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Chesterfield sofas to class up your living room
Sarah Morris is an avid writer of home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for ChosenFurniture.
Chesterfield sofas will always add an air of grandeur and refinement to any laid-back living space. With lovely button-tufted upholstery and curved or rolled arms, a chesterfield sofa easily becomes a centerpiece in any home. Traditionally, these type of couches were made of leather with nailheads along with their lower frame. Still, the latest models can be found in a wide range of materials, with the nailheads becoming more of a stylistic flourish.
As a curiosity, the origins of the chesterfield sofa are cloudy, though it had roots in the 18th century. The legend says that the British diplomat Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, commissioned the first deep-set, button-tufted sofa. Despite its humble beginnings, the Chesterfield style looks now as fresh and intriguing as ever.
Whatever you like a modern sofa, a sectional sleeper sofa or a sleeper sofa, in terms of designs, the Chesterfield sofas are one of the oldest and they are by far the most seductive too. Chesterfield sofas have some unique design elements, and they can be differentiated based on their back – they can have straight or crested backs.
A chesterfield sofa with straight-back is exactly what you imagine it to be – it has a straight back and is complemented with straight armrests as well. The crested back chesterfield sofas have rounded back, as are the armrests. While the straight-backed Chesterfields have a modern look, the crested sofas are closer to the design of the originals.
Another design element that sets chesterfield sofas apart from other sofa styles is the tufting and premium leather or fabric upholstery. This means it can be quite confusing to select one from all the designs available on the market. Whatever you have in mind, with the right information, you’ll be able to craft the ideal Chesterfield sofa to suit your home.
Chesterfield Sofas:
Chesterfield Sofas Under $500
Classic Modern Velvet Chesterfield Sofa
This Classic Modern Velvet Chesterfield Sofa is a piece that, when placed in your room, will scream for attention. It adds extra style and comfort to your home and will impress your friends. The lush velvet upholstery will glide smoothly along your skin and wrap you up so cozily that you will never want to get up again. It also features Victorian-style wooden legs to complete the look truly.
The construction is sturdy, with no wiggle or movement in the arms or back. The foam in the cushions seems to be on the firm side of softness. The fabric is a beautiful plush/soft velvet. The buttons in the tufting are attached very well and perfectly spaced. Requires minimum assembly as the legs need to be screwed into the frame. Specifically designed to withstand extended periods of use.
Melaina Velvet Chesterfield Sofas
Undeniably charming, Melaina Velvet Chesterfield Sofa is a piece to be treasured. The aesthetic is antique but looks good; scroll arms, turned legs, and signature Chesterfield flourishes make this button-back loveseat sofa an instant classic. Upholstered in dreamy, touchable fabric and showcasing a seductive curvature of form, it’s a beautiful and charismatic model. Sink into decadent plush velvet and the most striking tufted loveseat you’ll ever set eyes on.
Superior quality materials, handcrafted elements, and exquisite attention to detail give a luxuriant feel. Chic, comfortable, and seriously covetable, this scroll-arm loveseat sofa evokes a passion you can only aspire to. Melaina Chesterfield Sofa Loveseat is not an extravagant purchase – it’s a versatile furnishing you shouldn’t miss out on. While we can’t guarantee this sassy sofa will shake up your love life, we’re pretty sure it will become your new favorite piece of furniture.
Karen Traditional Chesterfield Sofa
The timeless Chesterfield sofa finds new life with this model – featuring traditional rolled arms, intricately tufted and pleated upholstery, elegantly turned legs, and eye-catching nailhead accents. Karen Chesterfield Sofa will instantly become the centerpiece of your living room or other indoor sitting areas. The upholstery colors are deep and very pretty – even prettier in the sunlight. It’s super soft to the touch and very comfy if you like seating, and that’s a little more on the firm side. The covers and removable and washable. The cushions are soft, and the assembly is straightforward.
