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.
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
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
Exceptional 19th Century Hand Carved Italian Walnut Day Bed Cherub Putti's Angel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare Circa 1840-1860 hand carved walnut Italian daybed with cherub putti decoration and chesterfield tufting What a find! Thi...
Walnut
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
Very Comfortable Brown Leather Chesterfield Captains Directors Armchair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pretty much new brown leather Chesterfield office I had two of these, one has now sold and its just the one left It is massively height adj...
Leather
Nice, elegant green cowhide leather chesterfield armchair combined with wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing armchair in a beautiful and luxurious green color is a true find for lovers of chesterfield furniture. It is combined with wood and features an elegant design, giving it...
Cowhide, Wood
$5,425 / item
Tufted Barrel Back Desk Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine customizable English style tufted Barrel back desk chair with tufted back and seat, an arched backrest with padded and upholstered...
Leather
FINE FULLY RESTORED VINTAGE GEORGE II STYLE CHESTERFIELD TUFTED LEATHER ARMCHAiR
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored George II style Gainsborough armchair with beech wood frame and hand dyed redd...
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
A Pair of Georgian Style Gentleman’s Wing Back Leather Chesterfield Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Georgian Style Gentleman’s Wing Back Leather Chesterfield Chairs These are super soft and very roomy chairs, the ultimate in Vintage Country House Chic, the leather studd...
Leather
$3,000 / set
Vintage Chesterfield Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of large chesterfield lounge chairs in vintage patina leather with exposed nail trim. The chairs are upholstered in leather all the way through to the back, with scrolling arms ...
Leather
New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50729 Modern Oushak Turkish Rug, 09'03 X 12'06. Experience the harmonious convergence of contemporary elegance, Biophilic Design, and sustainable craftsmanship in our hand-knotted wo...
Wool
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
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
FOUR STUNNING VINTAGE OXBLOOD LEATHER HiGH BACK CHESTERFIELD DINING CHAIRS
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of four vintage Chesterfield high back oxblood dining chairs...
Leather, Hardwood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
English Regency Desk with Foldable Desk / Writing Table 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Extraordinary English regency desk with hinged sides and red leather top. 5 drawers in the front and 5 panels on the back. The leather top is provided with very thick embossing. The ...
Wood
$15,091Sale 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