16th March 2015
Chesterfield Sofas are more than just furniture pieces; they are also a timeless piece of history that epitomise British heritage and craftsmanship. The luxurious curved arms and tufted backs of Chesterfield sofas have become synonymous with stately homes, grandeur and sophistication. The legs of a chesterfield sofa are made using carved wood and tend to be wide around the base, tapering sophisticatedly into small, rounded feet. They are typically upholstered using rich leather; although newer variants are often seen draped in snazzy velvets and intricate linen.
There are a number of stories about the origins of Chesterfield sofas and how they were given their name. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word Chesterfield was already widely used in the 1800s to describe a leather sofa. It is believed by many that the Chesterfield sofa was commissioned by the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, Phillip Stanhope, a man that was renowned for his sense of style. Others believe that the Chesterfield sofa was named after the small town in Derbyshire. No stately home or lawyer’s office is complete without a Chesterfield sofa; they truly are a piece of English aristocracy!
Chesterfield sofas have been recreated in a variety of forms over the last 200 years, from tufted Chesterfield leather sofas and armchairs to Chesterfield style bench stools. They have been re-imagined in pretty much every material possible, creating some beautiful and quirky aesthetics along the way. Even with all of these incarnations, Chesterfield sofas have managed to maintain their buttoned up, traditional English style.
Chesterfield’s are a widely recognized style of sofa that can work well with pretty much any type of décor. They are most commonly found in traditional style living rooms that feature classic furnishings and cabinetry. Without the right balance, their prominent tufts and luxurious curved arms can steal attention from the rest of the room.
To create balance, try incorporating some clean lined elements or experimenting with strong artwork and colours. If you have a room with wooden flooring, try combining a Chesterfield sofa with a large classic rug, this will create a look that ouzes character and sophistication. You can also accesssorise your brown leather Chesterfield with boldly coloured pillows, these will work well as an accent colour.
If you plan on placing a leather sofa in a contemporary environment, consider opting for brighter colours such as orange, light blue, or bright red Chesterfield sofa, or bold lighter colours like mid-tone grey, white, crème, or tan leather Chesterfield. If you want to incorporate your Chesterfield in a traditional environment, consider colours such as antique green or antique red.
Buying a sofa can be a difficult task, not only must you consider your budget, but you must also consider the overall décor style of your home. With Chesterfield sofas now available in more colours than ever, finding one that matches the rest of your décor will be the least of your problems. Along with style and size, comfort should be one of the most important factors when choosing a Chesterfield.
Not all Chesterfield sofas are comfortable, so it’s important to choose a brand or manufacturer that uses high-grade foam. The way a Chesterfield is made will have a considerable impact on its overall level of comfort, so be sure to ask the supplier questions about the manufacturing process and the quality of the materials that have been used.
