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.
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 Chesterfield Style Dark Brown Tufted Leather Chaise Lounge
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A stunning vintage Chesterfield-style leather chaise lounge from the 1990s, featuring beautifully aged dark brown leather, exquisite deep diamond button tufting, and timeless English...
Brass
Vintage Brown Leather Chaise Longue
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing a fluid silhouette crafted of bronzed cylindrical steel, padded in expanded polyurethane, and upholstered in vintage brown leather, this elegant chaise longue makes for th...
Leather
$9,500
H 29 in W 95 in D 45 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
$14,737Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 85.44 in D 35.44 in
Old Chesterfield Club Three Piece Sofa & Pair of Armchairs Suite Brown Leather
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
Vintage English Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision transforming your living space with this remarkable vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, a true masterpiece of mid-20th century British craftsmanship. This sofa is more than j...
Brass
$3,050
H 28.5 in W 66 in D 33 in
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 ...
Leather, Wood
$16,000
H 29 in W 82.5 in D 30 in
Fabricius & Kastholm Three-Seater Sofa with Original Patinated Brown Leather
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Longmont, CO
Fabricius & Kastholm three-seater sofa in original brown leather. It is rare to find in brown leather such as this. Patinated leather cushions with leather wrapped arms. Brushed ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Chesterfield Sofa in Distressed Brown Leather, 1980s Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A stunning vintage Chesterfield-style sofa, upholstered in beautifully aged distressed brown leather. This classic piece showcases the hallmark deep button-tufted backrest and rolled...
Leather
$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
$4,400
H 33.5 in W 90 in D 43 in
Vintage Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa by Baker Furniture, Circa 1950’s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous timeless chesterfield sofa designed by Baker Furniture, Circa 1950’s. This sofa is made of original leather with a tufted back and seat, ( the bottoms are well attached to t...
Brass
$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
$2,031
H 30.71 in W 76.78 in D 33.86 in
Green cow leather 2.5-seater Chesterfield sofa in English style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This lovely green cowhide 2.5-seater Chesterfield sofa has a wonderful timeless appearance and features loose seat cushions. A good sofa is more than just a piece of furniture to si...
Cowhide, Leather
$4,911
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
20th Century Spanish Brown Vintage Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Round Top, TX
20th century Spanish brown leather Chesterfield sofa. Classic Chesterfield form with rolled arms, tufted button back, and tufted lower front. Upholstered in brown vintage leather wit...
Leather
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
Tan Leather Two Seater Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Tan Leather Chesterfield Two Seater Sofa A quality traditional Chesterfield two seater sofa, upholstered in beautifully coloured tan leather with a rich, warm finish and attractive n...
Leather
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
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