Decorating
Must-Know Chair: The Chesterfield
No longer just for gentlemen's clubs and aristocratic homes, the chesterfield looks stylish and sophisticated in a range of modern interiors
Chesterfield lounges and armchairs are luxuriously traditional, but that certainly doesn’t mean they’re old fashioned. With deep button tufting and rolled arms, they are synonymous with elegance, comfort and sophistication.
The chesterfield design (most commonly realised as sofas) hails from the 18th century, and has graced many a palace, gentleman’s club and luxury home. But the chesterfield is no longer just a status symbol of the elite; it is a distinguished and distinctive addition to many interior spaces. Here’s what you need to know about the history, style and use of this much-loved chair.
The chesterfield design (most commonly realised as sofas) hails from the 18th century, and has graced many a palace, gentleman’s club and luxury home. But the chesterfield is no longer just a status symbol of the elite; it is a distinguished and distinctive addition to many interior spaces. Here’s what you need to know about the history, style and use of this much-loved chair.
THE CHAIR
The chesterfield is recognisable for its deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms, nail-head trim and equal back and arm height. Most commonly seen in leather, velvet is also an alternative for chesterfields; both materials develop a patina over time that gives the sofa unequalled character.
The chesterfield is recognisable for its deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms, nail-head trim and equal back and arm height. Most commonly seen in leather, velvet is also an alternative for chesterfields; both materials develop a patina over time that gives the sofa unequalled character.
THE TREND
The chesterfield is a picture of debonair lounging, and it conjures up an image of dark panelled studies and libraries, brandy and cigars, and well-appointed gentlemen. The style was highly popular in the Victorian era, and Sigmund Freud is said to have used one during his hypnosis sessions.
Today, the chesterfield is no longer strictly the domain of men. Despite its traditional English and masculine roots, the chesterfield is adaptable to a variety of interiors.
The chesterfield is a picture of debonair lounging, and it conjures up an image of dark panelled studies and libraries, brandy and cigars, and well-appointed gentlemen. The style was highly popular in the Victorian era, and Sigmund Freud is said to have used one during his hypnosis sessions.
Today, the chesterfield is no longer strictly the domain of men. Despite its traditional English and masculine roots, the chesterfield is adaptable to a variety of interiors.
HOW TO USE IT
In a living room, library or office
With its great comfort and timeless style, the chesterfield is well suited to living rooms, libraries, studies and offices, as well any room that seeks to impart a sense of dignity and finesse.
Luxurious lounging ideas
In a living room, library or office
With its great comfort and timeless style, the chesterfield is well suited to living rooms, libraries, studies and offices, as well any room that seeks to impart a sense of dignity and finesse.
Luxurious lounging ideas
THE STYLE
Beachy
Quite surprisingly, but as this picture attests, the chesterfield can be perfectly suited to a beach-style abode. With lots of natural light, bright blue cushions, and a natural fibre matting, this interior is a picture of coastal comfort.
Australian beach style
Beachy
Quite surprisingly, but as this picture attests, the chesterfield can be perfectly suited to a beach-style abode. With lots of natural light, bright blue cushions, and a natural fibre matting, this interior is a picture of coastal comfort.
Australian beach style
Mid-century or Scandinavian
The deep brown patinated leather of the chesterfield works beautifully with the warm wood tones of mid-century and Scandinavian furniture. Here, its rolled arms and thick upholstery are a sophisticated contrast to the clean lines of the coffee table and armchairs.
The deep brown patinated leather of the chesterfield works beautifully with the warm wood tones of mid-century and Scandinavian furniture. Here, its rolled arms and thick upholstery are a sophisticated contrast to the clean lines of the coffee table and armchairs.
Modern
This modern room has a natural and organic texture and colour palette that’s carried through the walls, floor and furnishings including the chesterfield suite. The overall look is warm and inviting, while also being pared-back and comfortable,
This modern room has a natural and organic texture and colour palette that’s carried through the walls, floor and furnishings including the chesterfield suite. The overall look is warm and inviting, while also being pared-back and comfortable,
Industrial
Leather will always suit an industrial interior as brick, concrete, wood and leather all share a rawness as materials. Also, the strength of an industrial interior can handle the visual and physical weight of the chesterfield.
Is your style is industrial?
Leather will always suit an industrial interior as brick, concrete, wood and leather all share a rawness as materials. Also, the strength of an industrial interior can handle the visual and physical weight of the chesterfield.
Is your style is industrial?
Luxurious
Of course the chesterfield will suit a luxe interior, being inherently luxurious itself. A deep, rich colour palette abounds in this room, punctuated by highlights of cream and gold. The chesterfield suits the interior perfectly, with dark blue leather upholstery and glimmering gold nail heads.
Make your home look richer
Of course the chesterfield will suit a luxe interior, being inherently luxurious itself. A deep, rich colour palette abounds in this room, punctuated by highlights of cream and gold. The chesterfield suits the interior perfectly, with dark blue leather upholstery and glimmering gold nail heads.
Make your home look richer
Traditional
And finally, and most obviously, the chesterfield suits a traditional interior. Here, two chesterfields facing each other invite conversation, and their rolled arms are mimicked by the scrolling supports of the coffee tables.
And finally, and most obviously, the chesterfield suits a traditional interior. Here, two chesterfields facing each other invite conversation, and their rolled arms are mimicked by the scrolling supports of the coffee tables.
WHERE TO BUY
A chesterfield can be bought new or vintage and sourced from a range of manufacturers, suppliers, stores, and auction houses. Keep in mind that price should reflect quality.
TELL US
Do you have an old or new chesterfield sofa? Tell us why it works in your home, and share photos in the Comments section.
MORE
A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
A Lounge Lizard’s Guide to Buying a Leather Sofa
In Praise of the Chaise
A chesterfield can be bought new or vintage and sourced from a range of manufacturers, suppliers, stores, and auction houses. Keep in mind that price should reflect quality.
TELL US
Do you have an old or new chesterfield sofa? Tell us why it works in your home, and share photos in the Comments section.
MORE
A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
A Lounge Lizard’s Guide to Buying a Leather Sofa
In Praise of the Chaise
While the designer of the chesterfield sofa remains unknown, there is a prominent anecdote associated with the origin of the famous seat, which has been handed down many a generation.
As the story goes, Lord Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), is believed to have commissioned a settee with distinctive deep buttons, quilted leather upholstery and a low seat base. The Earl was known as somewhat of a trendsetter, and he wanted a sofa that would allow a gentleman to comfortably sit upright without wrinkling his attire.