Chesterfield Sofas Are Making a Serious Comeback

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When it comes to couches, there are quite a few options, including stylish sectionals, little loveseats, and our personal favorite, Chesterfield sofas. If you don’t know the name, you probably know the look: They come in various sizes and colors, but regardless of the details, any Chesterfield typically features large, rolled arms and deep button tufting. Traditionally, they are upholstered in grained leather, which was an easily accessible material back when the design was most popular. In fact, their rich history is part of what makes these sofas so coveted. “The Chesterfield sofa has a distinctive English design that’s said to have originated during the early 18th century. This sofa has a strong historical significance,” says interior designer Shoshanna Shapiro.

Though there are a few accounts of the Chesterfield’s origins, the most believed one is that of Lord Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, who, in the 1720s, wanted to commission a piece of furniture for his guests to enjoy during lengthy cocktail parties. Allegedly, his only requirement was that the sofa have a low seat and high back for gentlemen to sit without creasing their suits. Mere months later, the Chesterfield sofa was born. “It’s considered a timeless piece of furniture that is often associated with traditional or vintage interior decor styles,” interior designer Melanie Coddington says. While she’s not wrong, there are now quite a few iterations of the classic style. Some feature button tufting only on the seats, and others come in bright colors or fabrics like velvet.

There are no rules when it comes to incorporating a Chesterfield sofa into your living room, so if you’re in the market for a unique piece backed by centuries of history, keep scrolling to shop some of our favorite pieces. Coddington adds, “There’s a sophistication to the Chesterfield sofa that elevates the aesthetic appeal of any room.”

Chatham Sofa

It's not often that a sofa custom-made in the U.S. ships within four weeks, but Serena & Lily has somehow figured it out. Perhaps that's because the Chatham sofa is one of the brand's most popular pieces. Though we love the sky blue velvet pictured here, as it feels highly authentic to Serena & Lily's coastal brand aesthetic, you do have your choice of more than 50 fabrics. Lastly, the carved wooden legs only add to this sofa's luxurious feel.

Ms. Chesterfield Sofa

The Mrs. Chesterfield from Interior Define also comes in a lot of fabric options. And when we say a lot, we really mean it. There are more than 150 fabric choices, so if you're not into this coffee color, there are tons of additional selections that range in both material and color. The myriad fabric options are just one of the many customizations that Interior Define offers. You can also choose the leg style and finish, the sofa size, and the seat depth. All of that aside, what makes this sofa so special is the name: There's nothing about it that feels overly feminine, but calling it the Ms. Chesterfield is Interior Define's way of removing the old-fashioned men's club feel and giving it a more modern vibe.

Jhailen Chesterfield Sofa

This under-$750 couch offers the best of traditional sofas and Chesterfields: It has the tufted details and rolled arms of the latter and the removable smooth cushions of the former. It also comes in five additional colors, including a bright orange, navy, and beige. If you opt for the pink color, though, don't miss the rose gold-hued metal detail on the frame.

Gig Grande Leather Chesterfield Sofa

This is a typical Chesterfield sofa, so if you want the real deal, you can't go wrong with this Leanne Ford-designed find. It's upholstered in super supple leather, features rolled arms that are as tall as the back, and tight button tufting on the back cushion. Something you may not be able to garner from the image is the subtle texture of the leather, which is velvety full-grain that makes it soft-to-the-touch and a bit sun-washed.

Modern Chesterfield Sofa

If you're thinking this one looks very similar to the previous pick, know that that was our intention. The major difference, though, aside from the lack of rolled arms on this one, is the price. While the Crate & Barrel Chesterfield clocks in at $4,299, this one is less than $400, making it one of the more affordable options on the list.

Rochester Sleeper Sofa

This is a more modern take on a traditional Chesterfield sofa. What's more, it's also a sleeper sofa, which is why much of the frame, including the cushions, aren't tufted. To turn it into a queen size bed, remove the two seat cushions, and grab the bar to pull out the spring mattress. If you want something a bit spicier than neutral velvet, opt for any of the additional fabrics, all of which take a bit over a month to make and ship.

