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.
1 of a Pair - A Very Smart Mid-Late 20thC Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in London, GB
We were very fortunate to acquire a full collection of pieces from a beautiful country house on the south coast. The full collection was purchased approximately 50 years ago and con...
Leather
$2,914Sale Price|20% Off
A Very Smart Late 20thC Leather Chesterfield Sofa in Olive Green
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer we have not only pieces that we craft from our own collection but in addition, around 350 pieces of leather chesterfield furniture dating throu...
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
Pair English Style Leather Chesterfield, 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 new construction From the Thomas Jolly Antiques collection. Priced per sofa. ...
Leather, Hardwood
$3,000
Long Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long chesterfield sofa in blue fabric with tufted seating. Beautiful soft blue coloring adds a pop to this classic style. Please confirm location.
Fabric
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fully Restored Hand Dyed Bordeaux Leather Chesterfield Suite Armchair & Sofa
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, hand made in England, fully restored Bordeaux leather Gentleman's club suite with to include a very comfortable armchair and footsto...
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
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
LOVELY ViNTAGE HERITAGE BIKER BROWN LEATHER HALO CHESTERFIELD EARLE SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable, Timothy Oulton Halo Earle, Heritage Biker brown leather sofa Please note the delive...
Leather
$3,238Sale 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
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 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
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
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
Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique deep buttoned leather Chesterfield sofa. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. The quality is superb, this is a great size, i...
Leather
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
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
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 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
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