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.
Tetrad Made in England Brown Leather Chesterfield Armchair Part of Full Suite
By Tetrad
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice Chesterfield brown leather armchair made by Tetrad England which is part of a large suite The armchair has been deep cleaned hand...
Leather
Set of 2 cognac-coloured vintage cow leather chesterfield dining chairs
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage set of two cowhide leather Chesterfield dining chairs features a beautiful deep brown color and offers a comfortable se...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Faux Leather Chesterfield club armchair, circa 1930/1950 very good state
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Faux Leather Chesterfield club armchair, circa 1930/1950 very good state
Faux Leather, Wood
GEORGE SMITH BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED CAPTAiNS CHAIR
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning brown leather George Smith RRP £7,034 Chesterfield tufted captains office chair P...
Leather, Hardwood
Six Hand Dyed Brown Leather Thomas Chippendale Chesterfield Tub Club Armchairs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Lovely suite of six, fully restored hand, dyed cigar leather English tub or club armchairs with Thomas Chippendale style floating button Chesterfield seat...
Leather, Oak
Large, luxurious, black square chesterfield cow leather ottoman/coffee table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A leather footrest, also known as an ottoman, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can enjoy your mome...
Cowhide
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
RESTORED CHESTERFIELD TUFTED HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER LIBRARY RECLINER ARMCHAiR
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, top to bottom restored, hand dyed deep Cigar brown leather reclining armchair Ple...
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
19th Century Carved Walnut Leather Chesterfield Library Stool
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th century carved walnut leather chesterfield library stool. The stool is upholstered in deeply buttoned brown leather hide, it set on hefty ball ...
Walnut
STUNNiNG PAIR OF LION'S HAIRY PAW FEET CHESTERFIELD TUFTED WINGBACK ARMCHAIRS
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of English Country House Wingback Armchairs with Lions Hairy Paw feet carved Cabriolet le...
Leather, Hardwood
Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Dining / Side Chair in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful and luxurious cowhide leather Chesterfield dining or side chair in classic English style, finished in a light cognac color. This stunning Chesterfield ...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
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
Green Vintage English Chesterfield Armchair with Elegant Design and Wood Accents
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage full-grain leather Chesterfield armchair exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. It features an elegant design, a bold green color scheme, and is beautifull...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Set of 4 cowhide leather Chesterfield dining chairs in light cognac colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This wonderful set of 4 Chesterfield chairs exudes luxury and stateliness. These chairs are made of cowhide leather. They are versatile; you can place them at the dining table, but t...
Cowhide, 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
ViNTAGE HARDWOOD FRAMED GREEN VELOUR CHESTERFIELD TUFTED LARGE FOOTSTOOL OTTOMAN
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hand made in England Mahogany framed green Velour Chesterfield tufted footstool Please ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Our Signature Leather Edward Cigar Armchair in Hand Dyed Tobacco with Patina
Located in London, GB
Our Edward Cigar chair is built with comfort and gentlemanly elegance in mind. It encapsulates the essence of the modern discerning gentleman. Here you can see it finishes in our hand dyed Tobacco with a lovely patina which outlines the pieces perfectly. All crafted in-house, we can build your pieces to any size, colour or fabric. we are truly a bespoke crafting house...
Leather
VINTAGE TAN BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED BARON FOOTSTOOL PART OF SUiTE
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, lightly restored aged tan brown leather Chesterfield tufted footstool which is part of a suit...
Leather
$15,300Sale Price / item|20% Off
Flying Wing Aviator Chair, Hand Dyed Deep Ocean Leather, Solid Brass & Humidor
Located in London, GB
This is a fine exceptional example of our Flying Wing humidor chair. Finished in our hand dyed Deep Ocean leathers and wrapped in solid brass. All complimented by one of our Span...
Brass
One of a Kind Fully Restored Hardwood Chesterfield Captains Directors Armchair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely one of a kind Chesterfield button Directors armchair upholstered in plush woven linen A very good looking well made and comfortable...
Leather, Hardwood