The Leather Chesterfield Is More Than a Sofa
The Chesterfield leather sofa is more than just a sofa. It's a living link to the past. This timeless style features luxury leather, a deep button-tufting and rolled arms that are equal in height to the backrest.
Leather develops a beautiful patina over time, and its soft texture is comfortable to sit on. Fabric upholstery is also available however leather upholstery is more durable and easy to clean.
Origins
The leather chesterfield is a timeless furniture piece that has become synonymous to elegance and luxury. best chesterfield sofa uk to England in the 1800s and has become a part of many living room. The chesterfield leather sofa has deep-buttoned tufting, rolled armrests and premium upholstery. The sofa has become an emblem of status and elegance and continues to be a favorite among homeowners and interior designers.
The origins of the chesterfield sofa made of leather are a mystery but Philip Dormer Stanhope the 4th Earl of York commissioned the first Chesterfield sofa in the late 1700s. The Earl was a well-known writer diplomat, statesman, and diplomat and was known as a trendsetter in his time. When he gifted his Chesterfield sofa to his godson, word got out and the chesterfield suite was very well-known.
At the same time the idea of bespoke furniture made of leather was beginning to take shape. These pieces were upholstered in the finest materials, and often custom-made with intricate designs like buttons and quilting. They were reserved for the wealthy and elite however, as Britain expanded and influenced culture abroad, the Chesterfield sofa became a common item in homes across the globe.
One of the most fascinating stories that surround the origins of the Chesterfield suite is the tale of Sigmund Freud and his love for the sofa. The Austrian psychoanalyst was a firm believer in the notion that people are more honest and open when they feel at ease. He would set up a Chesterfield in the consulting room of his office to help his clients to unwind and relax.
The popularity of the Chesterfield sofa grew throughout the 19th century, as people from all over the world began to admire and aspire to it. In the 1920s, chesterfields were a symbol of luxury and wealth. It was not unusual to see gentlemen sporting top hats and bowlers sitting on their sofas. Today, the Chesterfield is still a classic piece of luxury furniture that is adored by many clients, including those at Fleming & Howland. The company is convinced of the durability of the chesterfield and provides its customers bespoke settees designed from the finest materials.
Styles
The tufted leather Chesterfield sofa is more than a sofa. It's an art deco chameleon, and an artifact from the past. The Chesterfield is a great option to add elegance to any room whether contemporary, traditional or eclectic. Chesterfields have remained popular from its aristocratic roots to the present day, and they are a proof of the timeless style that is never out of fashion.
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 wanted to embellish his home with furniture that reflected wealth and status, and the tufted Chesterfield was just that. Chesterfield chairs, initially covered in horsehair and leather were more practical than they were comfortable. By the 19th century deep-set buttons and coiled springs suspension were added to improve comfort. Chesterfields started to appear in the posh palaces and libraries of the nobility throughout Europe and North America.
A regular sofa is available in any size or design, but a Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its buttoned or quilted upholstery, rolled armrests, and the same heights for the back and arms. The distinctive appearance makes it a great addition to formal settings.
Today, Chesterfields can be crafted in any finish or material and can come with a variety of styles and accents, from traditional to contemporary. Some Chesterfields feature bun feet or short legs. Some also have contrast front panels on the arms. Chesterfields are also available in other fabrics like velvet, linen and other fabrics to give them a modern look.
As the British Empire was expanding, new styles, values and customs were introduced along. The Chesterfield was no exception. It quickly became a symbol of the gentlemanly pride that was prevalent in that period. In contrast to most furniture, a hand-crafted Chesterfield isn't out of fashion; it simply evolves with times. A bespoke Chesterfield can be found in a variety of interiors, from sleek, modern spaces to lavish, traditional ones.
Materials
The materials used in a Chesterfield will have a significant impact on its quality. This is especially applicable to upholstery. A substandard fabric can affect the comfort and durability.
The frame is another aspect which needs to be scrutinized carefully. Frames that are not well-constructed are less robust and will suffer from a loss in stability over time. This is due to a lack dowelled joinery as well as a decrease in thickness of timber. Chipboard panels and rails are frequently used in cheaper frames, but they lose their shape rapidly.
If you decide to go with leather, be sure that it is genuine and not split hide or imitation. Be sure to ensure that the leather is not too soiled or old-fashioned, as this can reduce the life span of your sofa.
A high-quality Chesterfield will have hand-tacked studs. This is a longer process but it will guarantee that every stud is securely tacked into the furniture and will not break off over the course of time. Cheaper sofas will often use strip studding, in which only one in a few studs is hammered into frame. The studs are left between 'floating' on the furniture's surface, which can be vulnerable to wear and wear and tear.
Wool is another popular upholstery material for Chesterfields. This fabric is famous for its colour holding capabilities and is dyeable to match any style of interior. It is also extremely durable and has the ability to naturally repel moisture. This makes it perfect for areas that are susceptible to damp or humid weather.
Velvet and corduroy are suitable fabrics for Chesterfields. Velvet comes with the added benefit of being a hypoallergenic fabric which makes it ideal for people who are sensitive to traditional materials like leather. Corduroy is also incredibly comfortable and offers a luxurious feel which is ideal for any living room.
Comfort
The Chesterfield sofa's shape and structure can make it uncomfortable to lie on. The Chesterfield style of sofa is characterized by its tufted, upright design, rather than the seat cushioning. This can make it difficult to shape your body. However there are several ways to increase comfort while sitting on this popular sofa.
The key to a comfortable chesterfield is in the design of the frame and suspension system. Authentic, high-quality Chesterfields are handcrafted using a durable hardwood frame and expertly upholstered with high-end upholstery leathers and fabrics. Horsehair was historically used as a filler for these sofas to provide cushioning and support structure. Today foam fillings are widely used. Internal suspension systems are also made to last with the use of high-quality, durable spring coils and a durable webbed base.
Traditional leather chesterfields have bun-footed or turned wood feet that lift the sofa off the floor. This adds to the overall elegant look of the sofa, while also providing an important benefit - the ability to vacuum under the sofa without causing damage to the carpet or base.
Modern Chesterfields have been a favorite of designers and architects, combining aristocratic history with adaptable elegance. They can be found in everything from elegant libraries to chic lofts and are the perfect complement to both traditional and contemporary decor.
When selecting a leather, consider the finish and the way it will age. Vintage hand-distressed leather is an incredibly soft, waxy texture that naturally develops highlights and character with time. This adds charm and allows it tell its own story.
It is important to pair a Chesterfield sofa with furniture with a different style, like sleek pieces from the mid-century, or a plush carpet. This can help balance out the formality of a sofa and add some interest to the space which makes it more comfortable for everyday use. You can also utilize throw pillows to add color and texture, further in balancing the overall style of your room.