the sofa. Both the armrests and the sofa’s back typically curve outwards towards the top of the sofa, giving it an unmistakable look.
Built with coiled spring seats and the iconic button tufting that make them so identifiable — they likely did not come about until the middle of the 19th century. While much of the history of Chesterfield sofas is largely speculation and hearsay, what we do know for sure is that they have been in existence for approximately 200 years and in that time they have been viewed as less of a simple piece of furniture and more of a symbol of status and elegance.
Chesterfield sofas were traditionally short-legged and low to the ground, made of leather, and stuffed with horsehair, using the tufting of the sofas to keep the stuffing in place. While many modern-day Chesterfield sofas do keep to tradition, many others have branched out and began to experiment by utilizing cloth exteriors such as velvet, increasing the height of the sofa by crafting taller legs, and varying the design of the sofa while keeping the key elements that make it a Chesterfield intact.
What hasn’t changed over the years is the widespread popularity and reputation that Chesterfield sofas have earned, the posh and elegant demeanor they will lend to an office or sitting room, and the fact that a well-made Chesterfield sofa will retain its quality craftsmanship and its value for decades to come. From the time of their creation, Chesterfield couches have been objects of fascination and envy, a worthy collector’s item for anyone who can appreciate the finer things in life.