Kelly Weimert is a writer, editor, and interior design expert with 10 years of experience writing about design and home decor. She's written for interior design publications such as MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, and Hunker. When she's not writing or editing, she's probably busy obsessing over how to beautify her home.
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There’s nothing quite like a classic Chesterfield sofa. These timeless pieces, complete with deep button tufting and plush seat cushions, are an easy way to add elegance and sophistication to your living room design. And today’s Chesterfield sofas come in a wide range of sizes and hues, from comfy Chesterfield loveseats rocking playful colors to more traditional Chesterfield sofas featuring deep hues and a classic Victorian design.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about this timeless piece of furniture so you can find the perfect piece for your unique household and design sensibility.
What is a Chesterfield Sofa?
With origins dating back to the 18th Century, Chesterfield sofas have a long history of elevating living room furniture aesthetics throughout the world. Equal parts classic and visually compelling, “Chesterfield sofas are distinctly recognizable, with rolled high arms that are equal in height to the backrest,” describes Lewis.
A type of couch that’s well known for its intricate design elements and deep, rich hues, “Chesterfield sofas have elaborate details, tufted upholstery, and usually come in dark leather,” adds Lewis. However, modern Chesterfield sofas now come in a range of colors and styles that make it easy to add this classic piece of furniture to diverse aesthetics and interior designs.
How to Spot a High-Quality Chesterfield Sofa
Cushion Filling
One of the best ways to find a high-quality Chesterfield style sofa is to pay attention to the filling since that will give you an idea of just how comfortable it is. “The cushion filling should have foam, feathers, and polyester fibers when judging the quality of a Chesterfield,” advises Anderson.
That being said, comfort is subjective, so while one person might prefer a very soft, plush sofa, another might want something more firm and supportive. Consider the living room sofas and sectionals that have been most comfortable for you over the years and let that guide you to finding the right Chesterfield sofa.
Frame, Suspension, and Padding
Durability is another measure of a high-quality piece of furniture. When determining durability, Lewis recommends that you look at the Chesterfield’s frame and suspension system: “A good quality Chesterfield sofa will have a strong frame as well as a suspension system that will withstand rigorous day-to-day use without collapsing.”
“Padding over the frame, along with varied foam densities for a softer feel,” is another indicator of a top-tier Chesterfield, according to Anderson. If you’re looking for the highest-quality, seek out brands with handmade frames, ideally from regions like North Carolina that are known for furniture making.
Upholstery Material
Upholstery can play a major role in how long your new Chesterfield sofa will last. “While the look of your sofa is very important, it’s also vital that the material used is comfortable to sit on and would last for a very long time,” recommends Lewis.
If you opt for a leather Chesterfield sofa, odds are it’ll last a long time, which might be why so many Chesterfield sofas rock the classic upholstery material. But leather isn’t the only option.
“Although leather is the classic choice for a Chesterfield sofa, over the years, it has evolved into different upholstery materials and different colors too,” says Lewis. “You could opt for a sofa in a fabric like wool or linen,” but in the end, “You should choose the style that will fit your house and express your own taste and personality.”
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Top Picks: 10 of the Best Chesterfield Sofas for Every Budget
1. Ms. Chesterfield
Brand: Interior Define Price: $1,695
This stunner from Interior Define (pictured above in Narwhal Mod Velvet) offers a modern twist on a classic Chesterfield. The sofa combines traditional tufting with a soft, pared-back silhouette that will make a statement without overwhelming your design.
It also comes in a huge variety of colors and upholstery options, making it a great fit whether you’re in the market for a luxe velvet sofa, or a sofa with performance fabric that can stand up to pets and kids like a pro.
With its tuxedo arms and diamond button tufting, the Eason Sofa is a modern Chesterfield sofa that will enhance any living space it lives in.
Long, gold-finished legs give the sofa design a glam yet airy feel, while a solid wood frame ensures it’s built to last. The faux leather upholstery also comes in two neutral hues—Vintage Gray and Honey Tan—so you’ll have no trouble fitting this piece in with the rest of your home decor.
Add stately style to your living space with this Chesterfield-inspired sofa from Poly & Bark. The Italian tanned genuine leather upholstery comes in four rich hues, like Cognac and Cocoa, which give a nod to classic Chesterfields.
Meanwhile, a sleek, minimal silhouette gives the sofa design a modern, streamlined appearance. You can also pair it with a matching armchair or sectional for a cohesive living room design.
This high-end tufted sofa is a great way to add a touch of classic design to your living room aesthetic. It features an understated silhouette that will slide seamlessly into any modern look, while a buttonless tufted back elevates the piece with sophisticated texture.
The piece is also highly customizable, offering a wide range of upholstery and color options, as well as three different leg finishes. You can even choose the perfect layout for your space as the Sit Tight comes as a sectional sofa, loveseat, chaise, armchair and has a matching ottoman.
If you’re looking for a classic Chesterfield sofa at a budget-friendly price, look no further than this rolled arm beauty from Overstock.
The rich, dark brown leather upholstery is an easy match for many aesthetics, while deep button tufted cushions offer equal parts elegance and airy comfort. It also features three individual seat cushions to provide optimal comfort for everyone on the couch.
This modern take on the Chesterfield-style sofa pairs the deep button tufting of classic Chesterfields with an airy mid-century modern silhouette that will look impossibly elegant in your living space. It also features a comfy, deep-seated design that makes it the perfect companion for TV and movie nights.
The sofa’s Solid Wood with Plywood frame comes with Rubber Wood Legs. And you can choose from leather, velvet or fabric in a variety of chic colors.
This stunning Chesterfield-inspired sofa, complete with button tufts and nailhead trim, is the perfect statement piece. It also features many different customization options.
In addition to choosing from over 20 different upholstery options, you can pick from three leg finishes, two hardware finishes, and three sizes to find the perfect fit for your look. The bottom of the Lyre sits close to the ground but the seat height of 36.0" is perfect for most people.
This rolled-arm Chesterfield sofa is ideal for anyone who loves the traditional Chesterfield look. Button tufts and ornate feet enhance the classic design, while a solid wood frame ensures the sofa will withstand the test of time.
You can choose from two upholstery options—Navy Blue or Smoke Gray—both of which come in a plush velvet material that gives this sofa an extra-luxe look.
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9. Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
Brand: Pottery Barn Price: $2,499+
This is another gorgeous option that retains the look and feel of a truly classic Chesterfield thanks to its rolled arms and deep button tufting. It also comes in nearly endless upholstery colors and fabrics, including many performance fabrics ideal for busy households.
But the true star of this sofa is its secret sleeper capabilities: “It has a classic look of a Chesterfield sofa that can be converted to a bed too,” said Lewis. That means not only can this sofa serve as a great lounging option, but it can work double-duty as a bed for guests.
This sofa features a classic Chesterfield frame and rolled arms paired with modern, simplified tufting that gives it a fresh, updated appearance. Meanwhile, an exposed antique wood base punctuates it with organic warmth.
The upholstery looks and feels like velvet but is made of 100% polyester, so it’s easier to clean than a true velvet sofa. It also has a multiple-cushion seat to ensure everyone on the couch is cozy and comfortable.
Kelly Weimert is a writer, editor, and interior design expert with 10 years of experience writing about design and home decor. She's written for interior design publications such as MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino Magazine, and Hunker. When she's not writing or editing, she's probably busy obsessing over how to beautify her home.
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