British Nobility and the Chesterfield Sofa

Chesterfield sofas are distinguished by their timeless silhouette, with rolled arms the same height as the backrest, and typically upholstered in tufted leather. They are simultaneously regal and classic, versatile and comfortable.  

Legend has it, a similar shape was commissioned by Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, in the mid 18th century. The French were making strides in creating comfortable sofas at the time and Stanhope, a tastemaker and "dandy", may have been inspired by one such design.

He then supposedly left the iconic piece to his godson after he died, who in turn popularized it, making the Chesterfield sofa a staple in upper class households. While leather was not commonly used at the time, and the buttons used to deeply tuft the upholstery were not popular for another hundred years, it is believed that the earliest Chesterfields were being enjoyed during this time period.

A staple of any traditional "man-cave", the Chesterfield is thought to be originally designed in consideration of men's suits. That is, by keeping men seated mostly upright, the amount of wrinkles was reduced. Because of this, the Chesterfield was also commonly used in pubs and gentlemen's clubs.

Its popularity is said to have spread during the rise of the British Empire when gentleman officers would be sent abroad and request the comforts of home. Thus, Chesterfields were sent to every corner of the globe. Interestingly, Sigmund Freud also used them in his practice, thus perhaps elevating the perception of exclusivity.

Chesterfield sofas are timeless - both in their style and their durability, the leather softening and becoming more comfortable as it ages. While they are the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, they are also well adapted in a variety of interiors and styles.  No longer are they just for the men of the aristocracy.

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