The Leather Chesterfield Is More Than a Sofa
The leather Chesterfield is much more than an actual sofa. It's a living connection to the past. This timeless style is characterized by luxurious leather, deep button-tufting and rolled arms that are of equal height to the backrest.
Leather develops a beautiful patina over time and its smooth texture makes it a comfortable surface to sit on. Fabric upholstery is also available, however leather is more durable and simpler to clean.
Origins
The chesterfield leather is a timeless piece of furniture that has become synonymous with the highest quality and style. The style dates back to England in the 1800s and is now a part of many living rooms. The chesterfield is made of leather and features deep-buttoned tufting, rolled armrests and a premium leather. The sofa has become an emblem of status and class and continues to be popular among homeowners and interior designers.
The origins of the Chesterfield settee made of leather are not entirely clear however it is believed that Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield ordered the first Chesterfield settee in the 1700's. The Earl was a well-known author, diplomat and statesman and was known as an innovator in his time. The chesterfield suite was very popular after he gave his Chesterfield sofa as a gift to his godson.
Around this time, the concept of custom-made furniture made from leather began to appear. These furniture pieces were upholstered with the finest materials, and often adorned with intricate designs such as buttons and quilting. They were only available to the wealthy and elite However, as Britain expanded and influenced the culture of other countries The Chesterfield sofa became a common item 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 believed that people are more open and honest when they are at ease. He would place a Chesterfield in the consulting room in his office to help his clients to relax and unburden.
Chesterfield sofas gained popularity in the 19th century when people from all over the world began to admire and aspire towards them. By the 1920's, it was considered to be a symbol of wealth and luxury, and it was common to see gentlemen in top hats and bowlers lounging on their Chesterfield sofas. Chesterfields are still a popular furniture item and Fleming & Howland customers love them. The company believes that the Chesterfield is a timeless piece of furniture and provides customers custom-designed sofas made of the highest quality materials.
Styles
The tufted leather Chesterfield sofa is more than a sofa. It's a style chameleon and a piece from history. The Chesterfield is a fantastic way to add class to any space regardless of whether it's traditional, modern or eclectic. Chesterfields have remained popular since its aristocratic beginnings to the present, and are a testament to true design that is never out of fashion.
The story of the regal Chesterfield began in the mid-17th century, when Philip Stanhope - the fourth Earl of Chesterfield ordered furniture that would later become the ancestor of the iconic design. Lord Stanhope, a well-known politician, wished to decorate his home with furniture that were a symbol of wealth and status. The tufted Chesterfield was the perfect piece for the Earl of Chesterfield. Chesterfield chairs, originally covered in leather buttons and horsehair, were more functional than they were comfortable. However in the 19th century, deep-set buttoning and coiled spring suspensions were added to improve comfort, and Chesterfields began to appear in the posh libraries and parlors of the aristocratic across Europe and North America.
A regular sofa is available in any size or style, however the Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its quilted or buttoned upholstery, rolled armrests and equal heights for the back and arms. This distinctive design makes it a perfect choice for formal settings.
Today, Chesterfields can be crafted in any finish or material and come with a range of styles and accents from contemporary to traditional. Some Chesterfields have bun feet or short legs. Some also have contrast front panels that are incorporated into the arms. Chesterfields are also available in other fabrics like velvet, linen and other fabrics to give them a more modern look.
As the British Empire increased new values, styles, and customs were introduced. The Chesterfield was the same, and it quickly became a symbol of the era's sense of dignity and pride. Contrary to other furniture, a crafted Chesterfield doesn't go out of style, it simply evolves with the times. A bespoke Chesterfield can be used in many different interiors, ranging from sleek modern spaces to extravagant traditional ones.
Materials
When you are evaluating the quality of a Chesterfield the materials that are used will have a significant impact on the quality of the sofa. This is especially relevant to the upholstery as an inferior material can affect the comfort and durability of your sofa.
The frame is another area which needs to be scrutinized carefully. Frames that are poorly constructed are less sturdy and be affected by a decline in stability over time. This is due to a lack of dowelled joinery and a reduction in the thickness of the timber. Chipboard rails and panels are often used in cheaper frames, but they will become sloppy and lose their shape fast.
If you opt for leather, make sure you choose genuine hide, not split hide or imitation materials. Be sure to ensure that the leather isn't overly treated or dated since this can affect the lifespan of your sofa.
A high-quality Chesterfield will have individual hand-tacked studs. This is a more time-consuming procedure, but it will ensure that each stud is attached to the furniture and will not be able to separate over time. Sofas that are less expensive will typically use strip studding, in which only one of a handful of studs is hammered into the frame. The studs are left between 'floating' on the surface of the furniture which could be susceptible to wear and tear.
Wool is another popular upholstery material for Chesterfields. This fabric is famous for its colour holding capabilities and is dyeable to suit any interior design scheme. It's also extremely robust and has a natural ability to resist moisture. This makes it ideal for areas that experience humid or damp weather.
Other fabrics that are suitable for Chesterfields include corduroy and velvet. Velvet is hypoallergenic, which makes it a perfect fabric for people who are sensitive to leather and other traditional materials. Corduroy is also incredibly comfortable and has a luxurious feel which is ideal for any living space.
Comfort
While the Chesterfield sofa may seem regal and sophisticated, its structured shape can make it uncomfortable to lounge on. The Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its upright, tufted look, rather than the seat cushioning. This makes it difficult to contour to your body. However there are a few ways to increase comfort while sitting on this sought-after sofa.
chesterfield couch to comfortable chesterfields is the design of the frame and suspension system. Authentic, high quality chesterfields have a hardwood frame that is made to last, and are expertly covered with top-quality leathers and upholstery fabrics. Horsehair was traditionally used as a filler in these sofas for cushioning and support structure. Today foam fillings are widely employed. Internal suspension systems are constructed to last by using high-quality, robust coils of spring and a durable webbed basis.
Traditional leather chesterfields feature bun-footed or twisted wood feet that help lift the sofa off the floor. This enhances the overall elegance of the sofa while also offering a practical benefit - you can vacuum underneath the sofa without damaging the carpet or its base.
Modern Chesterfields have long been a popular choice for designers that blend aristocratic tradition with a modern, slick style. They're at home in everything from noble libraries to chic urban lofts and they are a great complement to contemporary or traditional decor.
When selecting a leather, think about the finish and how it will age. 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.
It is important to pair the Chesterfield sofa with furniture that has an alternative style, such as sleek pieces from the mid-century or a plush carpet. This will help balance the formality of the sofa and provide some contrast to a room that makes it more suitable for sitting down on a regular basis. Throw pillows can be used to add texture and color while also balancing your overall style.