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.
$2,387 / item
Vintage-Style Tufted Leather Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Vintage-style leather tufted ottoman in brown leather. It features a solid hardwood frame wrapped in rich brown leather detailed with nailhead brass trim. The cushioned top is fixed ...
Leather
Elegant cowhide English chesterfield ottoman finished with decorative nails
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This elegant and distinctive English Chesterfield ottoman is upholstered in genuine cowhide leather, stands on castors, and is finished with decorative brass studding. An ottoman, a...
Cowhide, Leather
$7,353 / item
Cuban Brown Four-Sided Lobby Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Ideal for a large lobby or foyer. With vintage style Cuba brown tufted leather upholstered backrests and seats, raised on turned mahogany feet and finished with brass nailhead trim. ...
Leather
$7,353 / item
Four-Sided Lobby Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic style four-sided sofa ideal for a large lobby or foyer. With vintage style brown tufted leather upholstered backrests and seats, raised on turned mahogany feet and finished...
Leather
Chesterfield Brown Leather Tufted Square Footstool Vintage Biker Tan Leather
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
Large, luxurious, black square chesterfield cow leather ottoman/coffee table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A leather footrest, also known as an ottoman, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can enjoy your mome...
Cowhide
$9,950 / item
H 14 in W 42 in D 42 in
Zebra Ottoman Coffee Table, Large Square, Custom Made In USA, Two Hides, New
By Area ID
Located in New York, NY
Large zebra ottoman, measures: 42 inches by 42 inches and 14 inches high. Great as a coffee table or ottoman. Built in our NJ factory. Made of beautiful zebra hides from South Africa...
Zebra Hide
$4,136 / item
H 15 in W 25.5 in D 15 in
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Natural Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose 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-turn...
Brass, Steel
The Forsyth Cloud Ottoman in Cowhide - Made To Order
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Part of the Forsyth signature collection. The Cloud Ottoman is so versatile. It can be used as a large coffee table - just put a big tray on it - and of ...
Cowhide
Coco Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
Our adorable coco ottoman is perfect for relaxing with your feet up…or pop them under our Calista console for additional seating. A modern take on a basic round ottoman. Chic, comfor...
Wool, Wenge
Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman in Ivory Cowhide
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This Forsyth mushroom pouf ottoman was created and designed by the Forsyth design team. Each ottoman is handcrafted in Saint Louis. A cut...
Cowhide
Custom Made Turkish Rug Ottoman with Iron Base
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made Cocktail ottoman Size: 48" x 48" x 18" Iron base finished in antique bronze finish. This item was constructed using a vintage turkish rug, this hemp and wool rug is a ...
Metal, Iron
$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
Brown Vintage Look Squared Ottoman
Located in IT
Brown vintage look squared ottoman Size to be confirmed: 120 x 120 cm H 40 cm.
Leather
Custom Made Cube Style Rug Cocktail Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made cube style ottoman. This can be remade and ordered to any size. The rug we are using is a new "vintage look" turkish flat weave style with nano technology. Meaning this c...
Foam, Wood
Custom Made Cube Ottoman in Vintage Turkish Rug Style
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made cube style ottoman. This can be remade and ordered to any size. The rug we are using is a new "vintage look" turkish flat weave style with nano technology. Meaning this c...
Foam, Wood
White Hide and Patinated Brass 'Tambour' Ottoman by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White hide and patinated brass 'Tambour' ottoman by Design Frères. The last picture is of a different version of the ottoman in the same size. Perfect as a coffee table, with t...
Brass, Steel
$5,346
H 16.54 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in
EXTRA LARGE GEORGE SMiTH CHESTERFIELD CHELSEA KNIGHT FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
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 Knight Chesterfield tufted footstool RRP £6,640 Please ...
Upholstery
Sold
H 18 in W 38 in D 38 in
1990s Hancock & Moore Tufted Whiskey Brown Chesterfield Style Square Ottoman
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 1990s Hancock and Moore tufted leather Chesterfield style square ottoman. It is a nice patinated whiskey brown leather. The feet appear to be stacked mahogany. It is m...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Chesterfield Style Tufted Gray Leather Ottoman
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chesterfield Style Tufted Gray Leather Ottoman on Turned Walnut Legs Vintage Chesterfield-style tufted ottoman upholstered in gray leather, raised on turned walnut legs. Cla...
Leather
Vintage Black Pouf Conical Legs Chesterfield Style Skai
Located in Poperinge, BE
Charming vintage ottoman upholstered in high-quality black faux leather (or imitation leather), with a tufted seat in the iconic Chesterfield style. The base consists of conical wood...
Brass
Ralph Lauren Leather Cocktail Ottoman on Brass Casters
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Southampton, NJ
1990's Ralph Lauren leather cocktail ottoman with channeled tufting and tapered wood legs on solid brass casters. Elegant simplicity with classic saddle stitch detailing & generous d...
Brass
Very Large Plush Beige Tufted Leather Square Ottoman with Chrome Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sumptuous large square tufted leather beige ottoman on chrome base. Could be used as a coffee table and extra seating.
Chrome
Sold
H 15.75 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
1960s Camel Colored Padded Leather Ottoman Model 'Merkur' by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Square ottoman in sturdy camel / brown colored leather designed by Arne Norell for Norell AB in Sweden. Allover in good condition.
Leather, Oak
Ralph Lauren Chesterfield Cognac Leather Storage Ottoman
By Ralph Lauren, Henredon
Located in Miami, FL
Luxurious Ralph Lauren button tufted leather storage ottoman with nailhead trim and turned mahogany wood legs. The large Chesterfield ottoman, which can also be used as a coffee tabl...
Metal
Chesterfield Leather Ottoman on Brass Casters by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Southampton, NJ
English Chesterfield Aniline leather tufted ottoman by Drexel Heritage featuring brass tack detailing with elegant turned legs on brass casters. Generous proportions with original tags.
Brass
English Leather Tufted Ottoman on Casters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental scale Chesterfield style leather tufted ottoman. It stands on four oak legs with original casters. The leather is in great condition and is beautifully distressed, addi...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 79.53 in D 59.85 in
MONUMENTAL GEORGE SMITH RESTORED BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFiELD FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale the largest footstool / ottoman you will ever see! Made by George Smith Chelsea it is the size of a double b...
Leather
Classic Brown Leather Tufted Ottoman in the style of Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic Leather Tufted Ottoman in the style of Ralph Lauren.
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 17 in W 56 in D 32 in
Tobacco Tufted Leather Chesterfield Style George Smith Ottoman Coffee Table
By George Smith
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic rich George Smith tobacco tufted leather ottoman in the chesterfield style having mahogany bun feet and brass nailheads around the base. Newly oiled and waxed and to its utm...
Leather