If someone says Chesterfield Sofa, you conjure up images of splendour, finery and wealthy upper classes from years gone by. You can almost see the impeccably dressed gentleman taking refuge in his study on his Chesterfield, sipping brandy and smoking cigars or the beautifully adorned ladies perched on their Chesterfield Suites sipping tea. Still to this day, its popularity continues with many due to its timeless, classic design which exuberates luxury and style.
The Chesterfield Sofa is steeped in history but the exact origin of this iconic piece of design is hidden amongst myths and facts and remains elusive to this day.
One well cited theory is that this furniture was named after the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope (1694 – 1773). In his day he was a well-known politician, writer and trendsetter and is credited as the first commissioner of the Chesterfield Sofa. As a man of purportedly good taste, he is alleged to have recruited a local craftsman to produce a sofa which would allow a gentleman to sit upright in the utmost of comfort. How true this story is, is open to debate but is a charming tale nonetheless.
The Canadians would lead us to believe that the term Chesterfield is theirs by origin and is the name given to a couch or sofa by their forefathers. Others believe the Chesterfield was originally manufactured in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, hence the adoption of the name.
We may not have all the answers regarding the history of this beautiful piece of furniture but we do know that the Chesterfield Sofa, with its equal height arms and back and characteristic buttoning, is as popular as ever today. If you’re looking for a leather Chesterfield or one upholstered in luxurious velvet, head down to The English Sofa Company or visit our website today and admire our lovingly hand-crafted selection of Chesterfield Suites.
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