2 min read

Tribute: The magnificent Chesterfield

What kind of sofa do you have in your home? Contemporary, mid century, maybe something classic like a Chesterfield? This instantly recognisable sofa has been reinvented over the years but it's a true design icon. It was more curves than J-Lo and comes in a range of colours and fabrics.

What is the story behind the Chesterfield sofa?

While the exact origin is a little ambiguous, many sources credit the Earl of Chesterfield who commissioned a cabinet maker to design an elegant yet masculine piece. The Chesterfield was in demand for most of the early 19th century and became symbolic of British aristocracy and wealth.

This icon of the furniture world is widely thought to have been commissioned by, and consequently named in honor of, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, in the 18th century. Aside from being a much-admired politician and writer, the suave Earl was a known trendsetter.

When the Earl requested a cabinetmaker to construct a piece of furniture that would allow a gentleman to sit upright in the utmost of comfort, thus was the inception of the Chesterfield sofa with its characteristic deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms, equal back and arm height and nail head trim.

There has never been any solid confirmation of this noble beginning. However, this namesake is certainly appropriate.

Sure, the Chesterfield is having a makeover and is moving away from the traditional colours and materials we usually associate it with (dark tan leather mostly).

So I thought, what better way to share my passion for good design, than finding and sharing a collection of living rooms that include this type of sofa. Rich colours and soft fabrics, what more could you ask for to achieve a glamorous look with added comfort.

Racing Green with added stud detail

Green Chesterfield sofa with added studs in front of crisp white walls with decorative moulding, as seen in A Glass of Bovino's living room reveal (and you really need to look at the before!).

Elegant living room with green velvet sofa, leopard-print chair, gold sconces, abstract art, blue vases, and books on a round table.

Image Credit above and below: A Glass of Bovino

Cherry Pink in velvet

This belongs to an extraordinary mews house, in bohemian Notting Hill in London. Stunningly refurbished by interior designer and architectural specialists Fossey Arora. Photo by Domus Nova.

Living room with a red sofa, wooden furniture, and a TV on a brick wall. A colorful rug covers the wooden floor. Bright with natural light.

Traditional dark leather

Clifton Interiors paired a traditional dark leather Chesterfield with mid century lounge chairs and a blue rug from Luke Irwin. See more of this space here.

Cozy living room with a brown leather sofa, teal chairs, and a wooden coffee table. Large windows with trees outside create an airy feel.

Above and below, image credit: Clifton Interiors Ltd - Image by David Parmiter Photography.

Cozy living room with a brown leather sofa, wooden table with books, modern art, plants, and soft lighting. Large windows with shutters.

Blue velvet

Colorful bookshelves line a cozy room with a blue sofa and white coffee table. A chandelier hangs above. Bright, inviting atmosphere.

Photo by Crowell + Co Interiors

The Bagsie from LOAF

This deep buttoned beauty is one of the LOAF.com best sellers and at 241cm it's one of the widest around. It looks super comfy and inviting!

Cozy living room with a mustard sofa, white armchair, glass table, and plants. Neutral tones with a serene, inviting atmosphere.

Bagsie sofa in Honeycomb clever softie

Bright living room with blue and white sofas, yellow pillows, and a coffee table. Shelves with vases, books; window with curtains. Cozy vibe.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024.

When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.