Chesterfield Sofa | History and design of a timeless classic

Chesterfield is the name commonly attributed to a type of sofa that stands out for the use of a particular capitonné workmanship, created between the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century.

The capitonné is a type of padding worked by hand and quilted in such a way as to form cushions arranged in a network of squares or diamonds (rhombuses). The quilted fabric can be held in place by buttons or studs. Originally the capitonné padding was made of capiton, or the waste from the silk processing, from which it takes its name.

Other distinctive features of the Chesterfield sofa are the armrests and the backrest placed at the same height to create an elegant and proportionate figure. The oldest Chesterfield models were also distinguished by the “curly” armrests and the fine leather upholstery, synonymous with the wealth of the bourgeois classes who most often had the finances necessary to purchase it.

The origins of the Chesterfield sofa are uncertain, but are commonly attributed to Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, a British politician and man of letters who lived between 1694 and 1773 who had a great interest in all kinds of art and especially in luxury furnishings. According to this line of thought, it was he who commissioned the first Chesterfield from esteemed English craftsmen, a sofa that was not only beautiful and elegant, but also comfortable and suitable for long conversations. The padding was essential in this sense as it made sitting pleasant and did not excessively crease clothes.

Whatever the true story, the fact is that in the 18th century the words “Chesterfield” and “sofa” coincided, becoming synonymous with each other to identify a type of particularly large and comfortable upholstered furniture that was very popular in the Victorian period among the bourgeois and aristocratic classes. Even today, the common imagination tends to identify the “sofa” type with the Chesterfield, making it a worthy representative of the category.

In more modern times, the Chesterfield sofa has been able to extend its audience, becoming a furnishing object no longer limited to the wealthier classes but capable of reaching the tastes and possibilities of anyone who loves its particular workmanship. The capitonné characterization is unchanged, although over the years some stitching variations have been created that have expanded its aesthetic effect. Equally varied is now the range of compositional possibilities that with the introduction of the modular sofa have added to the most iconic “linear” shape the angular one and with chaise longue.

Finally, it is important to underline how the most modern technologies have allowed us to multiply the types of coverings, combining traditional leather with some variations of more or less precious fabrics.

The fabrics, and in particular velvet, give softness and elegance to the whole, creating an alternative to the leather to which the imagination still associates the most authentic representation of the Chesterfield sofa.

Chester – Poltrona Frau

The Chester sofa by Poltrona Frau presents itself as the true descendant of the original Chesterfield sofa, from which it not only takes on the most well-known features but also the stylistic details. In addition to the capitonné workmanship, distinctive and essential for any upholstered piece that wants to call itself a Chesterfield, Poltrona Frau has maintained the proportions of the seats and backrest, traditionally the same so as to offer the body enveloping support. A precious detail is represented by the workmanship of the armrests that retain the traditional curl that gives body and shape to the whole. The company has chosen to use Frau leather upholstery, a symbol of excellence and quality, which guarantees an impeccable effect in any color.

Chester Moon – Baxter

A sofa that expresses all the characterization of the Chesterfield sofa, revisited in a more modern and conceptual way, without the more vintage style and presented in a more essential guise. The references to the original model are explicit, recognizable in the backrest and armrests placed at the same height and in the capitonné stitching. Chester Moon is a refined and elegant sofa, designed by Paola Navone and cared for in the smallest details, button by button. The precious Baxter leather upholstery helps make this element perfect for any room in the house, from living rooms to bedrooms, without neglecting public spaces where you want to insert a padded piece of great personality. The Chester Moon sofa is available in different colors and sizes to better adapt to any furnishing project; it also includes an armchair to match it with to create compositions of multiple sizes.

