What is a Chesterfield sofa?

A Chesterfield sofa is a couch with rolled arms that are as tall as the back of the sofa. They always feature deep button tufting everywhere, including the cushion.

Why is it called a Chesterfield sofa?

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.

Can I recover a Chesterfield sofa?

Yes, you can indeed reupholster a Chesterfield sofa. Reupholstering your sofa is a great way to make the piece unique and in line with your personal taste. You can also shop a collection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a Chesterfield sofa is real?

A genuine Chesterfield sofa has layers of padding, which is wrapped in horsehair. Also, look for imperfections in the leather. Chesterfields are made with leather, as opposed to synthetic material. Shop a selection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What's the difference between a Chesterfield and a Mid-Century Modern sofa?

A Chesterfield has deep button-tufting, rolled arms and a back the same height as the arms. A Mid-Century Modern sofa favors a lower profile, tapered legs and a cleaner frame.

Chesterfield Tuxedo Sofa

Recent Sales

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Button Tufted Tuxedo Chesterfield Sofa

Unavailable

H 28 in W 102 in D 42 in

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Button Tufted Tuxedo Chesterfield Sofa

By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Denver, CO

Important and rarely seen 1970s era Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin tuxedo style button tufted sofa. Modern luxury meets the Classic Chesterfield sofa.

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Leather Chesterfield Tuxedo Box Style Sofa

Sold

H 28.25 in W 78 in D 20 in

Leather Chesterfield Tuxedo Box Style Sofa

Located in Ferndale, MI

Leather Chesterfield Tuxedo Box style sofa - Tufted and studded green leather

20th Century Sofas

Stow & Davis Cognac Leather Modern Tuxedo Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa

Sold

H 26 in W 84.5 in D 33 in

Stow & Davis Cognac Leather Modern Tuxedo Chesterfield Style Tufted Sofa

By Stow Davis

Located in Topeka, KS

Gorgeous Stow & Davis cognac leather modern tuxedo or Chesterfield style sofa with a walnut plinth base, loose seat cushions and deep tufted button detail.

Late 20th Century American Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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Finding the Right Sofas for You

Vintage couches and antique sofas have anchored living rooms for generations. The pieces most sought after today carry the deep-buttoned tufting of a Chesterfield or the low, sculptural ease of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design.

Styles to Know

Rolled arms and tufted backs point to Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency pieces, while tight backs and turned legs skew more traditional. Velvet is enjoying a renewed moment across most of these silhouettes; see our velvet chesterfield sofa trend report for examples. A mid-century modern coffee table within reach and a vintage mirror nearby round out the seating area.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Sofa

A sofa's frame and upholstery history can be difficult to judge from photographs alone. Ask a seller for more information when a listing doesn't show the fabric or joinery clearly, and confirm whether the upholstery is original or has been redone. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.

Questions About Chesterfield Tuxedo Sofa

What is a Chesterfield sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A Chesterfield sofa is a couch with rolled arms that are as tall as the back of the sofa. They always feature deep button tufting everywhere, including the cushion.
Why is it called a Chesterfield sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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.
Can I recover a Chesterfield sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, you can indeed reupholster a Chesterfield sofa. Reupholstering your sofa is a great way to make the piece unique and in line with your personal taste. You can also shop a collection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a Chesterfield sofa is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A genuine Chesterfield sofa has layers of padding, which is wrapped in horsehair. Also, look for imperfections in the leather. Chesterfields are made with leather, as opposed to synthetic material. Shop a selection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What's the difference between a Chesterfield and a Mid-Century Modern sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
A Chesterfield has deep button-tufting, rolled arms and a back the same height as the arms. A Mid-Century Modern sofa favors a lower profile, tapered legs and a cleaner frame.

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