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.
ViNTAGE FULLY RESTORED BROWN LEATHER TUFTED CHESTERFIELD WINGBACK ARMCHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored vintage Chesterfield tufted Whiskey Brown leather wingback armchair Please not...
Leather, Hardwood
LUXURY EMERALD GREEN VELOUR GOLD EMBELiSHED CHESTERFIELD TUFTED FOOTSTOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite Emerald green Chesterfield tufted large ottoman footstool Please note: The delive...
Upholstery, Wood
Howard & Sons Crescent Chesterfield Sofa c1850
Located in Batley, GB
A low and sleek mid 19th century country house crescent shaped chesterfield sofa by Howard & Sons, London c1850. Raised on 6 walnut legs and the original brass casters. Structurall...
Brass
Nice Small Wide Chesterfield Tan Brown Leather Tufted Sofa with High Back
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very nice tan brown leather Chesterfield sofa This is a very comfortable and good looking sofa, it has a high back so you can rest your whole back i...
Leather
THREE VINTAGE OXBLOOD LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED KITCHEN DINER BAR STOOLs
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of three stunning lightly restored hand dyed oxblood leather, kitchen bar stools Please n...
Leather, Wood
Cowhide leather English chesterfield armchair on wheels
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here this timeless and classic cowhide English chesterfield armchair on wheels, finished with decorative nails. This beautiful cowhide chesterfield armchair is, partly due ...
Cowhide, Leather
Quality Burgundy Red Leather Chesterfield Slipper Armchair
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
An early 20th century burgundy red leather chesterfield slipper chair with deep buttoned back and seat with leather arm supports, with solid mahogany frame. The burgundy red leather ...
Leather
Antique High Flap Chair, Chesterfield Style Made In Brown Leather From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique Chesterfield-style high flap chair is a masterpiece of furniture art from the 1920s. Upholstered in brown studded leather, this chair exudes a ...
Leather, Wood
PAIR OXBLOOD BORDEAUX LEATHER CHESTERFiELD COURT CAPTAINS CHAIRS PART OF SUITE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of rare, hand made in England, lightly restored Bordeaux leather Gentleman's Court Chairs...
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage Brown Leather Tufted Chesterfield Wingback Armchair Original, circa 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
We are proud to have this stunning vintage Chesterfield brown leather choir chair for sale. This chair is a real tour de force, it has absolutely everythin...
Leather
$3,106 / item
Red Leather Barrel Back Chair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Upholstered in rich, top-grain red leather, its elegantly curved barrel back is adorned with deep button tufting, exuding timeless sophistication. Set on turned, tapered, and fluted...
Leather, Wood
Faux Leather Chesterfield club armchair, circa 1930/1950 very good state
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Faux Leather Chesterfield club armchair, circa 1930/1950 very good state
Faux Leather, Wood
Chesterfield Vintage Brown Leather Wingback Georgian Armchair with Horse hair
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Georgian H-framed Chesterfield wingback armchair in brown leather A lovely Armchair, full of vintage charm and character, we ha...
Leather
1 OF 2 GEORGE SMITH EXTRA LARGE CHESTERFiELD BLACK LEATHER TUFTED FOOTSTOOLS
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer 1 of 2 lightly restored very large Black leather Chesterfield buttoned George Smith hearth footstools Please note t...
Leather, Beech
Olive Green Leather Two-Seater Chesterfield Sofa
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant two-seater Chesterfield sofa, crafted with a solid wood frame and deep hand-tufted upholstery using the traditional deep buttoning technique, where buttons are set into the l...
Leather
GEORGE SMITH BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED CAPTAiNS CHAIR
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning brown leather George Smith RRP £7,034 Chesterfield tufted captains office chair P...
Leather, Hardwood
Fitz Chesterfield Sofa by Madheke
Located in Gurugram, IN
Timeless heritage, reimagined. Madheke’s chesterfield silhouette evokes a quiet grandeur—with a deep tufted back, fan trapunto detailing on scroll arms, and brass-finished feet rest...
Brass
VINTAGE TAN BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD TUFTED BARON FOOTSTOOL PART OF SUiTE
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, lightly restored aged tan brown leather Chesterfield tufted footstool which is part of a suit...
Leather
Chippendale Chesterfield Armchair Leather Brown
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Chesterfield leather armchair in brown. Good condition, normal signs of wear due to age. The frame is made of mahogany wood.
Leather
Original Chesterfield Vintage Brown Three Seat Sofa
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer this stunning rare handmade in England brown leather 3-seat, sofa. Where to begin! This sofa is absolute eye candy from every angle, it has the original lea...
Leather
New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50729 Modern Oushak Turkish Rug, 09'03 X 12'06. Experience the harmonious convergence of contemporary elegance, Biophilic Design, and sustainable craftsmanship in our hand-knotted wo...
Wool
Green Vintage English Chesterfield Armchair with Elegant Design and Wood Accents
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This vintage full-grain leather Chesterfield armchair exudes the beloved timeless English class and style. It features an elegant design, a bold green color scheme, and is beautifull...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
$3,000 / set
Vintage Chesterfield Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of large chesterfield lounge chairs in vintage patina leather with exposed nail trim. The chairs are upholstered in leather all the way through to the back, with scrolling arms ...
