Chesterfield sofa

Chesterfield sofa

Chesterfield sofa-What is it?

We love Chesterfield sofas at Wedding Furniture.  Because of the industries that we specialize in, we have found that it is a staple piece of furniture that always adds a touch of class and quintessentially British style to almost anywhere!

From pubs, bars, and restaurants to hotels, museums, and reception areas, the Chesterfield sofa is instantly recognizable and oozes class.

Chesterfield sofa

Characteristics of a Chesterfield sofa

Common characteristics that make a Chesterfield sofa different from other sofas include:

  • It is usually only made from leather or velvet
  • The seat is slightly lower than most other sofas
  • The arms are rolled
  • The height of the back and arms are the same
  • The material is buttoned, which makes it tight and firm

How the Chesterfield got its name

You’d think that we would know this answer as furniture specialists, but we don’t – no one alive today does, not for sure anyway.  However, we’ve done our research and the best (and most pleasing) explanation we can find has something to do with the 4th Earl of Chesterfield.  Don’t take our word for it, but the story goes something like this:

Lord Phillip Stanhope was the 4th Earl of Chesterfield from 1694 to 1773.  A popular chap, it’s well documented that Lord Stanhope was an admirable politician who also wrote and enjoyed being a trendsetter, both in fashion and in furniture.  As such, apparently, Lord Stanhope commissioned a sofa to be created which would allow him and other noble gentlemen at the time, to sit comfortably but in such a way that would prevent his clothing from becoming creased or wrinkled.  With its equal arm and back height, low seat height, and rolled arms, the Chesterfield sofa was born!

Another story (which is a little droller than the one above) describes Lord Stanhope’s last muttered words as “Give Mr. Dayrolls a chair”.  These words were supposedly uttered to his servant, about his friend Mr. Dayrolls who was there at the time.

We’ve no idea whether this meant that Mr. Dayrolls then took a specially made piece of furniture from the Earl’s collection and named it a Chesterfield chair/sofa or if the Earl actually meant for his friend to just sit down.

Where can I buy a Chesterfield sofa?

You can buy the highest quality Chesterfield sofas from Wedding Furniture for market-leading prices.  We have both two-seater and three-seater chesterfield sofa options, both featuring strong hardwood frames and finished in a classic Chesterfield sofa brown. If you’d like to give your establishment an extra touch of elegance, why not order today?

Related article: Everything you need to know before buying bar stools
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