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.
ViNTAGE HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFIELD TUFTED BENCH FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning hand dyed Chestnut Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted large bench or footstool Ple...
Leather
1 OF 2 GEORGE SMITH EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFiELD BLACK LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOLS
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer 1 of 2 lightly restored very large Black leather Chesterfield buttoned George Smith hearth footstools Please note t...
Leather, Beech
Dark brown chesterfield ottoman in cowhide leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this elegant and graceful dark brown Chesterfield footstool made of cowhide leather. A leather footstool, also known as a hocker, turns your already comfortable armch...
Cowhide, Leather
CHESTERFiELD LEGACY BROWN LEATHER KNOLL STUDIO BARCELONA STYLE DAYBED FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Heritage brown leather Chesterfield tufted daybed sofa after the original Knoll Barcelon...
Leather
Sofa / Couch Chesterfield Luxury Baroque Style Design Velvet Red Alcantara Look
Located in Berlin, DE
Exclusive Chesterfield sofa with ottoman in beautiful velvet / alkantara look.
Velvet
LARGE GEORGE SMiTH CHESTERFIELD CHELSEA BROWN LEATHER FOOTSTOOL
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite and highly collectable George Smith fully restored hand dyed Cigar Brown Leather Chesterfield...
Leather
PAIR OF RESTORED ViNTAGE HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOLS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of fully restored, hand dyed Cigar brown leather, Chesterfield Tufted Baron footstools Please note the delivery fee listed is just a g...
Leather, Hardwood
Chesterfield Brown Leather Tufted Square Footstool Vintage Biker Tan Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely Tan brown leather chesterfield tufted footstool A good looking and comfortable stool, it has a nice heritage patina to it We have cleaned ...
Leather
Vintage Chesterfield Tan-Naturel Leather Hand Dyed Footstool Bench
By Chesterfield
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
We are offering this stunning hand dyed Tan/Natural leather Chesterfield footstool A very good looking and well made piece, it has been upholstered with high grade leather which has...
Leather, Wood
ViNTAGE HARDWOOD FRAMED GREEN VELOUR CHESTERFIELD TUFTED LARGE FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hand made in England Mahogany framed green Velour Chesterfield tufted footstool Please ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
VINTAGE TAN BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED BARON FOOTSTOOL PART OF SUiTE
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, lightly restored aged tan brown leather Chesterfield tufted footstool which is part of a suit...
Leather
$758
H 13.19 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Chesterfield Brown Leather Tufted Square Footstool Vintage Biker Tan Leather
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely Tan brown leather chesterfield tufted footstool A good looking and comfortable stool, it has a nice heritage patina to it We have cleaned ...
Leather
On Hold|$6,140
H 12.6 in W 50.79 in D 35.44 in
RESTORED HAND DYED CiGAR BROWN LEATHER LION'S FEET CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite fully restored Chesterfield tufted hand dyed brown leather footstool with later ad...
Leather, Hardwood
$708
H 15.75 in W 24.41 in D 23.63 in
Barcelona Footstool / Taburet by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 2000s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - Very good original condition - circa 1990s - Maker: ? - Leatherette. - signs of use
Textile
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
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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.5 in W 29 in D 20 in
18c Style Regency Giltwood & Tufted Cut Velvet Footstool Ottoman X Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18c Style Regency Giltwood & Tufted Cut Velvet Footstool Ottoman X Bench.
Giltwood, Walnut
Barcelona Daybed by Knoll, Brown Leather
By Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
This iconic daybed pairs Bauhaus simplicity with refined craftsmanship. Upholstered in rich brown leather with a tufted cushion and bolster, it rests on a solid wood frame with sleek...
Steel, Chrome
$1,280
H 14.57 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mid-20th Century, Cube Pouf / Ottoman in Patinated Brown Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A cube-shaped ottoman, pouf, or stool upholstered in beautifully patinated brown leather with a quilted square pattern. The padded upholstery provides a comfortable seat, while the g...
Leather, Upholstery
Custom George Smith Espresso Tufted Leather Sofa
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
An original custom made soft mottled dark espresso leather tufted with brass tacks and mahogany wood legs by famed bespoke British furniture maker, George Smith. Original label. Exc...
Leather, Hardwood
$4,070 / set
H 14.77 in W 23.23 in D 17.33 in
PAIR OF RESTORED ViNTAGE HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOLS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of fully restored, hand dyed Cigar brown leather, Chesterfield Tufted Baron footstools Please note the delivery fee listed is just a g...
Leather, Hardwood
$11,431 / set
H 15 in W 25.5 in D 15 in
Set of 2 Footstool Black Smoke Steel &Dark Brown Leather Modern Style Wanderlust
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Wanderlust contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Style Classic Chesterfield Sofa, Cuban Cigar
Located in Westwood, NJ
A vintage-style classic English Chesterfield leather upholstered sofa, with top-grain leather in a vintage Cuban cigar color. With tufted backrest and rollo...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 18.51 in W 37.01 in D 21.26 in
LUXURY EMERALD GREEN VELOUR GOLD EMBELiSHED CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite Emerald green Chesterfield tufted large ottoman footstool Please note: The delive...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 65.36 in D 40.95 in
Massive Restored Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Chesterfield Ottoman Footstool
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely massive, fully restored, hand dyed cigar brown leather ottoman Please note the delivery fee...
Leather
Sold
H 13 in W 59.06 in D 42.52 in
ENORMOUS FULLY RESTORED BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFiELD TUFTED HEARTH FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare original, extra large, fully restored, Chesterfield cigar brown leather hearth footstool with...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 64.77 in D 2.76 in
RESTORED GEORGE SMITH EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFiELD BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale a fully restored very large hand dyed brown leather Chesterfield buttoned George Smith hearth footstool Ple...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
20th Century English Large Round Brown Leather Button-Back Footstool
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Superb early to mid 20th century leather Chesterfield-style footstool or ottoman. This is a fashionable item of furniture capable of uplifting the interior space of any contemporary ...
Leather
Sold
H 16.15 in W 56.5 in D 32.49 in
STUNNiNG HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER GEORGE SMITH CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning George Smith Hand Dyed brown leather Chesterfield tufted footstool...
Leather
Sold
H 15.95 in W 32.09 in D 27.37 in
RALPH LAUREN WRITER'S CHESTERFIELD FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN IN HERiTAGE BROWN LEATHER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage Heritage brown leather Ralph Lauren Writer's Chesterfield tufted footstool ottoman P...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 14.18 in W 19.49 in D 15.36 in
FiNE SMALL FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOl
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored hand dyed brown leather vintage Chesterfield footstool...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 12.8 in W 37.21 in D 22.25 in
Large Vintage Oxblood Leather 2 Person Footstool with Chesterfield Tufting
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable, large, oxblood leather two person Chesterfield tufted footstool A very good looking well made and comfortable footstool,...
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Ottoman Footstool, Denmark circa 1980
Located in Round Top, TX
Small vintage brown leather ottoman/footstool with tufted seat and nailhead trim. Sold in vintage used condition, solid/stable and ready...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 21.26 in W 44.1 in D 44.1 in
Massive Restored Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Chesterfield Ottoman Footstool
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely massive, fully restored Ralph Lauren, hand dyed cigar brown leather Victorian style ottoman with huge amounts of internal storage ...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 17.52 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
ANTiQUE FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Chesterfield footstool. Please note the deliver...
Leather, Hardwood