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 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
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
English Thomas Lloyd Cigar Leather Wingback Chesterfield Settee
By Thomas Lloyd
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English wingback chesterfield settee sofa featuring a cigar leather tufted upholstery hand-crafted in England by Thomas Lloyd from a hard frame covered with fine Italian ful...
Brass
$9,725 / item
Antiqued Chesterfield Leather Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic antiqued Chesterfield leather sofa. This beautiful hand-rubbed and antiqued leather Chesterfield sofa is beautifully crafte...
Leather
$13,212 / item
Leather 4 Seater Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classic long leather 4 seater Chesterfield sofa. The unusual long tufted chesterfield sofa is ideal for a long entry hall, living room, a hotel l...
Leather, Wood
A Very Hand Dyed Leather Chesterfield Sofa - circa 1900 - Horse Hair Filled
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I have many many pieces in stock and extensive resources. In addition to being a very generous length at circa 240cm this particular piece is...
Leather
19thC Antique Hamptons & Sons Chesterfield Sofa In Hand Dyed Whiskey Leather
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer, I always have a large stock of Chesterfield sofas and chairs ranging from early 19thC through to ...
Leather
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Sofa Brown Terra Cotta Mid Century
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage Mid-Century English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 3-Seat Sofa Brown/Terra Cotta PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~fu...
Leather
$9,670 / item
Custom Antiqued Leather Chesterfield
Located in Westwood, NJ
From our US Based custom upholstery and tannery workshop, this Chesterfield sofa is customizable and made with one of our many available types of leather. Available with a weathered ...
Leather
$29,636Sale Price|20% Off
19thC Howard & Sons Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Leathers - Wimbledon Green
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I always have a very good selection of pieces in stock with a wide range of price points. Original Howard & Sons 19thC Chesterfield sofa that we have fully restored in our hand dyed British leathers, fully hand tacked with horse tail...
Leather
$10,790 / item
Modern Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern leather Chesterfield sofa. A take on the traditional 19th century English design with squared arms and backrest. The arms and backrest tufted with two comfort down seat cu...
Leather, Maple
Fully Restored 19thC Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Leathers
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I always have a large stock of Chesterfield sofas and chairs ranging from early 19thC through to ...
Leather
$65,686Sale Price|20% Off
Our Signature Lantern Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Amber
Located in London, GB
Our Signature Lantern installation piece is based around a serpentine shape and built with enduring quality and sustainability in mind. More often than not, spaces are created to fit a budget and life span which can prove to be a very disposable approach to a project. In this case, our client and I designed our Lantern sofa to represent longevity and the highest level of crafting. The piece shown will endure for generations and age in a way which is unlike any other piece of furniture. The leathers will patinate perfectly. The frame is fully 8-point-hand-tied loose coil sprung and horse tail...
Leather
Our Signature Robinson Fully Buttoned Tufted Sofa
Located in London, GB
Our Robinson sofa is a very classic style of generous proportions that is certain to give presence to any interior. It could also be crafted with a buttoned back and seat cushions...
Velvet
Pair of Harrods London Restored Bordeaux Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted Sofas
By Chesterfield, Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning pair of Vintage Harrods London Pegasus Bordeaux brown leather Chesterfield tufted sofas A very good looking well made ...
Leather
Our Signature Carver Tufted Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Elephant Grey Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Carver Chesterfield sofa is a very classic style of generous proportions that is certain to bring gravitas and elegance to your space. The very generously rolled arm is very str...
Leather
Our Signature Wilmington Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Elephant Grey Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Wilmington Chesterfield sofa is a very classic style of generous proportions that is certain to bring gravitas and elegance to your space. The very generously rolled arm is very...
Leather
Our Signature Newcastle Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Umber Brown Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Newcastle Chesterfield sofa is a very elegant 19thC style of generous proportions that is certain to bring gravitas and elegance to your space. The beautifully splayed arm gives...
Leather
Our Signature Howard Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Elephant Grey Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Howard Chesterfield sofa is a key piece from our Signature Collection and they can be finished in any hand dyed leathers or fabrics. All craft...
Leather
Our Signature Bank of England Sofa in Hand Dyed BOE GreenLeather
Located in London, GB
We are very privileged to have been selected to craft asset grade pieces for the Bank of England. Our Bank of England sofa is a very elegant piece that is certain to bring gravitas ...
Leather
Our Signature Milena Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Whiskey Tan Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Milena Chesterfield sofa is a very classic style of generous proportions that is certain to bring gravitas and elegance to your space. The very generously rolled arm is very str...
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
$34,211
H 33.67 in W 77.17 in D 42.52 in
Huge Restored Antique Victorian Howard & Son's Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa
By Howard and Sons, Howard Chairs Ltd., Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine, fully restored Howard & Son’s Berners Street London, large Baring sofa upholstered with vintage brown le...
Leather
$3,763
H 28.94 in W 69.69 in D 38.39 in
ViNTAGE HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER ART DECO THREE SEAT SOFA FEATHER FILLED SEAT
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hand made in England Art Deco style reddish brown leather sofa with overstuffed feather ...
