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.
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
1940s Pegasus Tufted Chesterfield Sofa in Distressed Brown Leather
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A timeless English classic, this 1940s Pegasus Chesterfield sofa embodies the rich character and craftsmanship that make vintage leather seating so desirable. Upholstered in beautifu...
Leather, Burlap, Wood
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
Vintage Mid Century Seafoam Green Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Dronten, NL
Timeless, sophisticated, and steeped in character—this vintage Chesterfield sofa in rich green leather embodies classic British design at its finest. The deep button tufting, rolled ...
Leather, Beech, Down
Antique 19thC Chesterfield Sofa in Stunning Sunflower Yellow 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 elegant 19thC Chesterfield sofa in a particu...
Leather
PAIR OF GEORGE SMITH SOMERVILLE CHESTERFIELD MOHAIR VELVET SOFAs
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Stunning pair of George Smith Somerville Mohair Velvet Chesterfield tufted sofas RRP £30,130 Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for t...
Velvet, Hardwood
Sofa / Couch Chesterfield Luxury Baroque Style Design Velvet Red Alcantara Look
Located in Berlin, DE
Exclusive Chesterfield sofa with ottoman in beautiful velvet / alkantara look.
Velvet
Vintage Chesterfield Sofa, Leather & Silver Leaf, UK, 1990s Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful chesterfield leather sofa in good vintage condition, the buttons are well attached. It is from the 1990’s. It is made of leather and square wood legs with a silver leaf. It...
Silver Leaf
$3,303Sale Price / set|20% Off
Exceptional MidC Chesterfield Wing Back Chairs in Original Soft Lemon Leather
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I have many many pieces in stock and extensive resources. This is a particularly well drawn gentlemen's wing back chair finished in an amazin...
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
OWNED BY MADONNA LUXURY GEORGE SMiTH BOLSTER MOHAIR VELVET CHESTERFIELD SOFA
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, Mohair Velvet George Smith Chelsea Bolster sofa whic...
Velvet
20th Century English Vintage Brown Leather Chesterfield Three Seat Sofa
Located in Round Top, TX
The brown vintage leather creates the appeal in this handsome Chesterfield sofa. The impressive tufted back with large, rolled arms, nail head trim and button accents add to the age-...
Leather
Vintage Harrods Chesterfield Hand Dyed Cigar Brown Leather Corner Sofa Walnut
By Chesterfield, Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning custom made to order vintage fully restored hand dyed cigar brown leather Chesterfield corner sofa with solid hand turned walnut bun feet A very rare sofa, this is a vintage piece bought from Harrods London in the late 60's to early 70's, the leather upholstery is all original, the cushions are full leather on both sides so should the worst happen and you damage or stain one side you can simply flip it over The sofa has been fully restored to include a light strip back, its then been hand dyed six times and antiqued this one of a kind deep cigar brown colour. The feet are all new hand turned solid walnut which have been professionally stained and French polished, they have been specially fitted with 8mm metal axles so they can be unscrewed for ease of transport, the base cover is hessian throughout Complete sofa dimensions: Height 88cm Width 304.5cm Depth 266cm Right sofa dimensions Height 88cm Width 185cm Depth 85cm Left sofa...
Leather
GEORGE SMITH CHELSSEA CHESTERFiELD TUFTED BENCH SOFA IN VELOUR UPHOLSTERY
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England George Smith bench sofa with Chesterfield...
Upholstery
Pair of Harrods London Restored Bordeaux Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted Sofas
By Harrods, Chesterfield
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
$12,465 / 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
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
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
Very Good MidC Vintage Leather Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Bitter Chocolate
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
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
Leather Chesterfield Style Sofa
Located in Montreal, QC
Leather Chesterfield Style sofa
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
English Style Leather Chesterfields, Great Color with a Hand Applied Patina...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
$19,002
The Oswald Sofa
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Oswald Sofa is a fine country house Chesterfield design of generous proportions. The upholstered body of the sofa terminates upon finely turned polished mahogany feet with specia...
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century Vintage Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Round Top, TX
20th century leather Chesterfield 5.5' long bench seat sofa. Classic Chesterfield form with rolled arms, tufted button back, and simple buttons line the front. Pleated leather create...
Leather, Hardwood
$18,210
Tennyson Sofa
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
The Tennyson Sofa is a fine country house Chesterfield design of generous proportions. The upholstered body of the sofa terminates upon finely turned polished mahogany bun feet with ...
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...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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
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
Caramel Leather Chesterfield Loveseat in 20th Century American Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made, tight and comfortable distressed Leather Love Seat with stylish form. With high rolled and out curved arms and button tufted back and deep skirt. With two shaped se...
Leather, Wood