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.
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
$2,724Sale 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
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
Set of two dark brown cowhide leather Chesterfield dining/side chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This impressive set of two dark brown Chesterfield chairs features the classic English look. Upholstered in cowhide leather, they are finished with refined decorative nailhead trim. ...
Cowhide, Wood
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
$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 Chic 'Méandre' Side Chairs by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chic undulating 'Méandre' side chairs by Design Frères. Bronzed steel frames. Natural linen upholstered cushions. These Méandre™ chairs from our exclusive Design Frères® li...
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
Dining Chairs Set of 12 Walnut, 1 Carver and 11 Side Chairs
Located in Toronto, CA
Dining chairs walnut 1 arm and 11 side chairs 19th century styling made by Lionel Rawlinson pop off seats so upholstery can be easily changed. Solid sturdy chairs.
Walnut
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Chair. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
Hello, This fine Biedermeier side chair was made in Vienna circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier pieces are distinguished by their sophisticated proportions, rare and refined design, exc...
Upholstery, Walnut
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 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
$1,337Sale 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
Opera Dining Chairs, Black Oak/Cream Leather-Set of 6
Located in New York, NY
The minimalistic design of the chairs brings a sense of sophistication while maintaining comfort. Constructed in black oak frame and upholstered in high quality cream leather. 100% E...
Oak, Leather
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 Portuguese Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Portuguese Rococo style mahogany chair featuring a scrolled crest on a double yolk back centering a shaped flat splat, scalloped seat rail ...
Mahogany
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 Custom Quality Finely Upholstered Side / Desk Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
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