The expansion of the British Empire brought Chesterfield sofas around the world, such as in Canada, where the word “chesterfield” refers to any type of sofa. Antique Chesterfield-style furniture now includes seating in a range of sizes and aesthetics, from velvet love seats and linen-upholstered club chairs to ottomans accompanying classic leather sofas.
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.
Although this origin is not recorded, it resonates with the iconic sofa’s urbane sophistication. Traditionally made with tall rolled arms the same height as the back, deep buttoning on dark brown leather upholstery, tacked trim and an imposing yet elegant profile, it evokes English estates and the gentlemen’s clubs of London. It became a staple amid the Victorian era’s embrace of comfort. Tartan versions were in Queen Victoria’s drawing room at Balmoral Castle, giving the space a Scottish flair.
Some Chesterfield sofas are slimmed down in shape, others have taller legs for a lighter appearance. And while leather Chesterfield sofas are a more common variant — and can easily elevate a workspace as luxury office furniture — a velvet Chesterfield sofa possesses a singular chameleonic property, softening and emboldening the spaces it inhabits. Whether it’s the focal point of a living room, hotel lobby or trendy restaurant, the Chesterfield remains a status symbol, channeling the sophisticated tastes of its namesake.
Find a collection of antique Chesterfield seating, including sofas, settees, armchairs and lounge chairs, on 1stDibs.
Double Wide Tufted Leather Chaise Lounge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large double wide tufted chaise lounge in rich and beautifully aged brown leather. Very comfortable. High quality piece. Unknown manufacturer. Possibly Perigold. Leather has exce...
Leather
Stunning Vintage English Red Leather Chesterfield 3 Seater Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
3-seat chesterfield sofa with button tufted detail, circa 1970. Exceptional quality. Double hand-stitching, and applied brass nailhead trim details. The ebonized composite orb feet h...
Leather
Original Chesterfield Vintage Brown Three Seat Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer this stunning rare handmade in England brown leather 3-seat, sofa. Where to begin! This sofa is absolute eye candy from every angle, it has the original lea...
Leather
Vintage Swedish Green Leather Chesterfield Sofa, 1970s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Swedish Green Leather Chesterfield Sofa, 1970s. Gorgeous two and half seater buttoned Chesterfield style sofa in beautiful pat...
Leather
$2,000
H 36 in W 32.5 in D 78 in
Century Furniture Tufted Walnut Chaise Lounge Chair Daybed Fainting Couch 78"
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture chaise lounge / day bed / fainting couch / settee. Features a tufted diamond upholstery with rolled arms, supported by turned walnut legs with brass castors. Dime...
Fabric, Hardwood
Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from premium top-grain leather, this sofa boasts a rich caramel hue that invites warmth into any living space. The intricate button-tufted detailing on the backrest provides ...
Leather
$3,875
H 30 in W 88 in D 30 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Sofa Oxblood Red Mid Century
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 4-Seat Sofa Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~upholstery is "oxblo...
Leather
Vintage Bamboo & Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage bamboo and rattan chaise lounge/divan. Good, sturdy condition with some wear due to normal age and use. No cushions included.
Bamboo, Rattan
$18,717 / set
H 28.75 in W 85.44 in D 35.44 in
Old Chesterfield Club Three Piece Sofa & Pair of Armchairs Suite Brown Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage restored Chesterfield cigar brown leather Library suite A very rare find, I never come across original sets of three piece...
Leather
$2,840
H 32.68 in W 78.75 in D 37.01 in
Stylish, English green cow leather spacious 2.5 seater chesterfield sofa
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: This stylish, English green cow leather spacious 2.5-seater Chesterfield sofa. This stunning Chesterfield sofa, made of cow leather, features a beautiful green color and is...
Cowhide, Leather
$4,990
H 31 in W 90 in D 35 in
A Very Smart Late 20thC Leather Chesterfield 4 Seater Sofa - Dark Chestnut Brown
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer we have not only pieces that we craft from our own collection but in addition, around 350 pieces of leather chesterfield furniture dating throu...
Leather
$5,338
H 35.83 in W 132.29 in D 39.38 in
RARE HUGE TIMOTHY OULTON HALO HERiTAGE BROWN LEATHER 6 SEATER CHESTERFIELD SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable, Timothy Oulton Halo Earle, Heritage Biker brown leather sofa seats up to six people ...
Leather
Vintage Tufted Leather Reclining Chaise Lounge
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial style chaise lounge with tufted leather upholstery featuring an adjustable reclining back, brass tacks and turned legs with brass casters. H: 35 W: 70 D: 2...
Brass
$3,250
H 28 in W 64 in D 33 in
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.
Metal
$4,750
H 34 in W 34 in D 60 in
1970s Beige English Tufted Chesterfield Style Lounge Daybed Chaise on Castors
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, chesterfield style, tufted chaise lounge you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 32.29 in W 65.75 in D 38.59 in
Original Vintage Green Leather Chesterfield Sofa Fleming&howland England
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer this stunning very rare handmade in England green leather sofa. Where to begin! This suite is absolute eye candy from every angle, it has the original leath...
Leather
Sold
H 26.38 in W 59.06 in D 35.44 in
Stunning Vintage English Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa fully tufted
Located in Berlin, DE
2-seat chesterfield sofa with button tufted detail. Exceptional quality. Double hand-stitching, and applied brass nailhead trim details. The ebonized composite orb feet have been lef...
Leather
Sold
H 32.29 in W 83.86 in D 37.8 in
Original vintage English Dark Green Chesterfield Leather Thomas Lloyd Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
This original beautifully preserved dark green leather Large 3-seater sofa is very masculine and big enough for an office. Coil sprung feather filled cushions - Vintage green leather Chesterfield...
Leather
Sold
H 28.35 in W 98.43 in D 98.43 in
Rare Vintage green brown Chesterfield Corner Couch Made of Real Thick Leather
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Chesterfield corner couch made of real thick leather. good condition and with a beautiful dark green patina. Measurements: 250cm x 250cm Height 72cm Seat height 40cm.
Leather
Sold
H 35.83 in W 55.12 in D 37.8 in
Luxury Natuzzi Italy Chesterfield Chaise Lounge with Velvet Upholstery
By Natuzzi
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in Italy Natuzzi grey velvet upholstered Chaise Lounge A very comfortable and well made piece, the upholstery is luxury so...
Velvet
Sold
H 34 in W 70 in D 42 in
Century Furniture Deb Chaise Lounge Tufted Scroll Back Chesterfield Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Century Furniture Deb chaise lounge tufted scroll back Chesterfield chair 70" Century Home Elegance Collection Deb Chaise No. LTD8511-5 Exquisite chesterfield chaise lounge...
Upholstery
Sold
H 41 in W 52 in L 41 in
Tufted Distressed Leather Ralph Lauren Chesterfield Styled Chaise Lounge Daybed
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This impressively sized tufted leather daybed is large enough for two to snuggle and watch TV or a sunset, or for one to curl up and take a nap i...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Leather Tufted Chesterfield Style Chaise Lounge Daybeds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of tufted leather chaises, with detailed wood frames. These Chesterfield style daybeds are priced individually, but we have a pair available. These handsome chaise...
Leather, Wood
Leather Tufted Wingback Chaise with Nailhead Trim Detail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather tufted wingback chaise with nailhead trim detail. The chaise stands on four turned legs finished in a dark walnut coloration. Self cord and fla...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Leather Tufted Chaises with Nailheads
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of unusual handsome leather tufted wingback chaises with nailhead trim detail. The chaises stand on four legs stained in a similar coloration. Sel...
Leather, Wood