What to look for in a good-quality Chesterfield
The deep-buttoning on a Chesterfield is what gives it the sofa its shape, as well as forming part of its style. The art of deep buttoning is difficult and can only be completed to a professional standard by experienced craftspeople. Each button is precisely positioned, while the downward pressure holds the neat pleats in place. Buttons are firmly secured against the frame to ensure that the iconic effect is held in place for the lifespan of the sofa.
Studs are mainly used in the building of a Chesterfield to add detail to the rolled arms and across the body of the sofa. A good-quality piece will have hand-tacked studs, each of which have been individually driven through the upholstery and into the frame. Through this method, the craftsperson can be sure that every stud will remain securely in place.
What to watch out for in a poor-quality Chesterfield
When it comes to deep buttoning, the main problem with cheap Chesterfields is that they are not sunk deep enough. Where buttons are traditionally secured to the frame, mass produced sofas are often only sunk into the cushioning and attached to the frame around the edges. This can allow movement in the buttons over time as they become detached, creating sags and creases in the material. Eventually, the sunken button effect will disappear completely.
As hand-tacking each stud is a time-consuming and painstaking task, cheaper Chesterfields sofa will often employ strip studding, where only one in every few studs is hammered into the frame. This leaves the studs in between ‘floating’ on the surface, creating a less secure detail that is more susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Investing in a sofa with individually hand-tacked studs rather than strip studs will also allow you to choose from styles with more intricate patterning, which can only be achieved through individual studding.
Here at Sofas by Saxon, we are one of the longest-established sofa manufacturers in the UK, where we have been producing bespoke, hand-built Chesterfields for over 30 years. Over this period of time, our staff have been able to build up an unparalleled level of experience when it comes to putting together a Chesterfield, and it’s also given us an insight on the many corners that can be cut to produce a sofa at a knockdown price.
Because of this, we can safely say that you will struggle to find a Chesterfield sofa of a finer quality than the ones we build in our Lancashire workshop. Every member of our team possesses a fine level of expertise, and has been trained in each area of production. Why not head over to our meet the team page to discover the passionate craftspeople behind our furniture?
In addition to our sofas, we also make Chesterfield chairs, corner sofas, sofa beds, and footstools, which means you can enjoy this timeless style no matter what type of furniture you require.
