The Leather Chesterfield Is More Than a Sofa
The Chesterfield's leather upholstery is more than a sofa. It's a connection to the past. With its luxurious leather, deep button tufting and rolled arms equal in height to the backrest, this style is timeless.
Leather develops a beautiful patina over time and its smooth texture makes it a comfortable surface to sit on. Fabric upholstery is available, but leather upholstery is more durable and easy to clean.
Origins
The chesterfield leather suite is a classic piece of furniture that is now synonymous with luxury and elegance. The design has a rich background that dates back to the 1800's in England and has become a recognizable part of many living spaces. The leather chesterfield sofa comes with a deep-button tufting design, rolling arms, and luxurious upholstery. The sofa has become an emblem of status and elegance and is still popular with homeowners and interior designers.
The origins of the chesterfield sofa made of leather are a mystery but Philip Dormer Stanhope the 4th Earl commissioned the first Chesterfield sofa in the 1700s. The Earl was a renowned statesman, diplomat, writer and a fashion-setter of his day. When he presented his Chesterfield sofa to his godson, word spread and the chesterfield suite became very popular.
It was at this point that the idea of bespoke leather furniture started to take shape. 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 abroad, the Chesterfield sofa became a standard in homes around the world.
The story of Sigmund's love for the sofa is among the most fascinating stories about the Chesterfield suite. The Austrian psychoanalyst was a firm believer in the concept that people are more open and honest when they feel at ease. He would put a 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 aspirate towards them. In the 1920s, chesterfields were the symbol of luxury and wealth. It was not unusual to see gentlemen sporting top hats and bowlers sitting on their sofas. Chesterfields are still a popular furniture piece, and Fleming & Howland customers love the chesterfield. The company believes that the Chesterfield is a classic piece of furniture and provides customers custom-designed sofas that are made from the finest materials.
Styles
The Chesterfield is a tufted leather Chesterfield is more than just a sofa, it's an icon and a style chameleon and a piece of history all in one. The Chesterfield is a great way to add upscale elegance to any room, whether it be traditional, modern or even eclectic. From its aristocratic roots to the present day the Chesterfield has remained in popularity and is a proof that fashion never goes out of style.
The story of the regal Chesterfield begins in the mid-1700s, when Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield ordered furniture that would become the ancestor of the famous 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 horsehair and leather buttons, were more functional than they were comfortable. However, by the 19th century, deep-set buttoning and coiled spring suspensions were added to increase comfort and Chesterfields began to appear in the posh libraries and parlors of the nobility across Europe and North America.
A regular sofa is available in any size or style, but the Chesterfield sofa is distinguished by its quilted or buttoned upholstery, rolled armrests, and the same heights for the back and arms. The distinctive appearance makes it a perfect option for formal settings.
Today, Chesterfields can be crafted in any material or finish and can come with a variety of styles and accents from classic to contemporary. Some Chesterfields feature bun feet or short legs. Some have contrasting front panels in the arms. Chesterfields can also be upholstered with linen, velvet, or other fabrics for an updated look.
As the British Empire increased its influence, new styles, values and traditions were brought along. The Chesterfield was no exception. It quickly became a symbol for the gentlemanly pride that was prevalent in that era. Unlike most furniture, a crafted Chesterfield will never go out of style; it simply changes with the times. A bespoke Chesterfield can be found in many different interiors, ranging from sleek, modern spaces to lavish, traditional ones.
Materials
The materials used in a Chesterfield will have a major impact on the quality of the sofa. This is especially applicable to the upholstery as an inferior material can affect the comfort and durability of your sofa.
Another area that should be examined carefully is the frame. Poorly made frames are less durable and suffer from a loss in stability over time. This is due to a lack of dowelled joints and a decrease in thickness of timber. Chipboard panels and rails are frequently used in cheaper frames, but they lose their shape quickly.
If you choose leather, make sure it is genuine hide and not a split hide or imitation. Check that the leather isn't too soiled or old-fashioned since this can affect the lifespan of your sofa.
A high-quality Chesterfield will use individually hand-tacked studs. This is a longer process, but will ensure that each stud is securely tacked to the furniture. Sofas that are less expensive will typically use strip studding, in which only one of a handful of studs is hammered into frame. This leaves the studs in between 'floating' on the surface of the furniture, which is susceptible to wear and tear.
Wool is another popular upholstery material for Chesterfields. It is renowned for its ability to hold color and can be dyed in any colour scheme. It is also extremely durable and has the ability to naturally repel moisture. This makes it ideal for areas with humid or humid weather.
Other fabrics that are suitable for Chesterfields include velvet and corduroy. Velvet comes with the added benefit of being a non-allergenic fabric, so it's great for anyone who is sensitive to traditional materials like leather. Corduroy is also extremely comfortable and offers a luxurious feel that is perfect for any living space.
Comfort
While the Chesterfield sofa may seem regal and sophisticated, its formal design can make it uncomfortable to sit on. The Chesterfield style is characterized by its an upright, tufted look over seat cushioning which may limit its ability to conform to your body. However there are several ways to maximize comfort when sitting on this popular sofa.
The frame and suspension system are key to the comfort of a chesterfield. High-quality chesterfields feature a solid wood frame built to last and are expertly covered with premium leathers and upholstery fabrics. The past was when horsehair was the most common filling for these sofas, helping to create a sturdy structure and cushioning the seat. Foam fillings are commonly used today. The internal suspension systems are also made to last by the use of quality, robust spring coils as well as a durable webbed base.
Traditional leather chesterfields feature turned wood or bun feet, which help to elevate the sofa a bit off the floor. This improves the overall look of the sofa while giving you a practical advantage: you can vacuum underneath the sofa without causing damage to the carpet or its base.
Designers have been awed by modern Chesterfields for a long time, since they combine an aristocratic legacy with an edgy and flexible style. They are at home in everything from noble libraries to chic urban lofts and are a perfect complement to contemporary or traditional decor.
When selecting a leather, consider the finish and how it will deteriorate. Vintage hand-distressed leather has a soft, waxy feel that naturally develops highlights and character with time. chesterfield sofa uk adds to the luster of the leather and lets it tell its own story.
It is important to match with a Chesterfield couch with furniture that has an alternative style, such as modern pieces from the mid-century, or a soft carpet. This will help balance the formality of the sofa and provide some interest to a space that makes it more suitable for sitting in everyday. Throw pillows can be used to add color and texture while balancing your overall design.