Material – fabric (100% polyester). The leg material is birch. Product dimensions are 33.75 D x 61.75 W x 27.75 H (inches). Seat dimensions: 23.50 D x 45.00 W x 17.75 H. Arm height: 26.50 inches. Karen Traditional Chesterfield sofa it’s affordable, and the quality reflects the price. It will last a long while if you take care, but it is not recommended for heavy people.
Malchin Casual Chesterfield Sofas
The pop of color you’ve been longing it’s here at a bargain price. With its timeless classic Chesterfield styling so much in vogue, this sofa in Navy blue makes such a brilliant statement. Satin nickel-tone brads give the sofa’s distinctive diamond tufting that much more flair. Single-seat cushion design invites a luxurious lounge feel. The elevated style of Malchin Casual Chesterfield Sofa is brought to the forefront with its elegant shades of blue or red.
Easy clean-up of liquids and snacks. Everything wipes off smoothly if done immediately with a cloth wrung out of warm water. Measuring 91.25 W x 33.5 D x 29.25 H (inches), this very comfortable and sturdy sofa offers plenty of space for entertaining friends and family. It pairs well with a loveseat or accent chair set. Sofa ships in a single box with easy-to-follow instructions to assemble it. Packed well for shipping, and all related materials are included.
Chesterfield Sofa Under $1000
Quitaque Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa
Upscale glamour and luxe looks abound at Greyleigh, the one-stop shop for all things chic. This upholstered sofa draws Chesterfield-style inspiration with its elegantly rolled arms and deep button tufts. Crafted from solid wood, it has to comfortably seat up to three people. The back cushions of Quitaque Chesterfield Sofa are attached, and the seat cushions are removable. The seat construction of this Chesterfield sofa is pocket springs.
The upholstery material of the sofa is a linen blend. It’s easy to assemble, well constructed, and comfortable with sturdy fabric. This fantastic timeless piece is a good fit in any living room. The fabric is very soft. It provides good support and enough space so you can lounge and relax. The dimensions of the sofa are 29 H x 88 W x 32.5 D (inches).
St Claire Traditional Chesterfield Sofa
The St Claire Traditional Chesterfield Sofa offers a classic and sophisticated look. Its substantial size aims to offer maximum comfort. This chesterfield sofa comes in a clear, neutral, light gray finish that easily matches your existing decor. Great sofa to become the centerpiece of your overall decor. St. Claire Collection offers spacious seating space to your guest, and the slightly curved edges and chesterfield styling create a sleek but elegant profile. Beautifying herringbone print lends a great texture to the overall look.
The sofa is a neutral color, but it has so much personality due to the curve of the back. The herringbone pattern is even more beautiful in person. The tufting is deep, and the seating is firm and very comfortable. An expertly constructed wood frame with brown finished legs stands the test of time. Turned tapered legs and rolled arms complete the traditionally inspired design. Product dimensions are 92 W x 36 D x 35 H inches, with a weight capacity of 900 lbs.
Vance Faux Leather Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofas
Vance Faux Leather Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofas offers space to seat three for cocktail parties and cozy movie nights alike. This piece is a posh addition to any living room look, showcasing a clean-lined Chesterfield design and faux leather upholstery with a jewel tone and button tufts along the back. Bolster pillows on each side add an extra distinction to this eye-catching design. Feels sturdy and comfortable when kicking up your legs and stretching out.
A solid wood frame is covered with foam cushion construction, adding comfort and stability. Nailhead trim finishes this by adding contrasting flair to this classy design. Its fully tufted back adds texture, and the grey faux leather makes a prominent fashion statement. Dimensions are 80 long, 33 deep, and 38 high inches, with a weight capacity of 450 lbs.
Avani Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa Reversible Cushions
With a true style sophisticate, the Avani Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa has made its appearance in upscale gentlemen’s clubs, Victorian homes, and more for centuries. Nowadays, it fits just as well into wood-paneled libraries as they do in downtown studio apartments. This Chesterfield sofa offers a modern take on a timeless classic with its rolled arms and silver nailhead trim. Its solid composite frame is wrapped in polyester with button tufting along the arms, backrest, and solid Espresso legs below.
