The Leather Chesterfield Is More Than a Sofa
The leather chesterfield is more than a sofa--it's a living connection to the past. This timeless style is characterized by luxurious leather, a deep button-tufting and rolled arms that are of equal height to the backrest.
Leather develops a beautiful patina with time, and its smooth texture is comfortable to sit on. Fabric upholstery is also available, however leather is more durable and simpler to clean.
Origins
The leather chesterfield is a timeless piece of furniture that has become synonymous to elegance and luxury. The style dates back to England in the 1800s, and has since become an integral part of the living rooms. The leather chesterfield suite features a deep-button tufting design, rolling arms, and luxurious upholstery. The sofa is a symbol of elegance and class, and continues to be loved by homeowners and interior designers.
The leather chesterfield's origins are a mystery, but Philip Dormer Stanhope the 4th Earl of York commissioned the first Chesterfield sofa in the 1700s. The Earl was a well-known statesman, diplomat, writer and a trend-setter in his time. The chesterfield suite became popular after he gave his Chesterfield sofa as a present to his godson.
It was at this point that the concept of bespoke leather furniture began to take shape. These furniture pieces were upholstered with the most luxurious materials and were often customized with intricate designs like buttons and quilting. Chesterfield sofas were initially reserved for the rich and elite however, as Britain increased its population, they became an everyday fixture in homes across the world.
One of the most interesting stories that surround the origins of the Chesterfield suite is the story of Sigmund Freud and his love for the sofa. The Austrian psychoanalyst was a firm believer in the idea that people are more open and honest when they feel at ease. He would use a Chesterfield in his consulting room to encourage his patients to relax and let go of their burdens.
Chesterfield sofas began to become more popular in the 19th century, as people from all across the globe began to admire and aspirate towards them. By the 1920's it was regarded as to be a symbol of wealth and luxury and it was common to see gentlemen in top hats and bowlers reclining on their Chesterfield sofas. Chesterfields are still a popular furniture item, and Fleming & Howland customers love the chesterfield. The company believes in the enduring quality of the chesterfield and provides its clients custom-designed settees made of the finest materials.
Styles
The tufted leather Chesterfield sofa is more than a sofa. It's a style chameleon and a piece from history. The Chesterfield can be used to give a touch of classy elegance to any living space, whether it's contemporary, traditional, or eclectic. From its aristocratic roots to the present the Chesterfield has remained in popularity and proves that style is never out of style.
The story of the regal Chesterfield began in the late 17th century when Philip Stanhope - the fourth Earl of Chesterfield was given a commission to design furniture that would later become the ancestor to the iconic design. A well-known politician and a trend setter, Lord Stanhope wished to adorn his home with pieces that reflected wealth and status, and the tufted Chesterfield did just that. Chesterfield chairs, initially made of leather buttons and horsehair, were more functional than they were comfortable. In the 19th century, deep-set buttons and suspensions with coiled springs were introduced to increase comfort. Chesterfields started to appear in the lavish parlors and libraries of the nobility throughout Europe and North America.
A standard sofa can come in any size or shape however the term "Chesterfield" refers to a Chesterfield is a specific type of sofa distinguished by its buttoned or quilted upholstery, rolled arms with equal arm and back height. This unique appearance makes it an ideal addition to formal settings.
Chesterfields are available in a wide range of finishes and materials and they can have various designs and accents - from the traditional to the contemporary. Some Chesterfields come with bun feet or short legs. best chesterfield sofa feature contrasting front panels on the arms. Chesterfields can also be upholstered in linen, velvet or other fabrics to create an updated look.
As the British Empire was expanding, new values, styles and customs were introduced along. The Chesterfield was not an exception. It quickly became a symbol for the gentlemanly pride that was prevalent in that time. In contrast to most furniture, a hand-crafted Chesterfield will never go out of style; it simply changes with the times. From chic, modern interiors to extravagant, traditional spaces, a custom Chesterfield is a piece that will last for generations.
Materials
When you are evaluating the quality of a Chesterfield, the materials employed will have a significant effect on its quality. This is particularly true when it comes the upholstery. A substandard material can compromise the comfort and durability.
Another area that must be examined carefully is the frame. Frames that aren't constructed properly will be less stable and become more fragile as time passes. This is usually due to the absence of dowelled joints as well as an over-sizing of the timber thickness. Chipboard rails and chipboard panels are commonly used in less expensive frames, but they will lose their shape rapidly.
If you decide to go with leather, look out for genuine hide rather than split hide or imitation material. Make sure that the leather isn't too soiled or old-fashioned because this could reduce the life span of your sofa.
A high-quality Chesterfield will have studs that are hand-tacked. This process is more time-consuming however it will ensure that each stud is securely tacked to the furniture. Strip studding is commonly used on sofas with lower quality that have only one stud out of several is hammered into the frame. The studded areas between are left "floating" on the surface, making them susceptible to wear.
Another common upholstery option for Chesterfields is wool. It is known for its capacity to hold colour and can be dyed to fit any style of interior. It's also extremely durable, and has the ability to repel moisture. This makes it ideal for areas that are prone to humid or damp weather.
Other fabrics that work well for Chesterfields include velvet and corduroy. Velvet also has the benefit of being a non-allergenic fabric which makes it ideal for anyone who is sensitive to traditional materials like leather. Corduroy has a luxurious look and feel, which makes it perfect for any living space.
Comfort
The Chesterfield sofa's structured shape can make it uncomfortable to sit on. The Chesterfield style of sofa is characterized by its tufted, upright look, rather than the cushioning for the seat. This makes it difficult to contour to your body. However there are several ways to ensure you are comfortable when sitting on this sought-after sofa.
The frame and suspension system are key to a comfortable chesterfield. High-quality, authentic chesterfields are made using sturdy hardwood frames and expertly upholstered with top upholstery leathers and fabrics. Horsehair was traditionally used as a filling in these sofas to provide cushioning and support structure. Foam fillings are still used. Internal suspension systems are built to last by the use of durable, high-quality spring coils as well as a durable webbed base.
Traditional leather chesterfields feature bun-footed or twisted wood feet that lift the sofa off the floor. This enhances the overall elegance of the sofa, while also providing an important benefit - the ability to vacuum underneath the sofa without causing damage to the base or carpeting.
Modern Chesterfields have been a long-time popular choice for designers and architects, combining aristocratic history with an edgy and flexible style. They are found in everything from chic libraries to chic lofts, and are a perfect match for both traditional and contemporary decor.
When choosing a type of leather, think about the finish and how it will deteriorate. Vintage hand-distressed leather is a soft, waxy feel that will naturally develop highlights and character as time passes. This adds to its appeal and lets it tell its own story.
best chesterfield couches to match a Chesterfield couch with furniture that has distinct style, like modern pieces from the mid-century or a luxurious carpet. This will help balance the formality of the sofa and provide some contrast to a room which makes it more comfortable for sitting in everyday. You can also utilize throw pillows to add the appearance of color and texture, while in balancing the overall style of your living space.