The Leather Chesterfield Is More Than a Sofa
The leather Chesterfield is much more than a sofa--it's a living connection to the past. This timeless style features luxury leather, deep button-tufting, and rolled arms of equal height to the backrest.
Leather develops a gorgeous patina over time, and its soft texture is comfortable to sit on. Fabric upholstery is also available, however leather is more durable and easy to clean.
Origins
The leather chesterfield suite is a classic piece of furniture that is now synonymous with luxury and class. The style has a long tradition that goes back to the 1800's in England and has become an iconic part of many living spaces. The chesterfield is made of leather and features deep-buttoned tufting, rolled armrests and a premium leather. The sofa has become a symbol of status and elegance and continues to be popular among homeowners and interior designers.
The origins of the leather chesterfield are not clear, but it is believed that Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield was the first to commission the Chesterfield sofa in the late 1700's. The Earl was a well-known author and diplomat, as well as a statesman and was known as a trendsetter in his time. The chesterfield suite was very popular after he gifted his Chesterfield sofa as a present to his godson.
Around this time the idea of bespoke furniture made of leather began to emerge. These furniture pieces were upholstered with the finest materials, and often customized with intricate designs such as buttons and quilting. They were only available to the elite and wealthy However, as Britain expanded and influenced culture around the world, the Chesterfield sofa became a standard in homes around the globe.
The story of Sigmund's love for the sofa is one of the most fascinating stories about the Chesterfield suite. The Austrian psychoanalyst believed that people are more honest and open when they feel relaxed. He would set up an Chesterfield in the consulting room in his office to encourage his clients to unwind and relax.
Chesterfield sofas gained popularity in the 19th century when people from all over the world began to admire and strive towards them. In the 1920s it was seen as a symbol of wealth and luxury, and it was common to see gentlemen in top hats and bowlers reclining on their chesterfield sofas. Chesterfields remain a sought-after furniture item and Fleming & Howland customers love their chesterfields. The company believes in the long-lasting quality of the chesterfield, and offers its customers bespoke settees designed from the finest materials.
Styles
The tufted leather Chesterfield sofa is more than just a sofa. It's an elegant style chameleon as well as a piece of history. The Chesterfield is a fantastic way to add upscale elegance to any room whether contemporary, traditional or eclectic. Chesterfields have been popular since its aristocratic beginnings to the present day, and are a testament to true design that never goes out of style.
The story of the elegant Chesterfield begins in the mid-1700s when Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield was given a commission to design furniture that would later become the basis for the iconic design. A well-known politician and a trend setter, Lord Stanhope wished to decorate his home with pieces that reflected wealth and status, and the tufted Chesterfield was exactly that. The original Chesterfield was upholstered in horsehair and featuring tough, leather buttoning the first Chesterfield chairs were more practical than comfortable. However in the 19th century, deep-set buttoning and coiled spring suspensions were added to increase comfort, and Chesterfields started appearing in the lavish libraries and parlors of the nobility across Europe and North America.
A standard sofa can be of any size or style however a Chesterfield is a specific kind of sofa distinguished by its quilted or buttoned upholstery, rolled arms and a similar arm and back height. This distinctive design makes it a great option for formal spaces.
Today, Chesterfields can be crafted in any material or finish and can feature a variety of styles and accents from classic to contemporary. They could have legs that are shorter or they could be coupled with bun feet, and some even have contrasting front panels on the arms. Chesterfields are also available in fabrics like linen, velvet, and other fabrics to give them a more modern look.
As the British Empire expanded new styles, values, and customs were introduced along. The Chesterfield was no exception. It quickly became a symbol of the gentlemanly pride of that time. Unlike most furniture, a handmade Chesterfield isn't out of style, it simply changes with the times. A bespoke Chesterfield can be used in various interiors, from chic contemporary spaces to lavish, traditional ones.
Materials
The materials used in the construction of a Chesterfield will have a significant impact on the quality. This is especially true when it comes to the upholstery, since a substandard material will compromise the comfort and durability of your sofa.
Another area that should be examined carefully is the frame. Frames that are not well-constructed are less sturdy and suffer from a loss of stability as time passes. This is due to the lack of dowelled joints and a decrease in the thickness of the timber. Frames with lower prices may also employ chip board panels and rails which can quickly lose their shape.
If you choose leather, be sure that it is genuine and not a split hide imitation. Also, make sure that the leather has not been treated with a lot of care and is not aesthetically pleasing because this can affect the durability of your sofa.
A top-quality Chesterfield will have studs that are hand-tacked. This is a longer procedure but it will guarantee that every stud is securely tacked into the furniture and will not break off over the course of time. Strip studding is often employed on couches with a lower price, where only one stud out of several is hammered into the frame. This leaves the studs in between 'floating' on the surface of the furniture which can be vulnerable to wear and tear.
best chesterfield couch uk Sofas & Couches UK for Chesterfields is wool. It is known for its capacity to hold colour and is dyeable to suit any style of interior. It is extremely durable and has the ability to naturally repel moisture. This makes it ideal for areas with humid or humid weather.
Other fabrics that work well for Chesterfields include velvet and corduroy. Velvet is hypoallergenic. This makes it a perfect fabric for those who are sensitive to leather and other traditional materials. Corduroy has a luxurious look and feel, making it perfect for any living area.
Comfort
The Chesterfield sofa's structured shape can make it uncomfortable to sit on. This sofa style prioritizes the upright, tufted look over seat cushioning which may limit its ability to conform to your body. However, there are a few ways to ensure you are comfortable when sitting on this sought-after sofa.
The frame and suspension system are the main components to an upholstered chesterfield that is comfortable. High-quality, authentic Chesterfields are handcrafted using a durable hardwood frame and expertly upholstered with high-end upholstery leathers and fabrics. Historically, horsehair was a popular filling for these sofas, helping to create a supportive structure and cushioning the seat. Foam fillings are still used. Internal suspension systems are made to last with high-quality, robust coils of spring and a sturdy webbed base.
Traditional leather chesterfields are adorned with bun feet or turned wood that help raise the sofa slightly off of the floor. This enhances the overall elegance of the sofa, while offering a practical benefit - you can clean under the sofa without causing damage to the carpet or its base.
Designers have been awed by modern Chesterfields for a long time, as they combine an aristocratic legacy with an edgy and flexible style. They can be found in every type of setting, from elegant libraries to chic urban lofts, and they are a great complement to modern or traditional interiors.
Consider the texture of the leather and how it will age when selecting the right leather. Vintage leather with hand-distressed distress has a waxy, soft texture that develops character and show off over time. This adds to the luster of the leather and lets it tell its own story.
It is important to match the Chesterfield sofa with furniture that has a different style, such as sleek pieces from the mid-century, or a soft carpet. This will help balance the formality of the sofa and add some interest to a space which makes it more comfortable for sitting down on a regular basis. You can also make use of throw pillows to add the appearance of color and texture, while in balancing the overall style of your room.