Overall dimensions are 31 H x 95 W x 35 D (inches), and the seating area is 12 H x 71 W x 23 D. To keep this sofa looking good, it needs a simple spot treatment.
Chesterfields Under $2000
Roberta Chesterfield Sofas
Roberta Chesterfield Sofas offers space to seat three for cocktail parties and cozy movie nights alike. This piece is a posh addition to any living room look, showcasing a clean-lined Chesterfield design and cotton blend velvet upholstery with a jewel tone and button tufts along the back. Bolster pillows on each side add an extra distinction to this eye-catching design. Feels sturdy and comfortable when kicking up your legs and stretching out.
Anchor your seating ensemble in an elegant yet breezy style with this chesterfield sofa. Founded on a reinforced solid wood (birch) frame, its firm back foam provides comfortable support. The bolster pillows are not attached to the sofa, the legs are removable, and the cushions are not reversible. Dimensions are 90 long, 36 deep, and 33 high inches.
Natasa Faux Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Designed for a traditional or classic style home, the Natasa Faux Leather Chesterfield Sofa is sophisticated and classy. This Chesterfield leather sofa has a solid wood frame that ensures this sofa is part of your home for years to come. The cushions are fabricated using foam and down to add to their comfort factor. It features button tufting along the back and arms, as well as along the front base. The nailhead trim adds the finishing touch to this piece.
It’s not the most insanely comfortable sofa, but comfortable enough to sit or lay hours at a time! Great experience overall, and it shipped super fast. Product weight is 153 lbs, with overall dimensions of 31 H x 72 W x 40 D inches.
La Rosa Chesterfield Sofa
The La Rosa Chesterfield Sofa by Jennifer Taylor Home is made for the perfect addition to your home. Designed with dimensions of 85 x 37 x 32 inches and weighing only 104 lbs, it can fit anywhere in your home. Crafted from kiln-dried hardwood, this product is durable and certain to last long. The hand-painted and rub-finished legs add a unique appeal to this Chesterfield sofa. The legs complement the hand tufting and nailhead trim, giving this sofa a truly luxurious French-style appeal.
Upholstered in polyester fabric, this Chesterfield sofa is easy to clean and maintain. Ideal for your living room, the La Rosa sofa can also be placed in your den, lounge, bedroom, or hallway. Comfortably seating two, you cannot go wrong with this purchase. Jennifer Taylor Home has been creating products that have lasted long since the beginning. This is a family-name brand and a company that you can certainly trust.
Zaffelare Chesterfield Sofa with Reversible Cushions
With a true style sophisticate, the Zaffelare Chesterfield Sofa with Reversible Cushions has made its appearance in upscale gentlemen’s clubs, Victorian homes, and more for centuries. Nowadays, it fits just as well into wood-paneled libraries as they do in downtown studio apartments. This Chesterfield sofa offers a modern take on a timeless classic with its rolled and tuxedo arms. Its composite wood frame is wrapped in polyester upholstery with button tufting along the arms, backrest, and solid wood legs below.
As a plus, the seat cushions remove for easy cleaning. It is beautiful, sexy, sophisticated, and incredibly comfortable. Toss pillows are included to make this sofa even more inviting. Overall dimensions are 32 H x 98.5 W x 39.75 D (inches) with a weight capacity of 750 lb.
Bradbury Modern Chesterfield Sofa
Create a lounge-worthy living room with Bradbury Modern Chesterfield Sofa. Rich brown leather upholstery and a high back and arms invite you to curl up to read a good book or take a catnap. This handsome leather sofa is as comfortable as it is eye-catching. Its sturdy design and high-performance upholstery will bring enduring style and durability to your home. It needs additional pillows for sitting support, but that is exactly what makes it good for lying down – it’s wide!
Constructed of 50% recycled wood frame with reinforced back and sides for enhanced quality. High-density poly-wrapped foam helps keep cushions springy. With a perfect size of 92.9 W x 39 D and 30.3 H (inches), this will fit at least three people. Pretty firm but comfy. The legs can be easily attached. It is further backed by a 3-year warranty with a possibility of a 30-day return if found with defects.
