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.
HERITAGE BROWN LEATHER FOUR SEAT CHESTERFiELD COVERSION TETE A TETE SOFA SEAT
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable, Heritage Brown Leather Chesterfield tufted conversation, Tete a Tete so...
Leather
$16,800 / item
Custom Double Sided Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
We offer an extensive collection and a fully customizable Chesterfield sofa program, made in America and produced within 8 weeks. Every element is customizable, from the leather or fabric to the dimensions, and the type of foot. We have added a number of images below for inspiration and priced for an 86" long double sided chesterfield sofa...
Leather
PAIR OF GEORGE SMiTH SOMERVILLE CHESTERFIELD MOHAIR VELVET SOFAS
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of George Smith Somerville Mohair Velvet Chesterfield tufted sofas RRP £30,130 Please no...
Velvet, Hardwood
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
$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
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
$7,880 / item
Vintage Style Classic Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A vintage style Classic English Chesterfield leather upholstered sofa, with top-grain leather in a Havana brown finish. With tufted backrest and rollover arms, with two padded cushio...
Leather
Pair of English Style Leather Chesterfields, Great Color with a Hand Applied Pat
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair English style leather chesterfield, great color with a hand applied patina. Old world look with contemporary construction. We also have a pair in a lighter tobacco patina. P...
Leather, Wood
One Pair of Two-Seat Chesterfield Sofa's, Great Scale for Comfort, Great Patina
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of two-seat Chesterfield sofa's, great scale for comfort, great patina. Great condition and ready for installation. Priced per sofa. We also have two three seat...
Leather
Industrial Distressed Brown Leather Chesterfield Sofa – Three Seat Tufted Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A timeless Chesterfield silhouette reimagined with an industrial edge, this three-seat sofa showcases richly distressed brown leather with deep button tufting across the back and arm...
Brass
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
Victorian Walnut Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian walnut Chesterfield sofa, of typical form with rolled arms and two seat cushions, the turned front and back legs set on the original castors, reupholstered in deep-button...
Leather
Leather Chesterfield Style Sofa
Located in Montreal, QC
Leather Chesterfield Style sofa
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 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
Large Restored Hand Dyed Chesterfield Brown Leather Sofa Large Bench Piece
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England large fully restored Chesterfield brown leather bench This piece is exquisite, fully restored, made in England ...
Leather
Exceptional Pair of MidC Chesterfield Wing Back Chairs in Original Leather
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 dy...
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
Late 20thC Leather Chesterfield 3 Piece Suite Restored in Hand Dyed Leather
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer, here at Robinson of England not only have pieces that we craft from our own collection but in addition, around 350 pieces of leather chesterfi...
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
Late Victorian Two-Seat Chesterfield Sofa 'to Be Colored on Request', circa 1890
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late Victorian two-seat mahogany Chesterfield sofa, of typical form with rolled arms and two-seat cushions, on the original castors, reupholstered in natural leather (to be colored...
Mahogany
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 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 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
Nice Small Wide Chesterfield Tan Brown Leather Tufted Sofa with High Back
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very nice tan brown leather Chesterfield sofa This is a very comfortable and good looking sofa, it has a high back so you can rest your whole back i...
Leather
$2,231Sale Price / set|44% Off
Black Leather 2-Seater Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A good quality 20th-century two seater black leather chesterfield with two loose cushions, raised on ebonised bun feet. With individually hand tacked brass studded trim. A fine examp...
Leather
Original Chesterfield Vintage Brown Three Seat Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer this stunning rare handmade in England brown leather 3-seat, sofa. Where to begin! This sofa is absolute eye candy from every angle, it has the original lea...
Leather
1960s Three Seater Chesterfield In Sturdy Leather By Norell AB Sweden
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A beautiful and highly collectible 1960s Chesterfield three-seater sofa, designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Norell AB, Sweden. This piece is a refined Scandinavian interpre...
Leather
Fitz Chesterfield Sofa by Madheke
Located in Gurugram, IN
Timeless heritage, reimagined. Madheke’s chesterfield silhouette evokes a quiet grandeur—with a deep tufted back, fan trapunto detailing on scroll arms, and brass-finished feet rest...
Brass
Very Good MidC Vintage Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in London, GB
Here at Robinson of England we are both furniture makers and restorers and have the pleasure of working on the heritage collection from the Houses of Parliament. In addition to the...
Leather
Fitz Chesterfield Sofa by Madheke
Located in Gurugram, IN
Timeless heritage, reimagined. Madheke’s chesterfield silhouette evokes a quiet grandeur—with a deep tufted back, fan trapunto detailing on scroll arms, and brass-finished feet rest...
Brass
Beautifully Restored MidC Chesterfield Club Chairs in Hand Dyed Leather
Located in London, GB
This really is a very special and most beautiful pair of midC club chairs. We have fully restored the pieces and finished them in our hand dyed leathers using walnut husk as the dye...
Leather