Your guide to buying a Chesterfield sofa
Bringing sleek sophistication to any room it inhabits, a Chesterfield sofa is a timeless choice if you’re looking to upgrade your furniture set-up. The trick is knowing which style, size, and colour is best for your home.
Why should I buy a Chesterfield sofa?
Want a living room set-up that exudes effortless elegance? Or perhaps you’re looking for that finishing flourish for your home office that gives a real Mad Men feel?
Well, there’s a reason why the Chesterfield has been one of the most enduringly popular sofa designs over the last few centuries! This iconic silhouette is an always easy way to add a lush and lavish vibe to your home’s décor – regardless of whether you’re aiming for a traditional Chesterfield sofa or a more contemporary style.
What is a Chesterfield sofa?
Before we start listing off different fabrics or comparing dimensions, let’s first bring it back to basics with a quick explanation of what makes a Chesterfield.
No doubt you’ll have seen the design in other living rooms, or squirrelled away in the background of prestige films and TV shows. Maybe you recognise the rolled armrests and the low back; or is it the deep button tufting along the backrest cushions that sticks in your mind?
The distinctive design of Chesterfield sofas has largely remained unchanged since its creation in the 18th century – though there have been some slight variations on the original model. We’re talking velvet Chesterfield chairs, high back Chesterfield sofas for modern living rooms, and Chesterfield sofa beds that marry sophistication and practicality.
Regardless of which contemporary variation catches your eye, it’s all about the rolled armrests and deep button tufting that makes a Chesterfield look so stately!
What are the different types of Chesterfield sofas?
Chesterfield sofa styles typically fall into one of two camps: timeless and traditional or modern and contemporary.
Timeless and traditional is all about the original look that everyone first fell in love with. That includes all the brown Chesterfield sofas with a low back, upholstered in real leather. It’s the style that you’re likely most familiar with and is a classic choice that effortlessly exudes elegance, no matter where you place it in your home.
Modern and contemporary Chesterfield sofa styles, on the other hand, tweak the original design ever so slightly for great effect. For example, instead of a leather Chesterfield sofa, you might see models upholstered in fabric. Or perhaps you’ll come across a corner Chesterfield sofa that bears all the attributes of the classic style, just in an L-shaped silhouette.
What Chesterfield sofa material should I buy?
While leather Chesterfield sofas were the original design, you can now find this furniture clad in many different types of fabric. You can read more about these materials, below:
Leather Chesterfields
If you want the classic look that will never go out of fashion, then a leather Chesterfield sofa could be the best choice for your home. This sleek material adds a certain refinement to your décor that wouldn’t look out of place in a stately home. What’s more, spills and stains can be wiped away with minimal fuss!
Fabric Chesterfields
Fabric Chesterfields are all about comfort. It’s the same iconic design, just with that sink-in satisfaction that helps you relax after a long day on your feet. There are also more colour choices with fabric Chesterfields that make it easier to find the perfect sofa for your current décor.
Velvet Chesterfields
Similar to fabric models, a velvet Chesterfield sofa offers super soft seating that you never want to get up from. The inviting cosiness is perfect for those who want to create a warm and homely setting in their living room, while the colour variations give you plenty of opportunity to further customise the look of your space.
Fabric/leather Chesterfields
Want the sink-in softness of fabric but the effortless elegance of leather? A fabric/leather Chesterfield combines the best of both materials, so you don’t have to choose one or the other. This design certainly makes for a unique centrepiece in your living room!
What Chesterfield size do I need?
Once you’re happy with the style and feel of your Chesterfield sofa, it’s time to start thinking about the dimensions. Namely, what size sofa will fit neatly into your current set-up?