Leather
$5,282
H 30.32 in W 53.94 in D 32.29 in
Fully Restored Hand Dyed Whiskey Brown Leather Two Seater Sofa '2/2'
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to present this Gorgeous Art Deco fully restored whiskey brown hand-dyed leather sofa. Condition-wise, the sofa has been fully restored, washed back, and hand dye...
Leather
$10,947
H 27.56 in W 68.51 in D 32.88 in
Small Restored Chesterfield Victorian Whisky Brown Leather Sofa
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored Victorian circa 1880 hand dyed Chesterfield two-seat sofa with fully but...
Leather, Mahogany
$2,394
H 35.04 in W 69.49 in D 40.56 in
Vintage Style Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Sofa Lovely Style and Design
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale hand dyed aged brown leather sofa A good looking well made and decorative sofa, the lines to the sides especially the arms are very nice We h...
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
$10,947
H 28.15 in W 71.46 in D 34.26 in
Restored Vintage Oxblood Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Club Sofa on Turned Legs
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very rare hand made in England fully restored Bordeaux leather Gentleman's club sofa Where to begin! This sofa is absolute eye can...
Leather, Oak
$10,263
H 29.73 in W 78.15 in D 42.92 in
Stunning Vintage Fully Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Howards & Son Style Sofa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage fully restored hand dyed brown leather Howard & Son’s style three seat sofa with overstuffed fea...
Leather
$10,947
H 29.93 in W 85.83 in D 35.63 in
1950's Hand Dyed Restored Cigar Brown Leather Chesterfield Club Sofa English
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original 1950’s cigar brown leather Chesterfield club sofa in lightly restored condition with fully buttoned base and solid walnut turned feet...
Leather, Beech, Oak
$13,684
H 31.89 in W 93.71 in D 22.84 in
Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Antique Victorian 3-4 Seat Sofa Feather Seats
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to this stunning three to four seat antique hand dyed Victorian brown leather sofa...
Leather
Chesterfield Burgundy Leather Button-Tufted Sofa
By Chesterfield
Located in Astoria, NY
Chesterfield Burgundy Leather Button Down Two-Seat Sofa. 33" H x 81" W x 40" D; seat: 17.5" H. Provenance: From a Park Avenue Collection.
Leather, Upholstery
Sold
H 39 in W 25.75 in D 36 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Style Tufted Campeche Chair Ottoman Red Leather
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage English CHESTERFIELD Leather Tufted Campeche Style Chair Ottoman Red Leather PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~fully bu...
Leather
Sold
H 32.5 in W 75.5 in D 35.5 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Sofa Oxblood Red Mid Century
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage Mid-Century English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 3-Seat Sofa Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~upholste...
Leather
A Very Good MidC Hand Dyed Leather Chesterfield Sofa - Horse Hair Filled
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I have many many pieces in stock and extensive resources. This particular piece is a very very beautiful and quite literally the “Holy Grail”...
Leather
A Very Good MidC Hand Dyed Leather Chesterfield Sofa - Horse Hair Filled
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I have many many pieces in stock and extensive resources. This particular set is a very very beautiful collection of pieces. The hand dyed l...
Leather
Sold
H 28.5 in W 78 in D 35 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Sofa Leather Tufted 3-Seat Sofa Oxblood Red
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 3-Seat Sofa Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~fully button tufted ...
Leather
Sold
H 32 in W 76 in D 37 in
Antique Bow Fronted 19thC Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Parchment Leather
Located in London, GB
As a Lapada dealer and furniture maker, I always have a very good selection of pieces in stock with a wide range of price points. This is a very smart 19thC Chesterfield sofa with u...
Leather
Antique 19thC Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Parchment Leather
Located in London, GB
As a Lapada dealer and furniture maker, I always have a very good selection of pieces in stock with a wide range of price points. This really is a beautiful 19thC Chesterfield sofa ...
Leather
Antique 19thC Chesterfield Sofa in Beautiful Patinated Leather
Located in London, GB
As a Lapada dealer and furniture maker, I always have a very good selection of pieces in stock with a wide range of price points. A very rare find indeed. Well functioning and beau...
Leather
Sold
H 30 in W 65 in D 37.5 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Love Seat Sofa Oxblood Red #2
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 2-Seat Sofa/Love Seat Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~fully butt...
Leather
Sold
H 30 in W 65 in D 37.5 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Love Seat Sofa Oxblood Red #1
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD 2-Seat Sofa/Love Seat Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, study, library, or cigar lounge~~fully butt...
Leather
Sold
H 40.5 in W 22 in D 38 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Rocking Chair Oak Green Mid Century
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage Mid-Century English Green Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD Rocking Chair PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's office, stu...
Leather
Sold
H 39 in W 22 in D 34 in
Vintage English Chesterfield Leather Tufted Rocking Chair Oak Red Mid Century
Located in Tyler, TX
TIMELESS Vintage Mid-Century English Leather Tufted Seat CHESTERFIELD Rocking Chair in Oxblood Red PERFECT ICONIC look for a gentleman's of...
Leather