Chesterfield Furniture Above $2000
Rollins Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Gorgeously finished in top-grain leather that’s wrapped flawlessly and carefully around a solid wood frame, the Rollins Leather Chesterfield Sofa leaves a lasting impression on visitors of your home. Finished in three nuances, this leather sofa features a button-tufted backrest and padded arms, while tight back and seat cushions are foam and fiber. The frame is made with engineered hardwood that’s kiln-dried to prevent warping.
Deep-seated and sheltering, the square-profiled sofa indulges with traditional button tufting and neat tailoring. Upholstered in beautiful leather, the sofa takes a modern stance on chic tapered hardwood legs. Overall dimensions are 75W x 35D x 28H inches. It’s not a lounge couch, but if you want something sophisticated and well-made, this is a great choice.
Davidson Three-Cushion Chesterfield Sofa
Anchor your seating ensemble in masculine, traditional style with this handsome leather chesterfield sofa. Founded on a solid hardwood frame, this sleek design strikes a classic chesterfield silhouette with rolled arms and a rolled back draped in genuine top-grain leather upholstery in classic gentlemen’s colors. The Davidson Three-Cushion Chesterfield Sofa is beautiful, sturdy, looks expensive, and serves many functions.
Suspended coil-spring system and mortise-and-tenon frame construction for lasting comfort. Overall dimensions are 69 W x 38 D x 31 H inches, the sofa’s seat height is 20, and the depth of the seat is 24 (inches). Made in the USA by Massoud furniture, which features kiln-dried hardwood frames and the finest leathers and fabrics.
Savile Leather Chesterfield Sofas
Old-school cool. This is a classic Chesterfield sofa with buttery black leather and clean, modern lines on this amazing Savile Leather Chesterfield Sofas. Out with the traditional curved arms and in with a minimal squared-off frame. The seatback and sides are fully tufted in rich black leather. Each piece will vary due to the natural leather.
Long enough to stretch out for a nap, the spacious frame sits on tapered removable chrome-plated legs. Offered in black color, which shows the unique grain pattern of the leather that will age gracefully over time and gain a natural patina. The overall dimension of 92.5W x 34.25D x 29.5H inches. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Imperial Regal Stationary Leather Chesterfield Sofa
The Imperial Regal Stationary Leather Chesterfield Sofa lends timeless well-worn style to any living, cigar room, or loft. The seat cushions are highly resilient, with a high-density foam core wrapped with virgin polyester fibers, assuring luxurious comfort and a pleasing crown appearance. This is then covered with a special ticking for pillow-soft comfort. Roll out a cowhide area rug to define the space, then accessorize the seating with vintage screen-print accent pillows and a textured woven throw to cozy up the atmosphere while you read a classic novel and sip a hot coffee.
The seat cushions are removable, while the back cushions are not. The comfort level of the sofa is medium. Frame made of kiln-dried, laminated, select hardwoods that are precision machined for fluid and consistent shape. Overall dimensions are 31.5 H x 90 H x 39.5 D inches, with a seating area of 21 H x 73 W x 25 D. Product weight is around 226 lbs.
Editor’s Choice for Modern Style – Jonathan Adler Lampert Chesterfield Sofas
The Lampert Chesterfield Sofa by Jonathan Adler hits all the right notes – the high tuxedo back gives it an elegant yet formal presence, while the bolsters make it super comfy. What about the velvet upholstery? Well, the Venice Peacock (basic blue) with white base evokes Hollywood glamour, Brussels Charcoal (basic grey) lends a little uptown swank, and Venice Emerald (basic green) with black base oozes moody Chinoise elegance. Mix and match your favorite fabrics and finishes to suit your style.
The Jonathan Adler Lampert Chesterfield Sofas are made from supreme quality materials with self welt. It has a gorgeous contemporary design with a strong white or black base that complements its subtle shade. The handmade construction lends it more authenticity and a distinct look. The cushions can be easily removed, allowing easy cleaning and maintenance. The supportive tight back and track armrests offer a comfortable seating experience.