Leather
FOUR STUNNING VINTAGE OXBLOOD LEATHER HiGH BACK CHESTERFIELD DINING CHAIRS
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of four vintage Chesterfield high back oxblood dining chairs...
Leather, Hardwood
Fitz Chesterfield Sofa by Madheke
Located in Gurugram, IN
Timeless heritage, reimagined. Madheke’s chesterfield silhouette evokes a quiet grandeur—with a deep tufted back, fan trapunto detailing on scroll arms, and brass-finished feet rest...
Metal, Brass
Original Vintage Chesterfield Set Three-Seat Sofa and 2 Armchairs
Located in Berlin, DE
This Chesterfield leather set consists of an elegant 3-seater sofa and two matching armchairs, creating a luxurious and timeless charm. The pieces feature the signature Chesterfield ...
Leather
Set of 2 black Chesterfield armchairs in grained cowhide leather
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this timeless and classic set of spacious black Chesterfield armchairs in characterful grained cowhide leather. These beautiful and timeless black leather Chesterfiel...
Cowhide, Leather
Fitz Chesterfield Sofa by Madheke
Located in Gurugram, IN
Timeless heritage, reimagined. Madheke’s chesterfield silhouette evokes a quiet grandeur—with a deep tufted back, fan trapunto detailing on scroll arms, and brass-finished feet rest...
Brass
Set of 4 cowhide leather Chesterfield dining chairs in light cognac colour
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This wonderful set of 4 Chesterfield chairs exudes luxury and stateliness. These chairs are made of cowhide leather. They are versatile; you can place them at the dining table, but t...
Cowhide, Leather
Six Hand Dyed Brown Leather Thomas Chippendale Chesterfield Tub Club Armchairs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six, fully restored hand, dyed cigar leather English tub or club armchairs with Thomas Chippendale style floating button Chesterfield seat...
Leather, Oak
Our Signature Newcastle Chesterfield Sofa in Hand Dyed Umber Brown Leather
Located in London, GB
Our Newcastle Chesterfield sofa is a very elegant 19thC style of generous proportions that is certain to bring gravitas and elegance to your space. The beautifully splayed arm gives...
Leather
Tetrad Made in England Brown Leather Chesterfield Armchair Part of Full Suite
By Tetrad
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice Chesterfield brown leather armchair made by Tetrad England which is part of a large suite The armchair has been deep cleaned hand...
Leather
Cowhide Leather Chesterfield Dining / Side Chair in English Style
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful and luxurious cowhide leather Chesterfield dining or side chair in classic English style, finished in a light cognac color. This stunning Chesterfield ...
Cowhide, Leather, Wood
Tufted Midcentury Club Chair
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unusual shape arm chair with tufted inside back and sides. Sharp square lines, wood legs and brass nail trim. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer)
Leather
19th Century Carved Walnut Leather Chesterfield Library Stool
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th century carved walnut leather chesterfield library stool. The stool is upholstered in deeply buttoned brown leather hide, it set on hefty ball ...
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Library Captains Chair Restored in Hand Dyed Leathers
Located in London, GB
As a furniture maker and LAPADA dealer we always have an extensive stock of pieces - approximately 250 piece stock level. This is a beautiful piece. Fully restored by ourselves an...
Leather
Nice, elegant green cowhide leather chesterfield armchair combined with wood
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This amazing armchair in a beautiful and luxurious green color is a true find for lovers of chesterfield furniture. It is combined with wood and features an elegant design, giving it...
Cowhide, Wood
Large, luxurious, black square chesterfield cow leather ottoman/coffee table
Located in Harderwijk, NL
A leather footrest, also known as an ottoman, turns your already comfortable armchair into a true relaxation paradise. With your feet resting on this ottoman, you can enjoy your mome...
Cowhide
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
One of a Kind Fully Restored Hardwood Chesterfield Captains Directors Armchair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely one of a kind Chesterfield button Directors armchair upholstered in plush woven linen A very good looking well made and comfortable...
Leather, Hardwood
RESTORED CHESTERFIELD TUFTED HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER LIBRARY RECLINER ARMCHAiR
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, top to bottom restored, hand dyed deep Cigar brown leather reclining armchair Ple...
Leather
Pair of Chesterfield Carved Hardwood & Oxblood Leather Armchairs 2
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer you this stunning pair of Chesterfield carver armchairs in oxblood leather with hand carved frames. The chairs are a lovely find and in original condition throughout, both are buttoned and look glorious from every angle Ideally suited as occasional or luxury office...
Leather
$15,362Sale Price / item|20% Off
Flying Wing Aviator Chair, Hand Dyed Deep Ocean Leather, Solid Brass & Humidor
Located in London, GB
This is a fine exceptional example of our Flying Wing humidor chair. Finished in our hand dyed Deep Ocean leathers and wrapped in solid brass. All complimented by one of our Span...
Brass
PAIR OF CUSTOM MULBERRY LONDON BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD ARMCHAiRS
By Thomas Chippendale, Mulberry
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this one of a kind pair of brand new, super luxurious Mulberry Chesterfield tufted armchairs in hand dyed br...
Leather, Hardwood
Six Vintage Restored Hand Dyed Brown Leather Chesterfield Tufted Dining Chairs
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six fully restored Chesterfield tufted dining chairs These are a very good looking and well made chairs, you have two carve...
Leather, Hardwood