Harielson Sofa

No, this is not your typical white sofa. It's finished in that nubby fabric that is pretty responsible for the enormous resurgence of shearling chairs. It's also a fun take on Chesterfields, with the heart-shaped back and included bolster pillows. It is on the lower side of the height spectrum, so if you consider yourself quite tall, this may not be the most comfortable option. That said, if you like to spread out on your couch, the Harielson is a traditional three-seater, so there's plenty of space.

Chesterfield Upholstered Sofa

Like the Leanne Ford piece, this Pottery Barn sofa is another classic Chesterfield that we couldn't leave off the list. It's also not too enormous to fit in a standard-size living room. It can work in a sprawling great room or a studio apartment, which is one of the myriad reasons we love it. Did we mention that there's free white glove delivery? What's not to love?

Lyre Chesterfield Sofa

"I had this sofa—albeit, not in this color—for five years in my previous apartment and I loved it," associate shopping editor Jessica Cherner says. "The seat is removable, which is convenient if you like to thoroughly clean your sofa, but I like it for the look. I appreciate that the sofa isn't just one unit; there are different components." It's also highly comfortable, courtesy of the down and feathers in the seat.

Logan Chesterfield Sleeper Chair

Last, but certainly not least, is another typical Chesterfield with two caveats: it's small and it's a sleeper. Yes, it unfolds to reveal a twin-size metal-frame bed with a high-density memory foam mattress. It's also just as cozy as a bed as it is a loveseat, with foam cushions wrapped in feathers and down. The best part? Score free shipping when you spend $199 with the code 0324199FS.

What to Know About Chesterfield Sofas

Buying a Chesterfield doesn't necessarily require any more thought than any other sofa, but if you're in the market to get this classic, these are the factors to consider.

Size and Shape: Traditionally, the Chesterfield is a three-seat sofa, but these days, you can find this classic couch in various shapes and sizes, including tiny loveseats and sprawling U-shaped sectionals. When it comes to the size and shape, get what works for you and your space. In other words, don't feel pressured to buy the original Chesterfield shape and size for the sake of "preserving history."

Material: Traditional Chesterfield sofas are upholstered in leather, which is more durable than some other fabrics, like velvet and linen. That said, because it's so durable, leather can give your piece a heavier look, so if you want to your space to look a bit lighter, go with a fabric option over leather.

Fill: If you want your Chesterfield to be your new go-to spot for hours-long lounging, you may want to invest in one that has a more luxury fill than just foam or fiber. Instead, opt for a couch with a mix of either foam and fiber or feathers and down.

Does a Chesterfield Sofa Have to Be Leather?

"Leather certainly is a traditional and classic material that was part of the original Chesterfield design as a way to sit upright without wrinkling garments," Shapiro explains. While Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, chose leather specifically to protect his guests' outfits, you can upholster your couch in any material that suits your fancy. Luckily, more than 300 years after the first Chesterfield arrived on the design scene, there are tons of fabric options. Personally, we love the look of a velvet Chesterfield. "Microsuede is a good fabric because the feel and look is similar to suede, but offers more velvety texture, velvet adds a more rich and glamorous feel, and linen boasts a light and airy vibe that may feel more casual," Coddington explains.

Are Leather Tufted Couches Comfortable?

When it comes to a sofa's comfort, the material isn't typically a make-or-break. That said, if you're worrying about the tufting, know that you won't actually feel the buttons because they're so deep in the little crevice. Tufting does make the seat feel a bit less plush, so if you want a sink-in feel, Chesterfields may not be for you. That said, if it's filled with a combination of feathers, down, foam, and fiber, your couch will be a perfect nap spot. Coddington says, "Chesterfield sofas are designed with comfort in mind given their supportive yet plush seating that offer a more relaxed and cozy feel."

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, associate shopping editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped two interior designers for their expertise on Chesterfield sofas, including how to buy them and what to look for. Shoshanna Shapiro is a Washington metropolitan area-based member of the American Society of Interior Designers (otherwise known as ASID). She has run her namesake firm, Sho and Co, for almost six years and has won several accolades since, including HGTV's interior designer of the year in 2022. Like Shapiro, interior designer Melanie Coddington operates her eponymous firm. She's been doing so for nearly two decades. Her full-service firm offers everything from concept to installation, and everything in between.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room