Chesterfield: The story of a sofa

In the Victorian era, the Chesterfield was the most popular sofa. Hundreds of years later, it is still recognizable and adorns classic and modern interiors. This noble piece of furniture is an impressive dominant and not only creates a cozy atmosphere in the living room, but also gives it a unique style.

“Enjoy life, enjoy every minute of it – for pleasures last long before life itself” – Philip Stanhope

In the photo: Classic leather sofa Alberta Chester, decorated with capitonné stitching, seat and pouf Alberta Chester. The sofa has removable seats. The frame is made of wood. The legs are made of beech.

Chesterfield is easily recognizable from a thousand others. The most important feature of the sample is continuity and tradition. It is no longer just a piece of furniture, but a piece of history, because its style is more than two hundred years old. Despite its age, it has changed little and retained its basic features:

Diamond alum

To evenly distribute the filling (in the old days it was horsehair), the sofa was quilted, closing the seams with decorative buttons or buttons. This technique is called “carrier binding” or “capiton”. This distinctive feature of the model and the next one remain unchanged.

Armrests and backrest at the same height

This feature makes this model very ergonomic for people of all heights and builds, as the armrests provide good and comfortable back support.

Pictured: a modular sofa upholstered in genuine leather in Revenge col. Black cat. 500 Mantellassi Chesterfield, Asnaghi Chesterfield, modular sofa that folds into a sofa bed.

Sliding armrests

The armrests of the sofa resemble decorative elements of the Ionic capital. This “scroll” also crowns the back, which allows you not to stick the Chesterfield to the wall. The sofa can also be an island, because the back of the model looks equally impressive.

In the photo: Sofas with upholstered back and seat Valdichienti Senjor and Valdichienti Kensington. The upholstery of the sofas is made of genuine leather, with polyurethane padding. The flexibility of the back and seat is ensured by elastic straps attached inside.

Modern interpretations

Initially, the classic Chesterfield was upholstered in leather in natural “earth” tones – the color of clay, sand and evening green. Later, sofas began to be made with fabric upholstery, including colored ones. The shape of the sofa can also be interpreted by designers in different ways. For example, deliberately “plump” armrests:

Photo: Asnaghi Magnum sofa. The frame of the model is made of natural wood. The sofa is perfect for both classic and modern interior design.

Or the Baxter Chester Moon by designer Paola Navone: it is characterised by wide, padded armrests without the famous rounded section. The upholstery is still decorated with decorative quilted stitching. The low height gives a feeling of perfect comfort.

Now you can even find corner models of Chesterfield sofas, ideal for a large living room:

In modern models, armrests and backrests are given more original shapes. The classic quilted seat base is often replaced with stylish removable cushions.

In the photo: Epoque Majestic. The structure is made of wood, the seat can be supported by elastic straps or coil springs. The sofa is filled with polyurethane foam and polyester fiber of various densities.

Chesterfield looks great in any setting. It is surprisingly good in combination with fur or wood and other furniture styles.

A Chesterfield sofa can look organic, for example, in a colonial interior. Wooden or wicker furniture, chests, leather, maps, rough rugs, animal figures, natural textures and other decor will make it an excellent companion.

Pictured: Smania Opium leather sofa with two side supports.

The Chesterfield sofa is a perfect choice for a simple study or a traditional library. The dark leather chesterfield sofa matches well with wood panelling, solid furniture, leather and metal accessories.

In the photo: A strict and bold sofa with an extended back and D513 armrests by Francesco Molon Chester. The particular shape of this sofa allows the person sitting to hide from prying eyes. The buttons used for the quilted texture of the back and base are decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Chesterfield can emphasize the tradition of the interior, but is increasingly found in modern design.

The color of the sofa significantly affects the emotional perception of the interior. Light colors add elegance to the room, bright colors – expressiveness and passion, dark colors can symbolize conservatism.

In the photo: snow-white Valmori Dublino sofa with a solid spruce frame. The straps are made of crossed elastic straps.

The Chester sofa can change its character depending on the interior context. Covered in dark leather and placed in a study or library, it will be perceived as simple and “masculine.” But if you place it in a bright living room and add decorative pillows, it will lose its wildness.

Pictured: The stylish Giorgio Collection Daydream two-seater sofa combined with embossed lizard leather and velvet. Two side facades in Macassar ebony veneer with a satin finish. The chrome-plated legs are made of stainless steel.

The legendary model can also change its character due to its decoration. Sofas are given a sophisticated look with brass or silver plating, indescribable charm – worn leather and home comfort – soft cushions in contrasting colors.

In the photo: Baxter Diana Chester elegant sofa on a natural wood frame.

In the catalogue iB Gallery you can find “gold” and “silver” chests – such variations will ideally fit into a modern, glamorous interior.

The Chester eventually evolved into a chair of a similar shape that is no less popular. It could be the perfect complement to the legendary model.

Photo: Shiny DV Home Shine sofa and upholstered armchair. The wooden legs are varnished or decorated with precious metal foil according to the customer's preference.

Chesterfield leather sofas are a very profitable purchase, because over time, such furniture, covered with an antique touch, begins to look even more respectable. Chester is the embodiment of dignity and power, and the aristocratic name is forever associated with the elegance of high society.