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Why is it called a Chesterfield sofa?
1 Answer

Why it is called a Chesterfield sofa is because of the person who is believed to have first commissioned it. Popular lore dates the Chesterfield sofa to Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth Earl of Chesterfield. The arbiter of taste and manners in 18th-century England was best known for publishing guides on how to behave in society to attain success. The story goes that he commissioned a sofa in the mid-1700s designed so he could sit on it while not wrinkling his clothes. He later bequeathed it to his godson, and the seating style spread in popularity, eventually becoming an icon of British interior design. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chesterfield sofas.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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Shop for Chesterfield Sofas on 1stDibs
Smith Brothers Traditional Roll Arm Tufted Sofa
Located in South Bend, IN
An elegant and exceptionally comfortable traditional Chesterfield style sofa
In the manner of Baker Furniture
By Smith Brothers of Berne
USA, Circa Early 21st Century
Gorgeous li...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
English Chesterfield Sofa of Tufted Leather
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Chesterfield two-seater sofa upholstered in original patinated chestnut leather from Edwardian era England - featuring a deep button-tufted back and scroll arms, with two loos...
Category
Early 20th Century English Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Metal
20th C. Vintage Brown Leather Chesterfield 2 Seat Sofa Loveseat from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
The soft patina of the brown vintage leather captures your attention in this wonderful Chesterfield loveseat or two seat sofa.
It has the traditional tufted buttoned back and rolled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Chesterfield Leather Sofa, Vintage Upholstery, Patina Finish, 1985
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chesterfield leather sofa with tons of patina and expected wear. Sofa is on 4 small wheels which allows for easy turning and angling! I sold this sofa to a customer about 10 years ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Leather, Upholstery
Vintage Black Leather 64"W Chesterfield Sofa Settee Perfectly Broken In English
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Black Leather Chesterfield Sofa or Settee, English, circa 1960s. It is perfectly broken in and has that warm original patina that only comes with age.
Category
Vintage 1960s English Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Metal
Emerald Green Leather Double-Sided Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
The sofa embodies the enduring sophistication of classic British design with a bold, architectural presence. Upholstered on all sides in richly toned emerald green leather, this piec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chesterfield Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
$14,623 / item


