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.
Nice Pair of Oxblood Leather Vintage Chesterfield Gainsborough Side Chairs
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of oversized, Chesterfield tufted, Oxblood leather Gainsborough side chairs A very good looking and expertly crafted pair, the...
Leather
Pair Of English Style Side Chairs By Edward Ferrell Ltd.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant side chairs with tall shaped backs and comfortable complementary shaped seats. Raised on square tapering front legs and splayed tapering square back legs with H stretchers. U...
Fabric, Wood
$2,749Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century Library Captains Chair in Hand Dyed Aqua Marine Leather
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and Lapada dealer we always have an extensive stock of pieces - approximately 250 piece stock level. This is a beautiful piece. Fully restored by ourselves an...
Leather
Antique 19th Century Library Captains Chair Restored in Hand Dyed Leathers
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer we always have an extensive stock of pieces - approximately 250 piece stock level. This is a beautiful piece. Fully restored by ourselves an...
Leather
Chair Henri II Style 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice chair of Henri II style dating from the 19th century. It has a straight base connected by a strut. Its seat is in cane. Its back is completely carved with architectural motifs m...
Wood
$1,381Sale Price|34% Off
H 38.59 in W 15.75 in D 14.97 in
19th Century Petite French Ballroom Side Chair, in Louis XVI Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Petite French ballroom side chair, in Louis XVI style having a giltwood frame with carved floral ornaments. The front legs are curved and the seat is semi round in front having a cus...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 18.51 in D 18.9 in
Pair of 19th Century Biedermeier Fruitwood Side Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of beautifully honey colored fruitwood Biedermeier side chairs, with gently curved rectangular backs, the top and side inlaid with banding, the splat carved with a stylized flower head, on sabre legs. Newly upholstered in black Prussian horse hair fabric...
Fruitwood
Pair of Cal-Style Side Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of Cal-Style Mid-Century Modern side chairs with tubular chrome base and original upholstered seat and back.
Chrome
Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Side Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of undulating 'Méandre' side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®. Bronze patina over steel frames. Natural linen upholstered cushions with contrasting piping. Chic and understated.
Steel
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
Fantastic Pair of Venetian Grotto Style Side Chairs
Located in East Hampton, NY
Unique pair of Venetian style grotto chairs with seahorse carved back and scallop seats in a silvered wood.... the legs are carved in the shape of shells.
Wood
Chairs Italian 19th Baroque Style Black Leather Century Italy
Located in New York, NY
Chairs Italian 19th Black Leather Century Italy. A pair of side chairs made during the 19th century in Italy. Upholstered in a thick black leather with brass needle...
Leather, Wood
19th Century Single Chair in Black and Yellow
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
19th century single chair in black and yellow.
Satin, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair 19th century Danish Klismos chairs. Collected in Copenhagen elegant pair of late 19th century Danish Klismos Chairs. Ebonized hardwood wi...
Hardwood
$2,450 / set
H 23 in W 16.5 in D 18.5 in
Pair of English Chinese Chippendale Style Midcentury Side Chairs with Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Chinese Chippendale style iron side chairs from the mid 20th century with intricate backs, grey color, faux bamboo structure and new linen upholstery. Created in England during the Midcentury period, each of this pair of side chairs features a grey colored faux bamboo iron structure inspired by the Chinese Chippendale style. The slightly curving backs, made of a careful arrangement of geometric shapes, are flowing into the hind legs in a graceful manner. A rectangular seat, newly recovered with a neutral toned linen fabric, is resting above four splaying legs connected to one another through an H-Form cross stretcher strengthening the ensemble beautifully. With their Chinese Chippendale lines, sturdy iron material and exotic faux-bamboo influence, this pair of English side chairs...
Iron
Pair of Carl Malmsten Swedish Grace Inlaid Side Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fantastic pair of Carl Malmsten chairs inlaid rosewood and flame birch. Contrasting wood detail on the inside legs and back. Restored and f...
Mohair
Pair of Custom Quality Finely Upholstered Side / Desk Chairs
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of custom quality finely upholstered side / desk chairs. Each having a clean tufted back with a stripped reverse having a handle. The pair nicely tacked on sprayed legs. Strong ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.75 in W 22.5 in L 29.75 in
Midcentury Danish Chesterfield Style Court Chair in Patinated Green Leather
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stylish and very nice Chesterfield-style court chair in green leather and mahogany from the 1950s. The frame is solid mahogany with all the brass studs individually hand nailed in pl...
Mahogany, Leather
Sold
H 28.75 in W 23.23 in D 25.2 in
Fully Restored Vintage Hand Dyed Whisky Brown Leather Chesterfield Low Chair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for this lovely fully restored Whisky brown leather small side chair This chair came as part of a suite, I have the matching Victorian drop arm sofa, two...
Leather