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.
$2,387 / item
Vintage-Style Tufted Leather Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
Vintage-style leather tufted ottoman in brown leather. It features a solid hardwood frame wrapped in rich brown leather detailed with nailhead brass trim. The cushioned top is fixed ...
Leather
Large original 20th Century Classical English Writing Desk, circa 1910-1920
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood and mahogany stained body. Leather-covered worktop. Freely adjustable in the room. Desk consists of three parts (2 containers + worktop). The desk is an absolute classic a...
Wood
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
Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish birch writing table circa 1910. We are pleased to offer this stunning Scandinavian writing desk, with art nouveau...
Birch
$3,541
H 32.29 in W 44.1 in D 70.87 in
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Baluster-shaped and grooved/channelled legs ending with brass castors. Frame bo...
Leather, Mahogany
Coco Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
Our adorable coco ottoman is perfect for relaxing with your feet up…or pop them under our Calista console for additional seating. A modern take on a basic round ottoman. Chic, comfor...
Wool, Wenge
Custom Made Cube Style Rug Cocktail Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made cube style ottoman. This can be remade and ordered to any size. The rug we are using is a new "vintage look" turkish flat weave style with nano technology. Meaning this c...
Foam, Wood
Custom Made Turkish Rug Ottoman with Iron Base
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made Cocktail ottoman Size: 48" x 48" x 18" Iron base finished in antique bronze finish. This item was constructed using a vintage turkish rug, this hemp and wool rug is a ...
Metal, Iron
Custom Made Cube Ottoman in Vintage Turkish Rug Style
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made cube style ottoman. This can be remade and ordered to any size. The rug we are using is a new "vintage look" turkish flat weave style with nano technology. Meaning this c...
Foam, Wood
Very Fine Leather Top X Base Table/ Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A caramel color pieced leather seat with a separate top cushion. With shaped X supports on two sides in a dark rosewood stain. Sturdy and very well made. Measures 43.5 wide by 43.5”...
Leather, Wood
20th Century Swedish Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish writing desk exudes the timeless simplicity and elegance of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the desk features clean, minimalist lines and a lightly ...
Pine, Paint
$10,294
H 28.63 in W 36.03 in D 23.63 in
Early 19th Century English Regency Writing Table / Library Table
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine Regency writing table or sofa table, the rectangular top with finely rounded edges and molded edge detailing above two frieze drawer with opposing simulated drawers, each fit...
Brass
$3,750
H 30.25 in W 33.25 in D 19.5 in
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Writing Desk with Leather Top, Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Louis XVI style writing desk dates to the mid-20th century and is crafted in solid mahogany with mahogany veneer. The proportions are refined and balanced, reflecting th...
Brass
20th Century Wood French Louis XV Style Writing Desk, 1920
Located in Miami, FL
20th century Louis XV style French walnut writing desk with three drawers and cabriolet legs. Created in France during the 20th century, this walnut desk features a rectangular plank...
Bronze
Custom Made Rug Cube Ottoman
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Custom made cube style ottoman. This can be remade and ordered to any size. The rug we are using is a new "vintage look" turkish flat weave style with nano technology. Meaning this c...
Cotton, Foam, Polystyrene, Wood
Sold
H 16.5 in W 42 in D 23 in
1940s English Leather Chesterfield Style Bench / Coffee Table with Storage
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1940s English Chesterfield style tufted leather bench with storage. It is a wonderful piece with quite a bit of character. The storage will surely make it a family favorite.
Leather
Sold
H 39 in W 28 in D 26.5 in
Late 20th-C. Chesterfield Style Leather Chairs Att. to Hancock and Moore, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These chairs are have timeless appeal. This is a pair of saddle leather Chesterfield style chairs. They are attributed to Hancock and Moore bu...
Leather, Fruitwood
Large Classic 20th Century English Writing Desk mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Body made of solid wood and stained mahogany. Leather covered worktop. Freely adjustable in every room. Desk consists of three parts (2 containers + worktop). The desk is an absolute...
Wood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 42.13 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Restored Chesterfield Brown Leather Hearth Stools Ottomans Footstools
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of fully restored hand dyed reddish brown leather Chesterfield hearth ottoman footstools with ornate studding and long elegant l...
Leather