What Is a Chesterfield Sofa? (+ Why You Need One, Pronto )

Traditionally, a Chesterfield sofa’s upholstery is dark leather.

Chesterfield sofas are thought to have originated back in the 18th century, when Lord Phillip Stanhope presided as Earl of Chesterfield. As the story goes, the Earl commissioned the first-ever sofa design resembling what we would now call a “Chesterfield” today.

What accounts, then for the widespread demand that would soon follow?

The simple answer – again, according to the story – is that the Earl had at that time already established himself as a trendsetter. In particular, he was well-admired and sought-after for his writings on manners and society, Letters to His Son.

After an instance in which the Earl gifted the sofa to his godson, word traveled, hype grew and a rising demand for what would one day become a classic furniture piece was born.

Continuous comfort: Key features of a Chesterfield include roll arms equal in height to the backrest.

Today, a Chesterfield sofa exudes elegance. It is synonymous with class, and while it feels right at home in a luxurious study or library, it also blends in effortlessly with the modern living room, breathing an air of sophistication wherever it is placed.

The design pictured here is crafted with 100% buffalo hide over a combination of down and foam cushions.

Featuring luxurious leather (and an insanely buttery-soft feel – seriously!)...

...these all-natural leather sofas prove that Chesterfields are in good company.

The best part? Genuine leather upholstery only gets softer and more luxurious with age…

...so, use it to your heart’s content – and indulge your senses for years to come.