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 design features luxurious leather, a deep button-tufting and rolled arms that are of equal 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 is more durable and easier to clean.
Origins
The chesterfield leather sofa is a classic piece of furniture that is now synonymous with luxury and class. chesterfield sofa Sofas & Couches has a rich background that dates back to the 1800's in England and has become an iconic part of a lot of living rooms. The leather chesterfield suite comes with a deep-button tufting, roll-up arms, and high-end upholstery. The sofa is a symbol of class and prestige and is popular with homeowners and interior designers.
The origins of the Chesterfield settee made of leather are not entirely clear, but it is believed that Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield commissioned the first Chesterfield settee in the early 1700's. The Earl was a well-known writer, diplomat and statesman and was considered an innovator in his time. The chesterfield suite became popular after he gave his Chesterfield sofa as a present to his godson.
Around this time the idea of custom-made furniture made from leather was beginning to take shape. The furniture was upholstered in the finest materials, and often customized with intricate designs like buttons and quilting. They were reserved for the wealthy and elite however, as Britain expanded and influenced the culture of other countries the Chesterfield sofa became a standard in homes across the globe.
The story of Sigmund's love for the sofa is one of the most intriguing stories about the Chesterfield suite. The Austrian psychoanalyst was a firm believer in the idea that people are more open and honest when they feel comfortable. He would place the statue of Chesterfield in the consulting room of his office to help his clients to relax and unburden.
The popularity of the Chesterfield sofa grew during the 19th century, as people all over the globe began to admire and even aspire to it. In the 1920s it was regarded as to be a symbol of luxury and wealth and it was common to see gentlemen in top hats and bowlers lounging on their Chesterfield sofas. Today the Chesterfield is an iconic piece of furniture that is adored by a lot of and includes discerning customers at Fleming & Howland. The company believes that the Chesterfield is a classic piece of furniture and offers customers custom-designed sofas that are made from the most durable materials.
Styles
The leather tufted Chesterfield is more than a sofa; it's a symbol, a style chameleon, and a piece of history all in one. The Chesterfield is a great way to add class to any space whether contemporary, traditional or eclectic. Chesterfields have maintained their popularity from its aristocratic roots to the present, and are a testament to the timeless design that never goes out of style.
The story of the majestic Chesterfield began in the mid-1700s, when Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, commissioned furniture that would later become the ancestor of the iconic design. A well-known politician and a trend setter Lord Stanhope desired to adorn his home with furniture that represented wealth and prestige and the tufted Chesterfield did just that. Originally upholstered in horsehair and with tough, leather buttoning the first Chesterfield chairs were more functional than comfortable. However, by the 19th century, deep-set buttoning and coiled spring suspension were added to increase comfort, and Chesterfields began appearing in the luxurious parlors and libraries of nobility across Europe and North America.
A standard sofa can be found in any size or design, but the Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its buttoned or quilted upholstery, rolled armrests and equal heights for the back and arms. This distinct appearance makes it a great choice for formal settings.
Chesterfields are available in a variety of materials and finishes, and can be adorned with various designs and accents - from the traditional to the contemporary. Some Chesterfields come with short legs or bun feet. Others feature contrasting front panels that are incorporated into the arms. Chesterfields are also available in fabrics such as velvet, linen, and other fabrics to give them a modern appearance.
As the British Empire expanded new values, styles and customs were introduced with it. The Chesterfield was the same, and it quickly became an emblem of the time's sense of respect and nobility. A handcrafted Chesterfield is timeless, which is different from other furniture. It changes with the passage of time. A bespoke Chesterfield can be utilized in various interiors, from sleek modern spaces to extravagant, traditional ones.
Materials
When evaluating the value of a Chesterfield the materials used will have a major impact on the quality of the sofa. This is particularly relevant to upholstery. A poor quality material could compromise the comfort and durability.
The frame is another aspect that should be examined carefully. Frames that are not well-constructed are less robust and will be affected by a decline in stability as time passes. This is usually due to a lack of dowelled joints as well as an over-sizing of the timber thickness. Frames with lower prices may also employ rails and chipboard panels, which will quickly lose their shape.
If you decide to go with leather, ensure that you purchase genuine hide, not split hide or imitation materials. Also, make sure that the leather has not been heavily treated and antiquied since this can detract from the durability of your sofa.
A high-quality Chesterfield will use individually hand-tacked studs. This process is more time-consuming however it will ensure that each stud is secured to the furniture. Strip studding is often used on sofas with lower quality, where only one stud out of a few is hammered in the frame. The studded areas between are left "floating" on the surface, making them susceptible to wear.
Another popular option for upholstery for Chesterfields is wool. It is known for its colour holding capabilities and can be dyed to fit any style of interior. It is also very robust and has the natural ability to ward off moisture. This makes it perfect for areas that are prone to humid or damp weather.
Other fabrics that are suitable for Chesterfields include velvet and corduroy. Velvet also has the benefit of being a hypoallergenic material and is therefore ideal for anyone who is sensitive to traditional materials such as leather. Corduroy has a luxurious look and feel, which makes it the perfect choice for any living area.
Comfort
While the Chesterfield sofa may seem regal and sophisticated, its formal silhouette can make it uncomfortable for lounging. The Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its tufted, upright look, rather than the cushioning on the seat. This can make it difficult to shape your body. There are ways to increase your comfort while sitting on this sofa.
The frame and suspension system are key to a comfortable chesterfield. Authentic, high-quality chesterfields are made using a durable hardwood frame and expertly upholstered using high-end upholstery leathers and fabrics. Horsehair was used historically as a filler for these sofas to provide a cushioning and support structure. Foam fillings are still used. Internal suspension systems are constructed to last with high-quality, robust coils of spring and a sturdy webbed base.
Traditional leather chesterfields feature bun feet or turned wood that help raise the sofa slightly off of the floor. This adds to the overall style of the sofa while also giving you a practical advantage: you can vacuum under the sofa without damaging the base or carpet.
Designers have been awed by modern Chesterfields for a long time, since they combine an aristocratic legacy with a modern, slick style. They are found in everything from chic libraries to chic lofts and are a perfect match for both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Take into consideration the quality of the leather and how it will wear when you choose a leather. Vintage leather with hand-distressed distress has a soft, waxy texture that will develop character and shine over time. This adds to its appeal and allows it to tell its own story.
It is important to pair a Chesterfield couch with furniture with a different style, like sleek pieces from the mid-century, or a soft carpet. This can help to balance the formality of the sofa and provide some contrast to a room, making it more livable for sitting down on a regular basis. Throw pillows can be used to add color and texture while balancing your overall aesthetic.