Chester Line – Poltrona Frau

Poltrona Frau also creates a variant of the legendary Chesterfield sofa, here intended in a lighter and more informal version, where the geometric rigor is replaced by more contemporary styles obtained through subtraction: the capitonné is in fact preserved in the backrest but disappears on the base. The feet are reduced to leave room for the beauty of the seat; in the two-seater sofa the cushion becomes unique and more welcoming. Some elements of the Chester Line were created with a modular perspective, that is, designed to be assembled according to taste and need, an alternative that decisively breaks with the past and gives space to infinite configurations where external elements such as tables and lamps can also be inserted. Overall, the Chester Line is perfect for combining vintage and modern in a more contemporary solution, ideal for those who appreciate the Chesterfield style but want to buy it in a more spendable and modern version.

Bohemian – Moroso

Bohemian represents a freer and more extemporaneous version of the more classic Chesterfield sofa. The traditional capitonné stitching of the vintage model is here reinterpreted in a revolutionary way by Patricia Urquiola who creates a softer and freer shape for the armrest and backrest, similar to the corolla of a flower about to open. The effect obtained reflects the stylistic features of the original model as the parts are at the same height, but create a completely new and original effect. The Bohemian sofa seems to wear a shawl on its shoulders that covers it and characterizes it, giving it a completely new shape and character. Finally. Moroso presents it in different colors and finishes including leather and fabric.

Norton Capitonné – Meridiani

Norton Capitonné is a sofa that pays homage to the traditional Chesterfield sofa, from which it takes its capitonné workmanship present on the seat, armrests and backrest. The classic references stop there, however, as Norton does not reflect the original proportions but revisits them in a more modern and captivating way, also adding precious cushions and an optional pouf, perfect for creating multi-dimensional compositions. The finish used can be leather or fabric to adapt to the needs of any environment.

Chesterfield Lounge – De Padova

De Padova revisits a vintage classic, the iconic Chesterfield sofa, dressing it in a more modern and contemporary way. The shape of the most famous of living room sofas is here reprised by identifying the proportions of the armrests and backrest, the wooden feet and the unmistakable curl of the seat. The capitonné quilting is a must, a distinctive element that has survived over the years without ever losing its charm. The whole therefore re-presents known canons and styles, but adds a touch of new, modern, reprised not only by the finishes used but also by some stylistic devices that make the difference.

Cloud – Rugiano

A tribute to the most classic of sofas, the famous Chesterfield sofa whose appearance marked an era, becoming a true stereotype of high-end upholstery. Cloud is a Rugiano sofa where the capitonné stitching stands out, a workmanship that is repeated not only in the armrests and backrest, but also throughout the structure, creating a totalizing effect. The appearance is solid and linear, although the armrests have a slight tendency downwards to lighten the whole and create a break with tradition. Cloud presents numerous color variations and finishes as well as some additions of extremely useful accessories such as a capitonné pouf whose presence makes the seating experience comfortable and enveloping.

RH – 306 De Sede

De Sede has created a contemporary alternative to the more classic Chesterfield sofa model, outlining a padded piece with square but well-balanced shapes that combines simplicity with the refinement typical of the original model. Designed by Robert Haussmann, RH-306 is perfect for luxury living spaces and is even better suited to more formal situations such as waiting rooms, reception areas or offices where you want to insert a distinctive element. From the original Chesterfield, De Sede has taken the capitonné workmanship of the armrests and backrest, rigorously aligned to create a compact appearance. The company offers this model in numerous variations of size, color and finish, to better create harmony in different environments.

Milton – Longhi

A tribute to the traditional Chesterfield model that inspired an era. Longhi creates Milton, a padded piece that combines different styles and features armrests and backrests that stand out for their precious capitonné workmanship. The single-piece seat is generous and smooth, intentionally free of embellishments to better highlight the upper part. Milton’s proportions mirror those of its progenitor but add a touch of modernity. Longhi presents this sofa in numerous color variations and finishes, reflecting both the traditional leather upholstery but also adding fabric, practical to manage and equally durable. Milton’s shapes are soft and rounded to match the most contemporary taste in furnishing the living space.

As can be seen, the Chesterfield sofa is still very successful, attracting the attention of many enthusiasts for its solid and immutable character. Stitching and proportions are still a guarantee of excellence, an element that does not fear the passage of time but that remains intact despite today’s fashions and trends.