THE HISTORY OF THE CHESTERFIELD SUITE
Traditional and elegant, Chesterfield furniture can be seen all over the world. You’ll find Chesterfield armchairs in libraries and Chesterfield sofa in five-star hotels. You’ll also see leather Chesterfield suites in homes throughout Britain and the world. But where did the Chesterfield suite begin, and why did it become so iconic?
How can you identify a Chesterfield sofa?
Chesterfield furniture is traditionally leather, usually brown leather specifically. The sofas and armchairs have buttoning detail, high arms and low back, for a very rectangular overall look where the back and the arms are aligned at equal height.
Where did Chesterfield furniture start?
Chesterfield furniture has been in existence for more than 300 years. It all started with Lord Philip Stanhope, who was the 4th Earl of Chesterfield. Stanhope commissioned this style of furniture and was widely known as someone that people looked to as a trendsetter.
Though the Chesterfield began its life in the home of an Earl, today it can be found in properties of all shapes and sizes. The Chesterfield continues to look, in every setting, like a very distinguished piece of furniture.
How did the Chesterfield suite become so popular?
During the Victorian era, people became more focused on the comfort that they got from their furniture. Until then, sofas and chairs had been practical but fairly uncomfortable. The buttoning on Chesterfields became more deep-set so that people could lean back on soft horsehair padding rather than hard leather buttons. It was at this point, back in the early 1800s, that the Chesterfield suite found its signature look.
Luxury leather Chesterfield sofas were purchased by the wealthy for their homes. Some also selected velvet fabrics, for a softer and warmer look. Then, they found their way into gentleman’s clubs. In the late 19th and early 20th century, British people moved around the world. Their fashions and styles, including Chesterfield seats, went with them.
By the 1920s, the Chesterfield’s popularity had made it more affordable for all. It entered middle-class homes as well as offices, hotels and bars.
Now, the Chesterfield’s timeless style can still be enjoyed by so many. It still looks luxurious, with its classic design, but has a charm that’s so much more widespread.
Though leather Chesterfield suites are still the most recognisable, modern buyers can choose from a wide range of fabrics to make the Chesterfield suite of their dreams.
What next for the Chesterfield suite?
Chesterfield furniture continues to be as elegant and timeless as ever. These sofas and chairs look equally good in both modern and traditional spaces.
The Chesterfield is versatile and adaptable, still incredibly comfortable and yet surprisingly sturdy. There’s no sign that it will fall out of fashion in the years and decades to come.
The North West of England is a production hub for the Chesterfield suite. In Rossendale, we make leather Chesterfield suites to order, meeting the highest of standards every time. We create bespoke designs, making each and every Chesterfield by hand.
Buyers today can choose the Chesterfield style for their coffee table, tub chair, office chair, chaise lounge or even their sofa bed. To get started, order free leather samples or contact The Handmade Chesterfield Sofa Company.