It can be paired with comfortable chairs and ottomans. The sofa can be customized by throwing in more pillows in different colors and shapes for a preppier look. It can be placed in the living room, dining room, bedroom, entryway area, or in your home theatre so you can watch a movie with ultimate comfort.
Consumer Reports – Chesterfield Sofas Pros and Cons
Chesterfield sofas are big investments, and we want them to last. Are you considering buying a Chesterfield sofa but want to weigh the pros and cons first? Well, that’s a smart move! Though some people complain about the heavy size of these sofas, others appreciate their elegance and comfiness. Don’t regret your chesterfield sofa purchase; read up first to see whether these sofas are really for you.
Pros- Are symbolic pieces of furniture
- Made by following the strictest quality and design standards
- High-quality materials with luxurious style and finest of upholstery
- Resistant to normal wear and tear
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Can be used to entertain any number of guests without the fear of spills
Cons- Chesterfield sofas are a bit more expensive than the average sofas
- Some of the models are quite bulky and require a room of significant size to accommodate them
- A few people find it difficult to sit on chesterfield sofas due to the short backs
- Less variety in terms of upholstery colors and patterns
What To Consider?
Style: even these sofas come in different styles. You have to choose your style as not everyone will be impressed. Designers are now playing with proportions, colors, textures, and lines, making nods to tradition. A modern chesterfield sofa could have the arms and the back, not the same height, while lines are straight instead of traditionally curved. A chesterfield sofa with a bench seat, tufted upholstery, and nailhead details looks great in a contemporary room and helps bridge the gap between modern decor and traditional home architecture.
Upholstery type: Chesterfield sofas are made of different upholstery fabrics or leather. The upholstery is a big investment because you don’t want to replace it after a few months. Choose the wrong material, and you’ll find yourself fighting snags and stains. Make a mistake in the pattern, and the whole house will suffer. We can now choose from a seemingly endless range of upholstery materials with different levels of resistance and durability.
Some new materials are easy to clean and long-lasting. While other fabrics might be more economical, leather on a sofa is a smart choice in the long run. The great thing about leather is that it is easy to clean and wears well – and it’s one material that looks better with age.
Yet, you should also consider sofa springs and cushions. There are different types and qualities of springing used on a sofa, so if your sofa has them, find out what type of springs they are. The best quality sofas will have eight-way hand-tied springs, but there are also some good quality sofas with sinuous springs (s-shaped wires that run from front to back). If sold with the sofa, find out more about the cushions’ filling.
The top filling used is down, but often manufacturers use foam and Dacron. If cushions are heavy, they probably used either down or a mix of down. Feathers and fibers are often used together or with foam to build high-quality hybrid cushioning. Cheaper materials will lose their ability to return to their original shape more quickly than high-end foams.
If you are paying a higher price for such a sofa, expect the best tailoring. All seams and welting should be straight. If you choose a patterned fabric, the pattern should line up on all seams and flow over the sofa.
Size of sofa: you have to buy the size of a sofa that fits the space in your room. A large room requires a large sofa, and a small room needs a smaller sofa. But if the sofa is the only seating in the room, you may prefer a larger sofa that can accommodate your seating needs. You may be surprised that most sofas share the same approximate measurements. Also, consider the shape of your room, traffic flow, and the type of intended use – all these factors influence the size of your dream sofa.
If you live in an apartment, when you have measured the room and the sofa, don’t also forget to measure the doorway, stairway, and halls. Measure twice and order the right size only once!
Color choice: a chesterfield sofa will last for many years, so don’t choose seasonal colors or try to keep up with the latest trends. Sure, you can reupholster and completely change the look of your sofa at a relatively affordable price. Going for the season’s color trends is probably not the best way to go, as it conditions your entire room decor. Considering a pattern choice is also tricky for the same reasons, so you must carefully ponder if you will live with your choice for the next eight years.
If you add a sofa to an already decorated room, choosing color becomes important. You’ll have to decide if the sofa will be neutral or if it will take on an accent role. The most common approach is to choose a sofa that complements the other decor, not camouflaged into the wall color. Want to make a statement? Vibrant colors will instantly warm-up space and provide an unexpected visual treat. Whatever you decide, a Chesterfield sofa will always give a weighty authority to the room and grab a greater amount of attention.
Price: you will always get the type of chesterfield sofa you want depending on your budget. Cheaper sofas are always made of poor materials and won’t last. If you want a durable, high-quality sofa, you will have to pay a little more pennies. The quality of the sofa depends on its frame, cushioning, and padding of the sofa.
Like in the fashion industry, sometimes you’re paying a higher price for the branding. From our research, we think around $1,200 is the minimum you’ll need to spend to get a Chesterfield sofa made of quality materials.
What Exactly Is A Chesterfield Sofa?
As a design, the chesterfield sofa is among the most popular and well-known sofa. In fact, in Canada, the term chesterfield came to mean a sofa of any design. But when you’re talking about the original, here’s what that means: a large couch with rolled arms that are the same height as the back.
A quintessential Chesterfield is upholstered in dark leather, with deep button tufting all over and nailhead trim. With its luxury leather, deep buttoning, low back, and high arms, this classic furniture emerges from gentlemen’s clubs and stately homes of the old British Empire to become a high piece of furniture for homeowners from over the globe.
A BIT OF HISTORY: in the mid-1700s, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Phillip Stanhope, is believed to have commissioned the first chesterfield sofa. Seeking a great piece of furniture that allowed him and his colleagues to sit comfortably without wrinkling their clothes, the Chesterfield sofa was made for him by a local craftsman. As any proper gentleman would want, he requested a piece of furniture that would allow him to sit upright without wrinkling his suit.
It’s important to note that this early 18th century Chesterfield was likely very different from the ones we know today! The sofa design became quite popular during Queen Victoria’s reign when furniture as a whole began to be made with a priority of comfort over functionality.
The coiled spring was invented in the mid-1800s, making seats significantly more comfortable. And for cushioning, 19th-century furniture was stuffed with horsehair, tamed, and tailored by button tufting. Chesterfields were typically covered in leather and rich velvet. Though now you can get the chesterfield in nearly any fabric, the classic upholstery version was leather.
These sofas have transformed over the years, and now, modern Chesterfield sofas are upholstered with linen, wool, or velvet and have taller legs, slimmer backs, and arms. The new chesterfields play with proportions, colors, textures, and lines. A shorter back and armrests can go well with casualness for a modern interior. A squared rather than crested back and armrest also give off a stylish vibe.
A straight-back sofa also allows individuals to sit on the back of the sofa itself, which brings additional comfort without losing the identity of Chesterfield itself. It allows people to stay comfortable without having to sit upright. But if you’re looking for something more traditional, then consider picking up a slick, leather Chesterfield to accompany all the other complex tastes that you have.
Chesterfields are the chameleons of the sofa world: they fit pretty much anywhere. Whether you choose the classic or the modern chesterfield, such a sofa will make your interior feel grand!
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Conclusion
After more than 200 years of omnipresence, the Chesterfield sofa can be truly called a timeless furniture classic. Whether it is upholstered, his design has been continuously reinvented over the years to show that it belongs in many spaces. As fashion is changing fast, the Chesterfield sofa has been adapted, but the classy look remains and can fit any decor style.
If style and comfort are what you are after, the chesterfield sofas we review are worth it. They are uniquely made, and each has a unique spirit and feel. Elegance and style have never been combined better. However, our list is not exhaustive or set in stone; it is only the top 16 we pick for 2023. This is based on bestselling rankings, user reviews, and also our expert opinion. We are sure that whatever you decide, you are bound to find the right Chesterfield sofa.
Sarah Morris is a passionate home decor expert, how-to reviewer of furniture products, and a fact checker for ChosenFurniture. She is passionate about all types of design, with a personal preference for traditional, rustic, and modern. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, covering decor choices in the kitchen, living room, outdoors, and more.
