What Is a Chesterfield Sofa? (+ Why You Need One, Pronto )

Chesterfield sofas are thought to have originated back in the 18th century, when Lord Phillip Stanhope presided as Earl of Chesterfield. As the story goes, the Earl commissioned the first-ever sofa design resembling what we would now call a “Chesterfield” today.

What accounts, then for the widespread demand that would soon follow?

The simple answer – again, according to the story – is that the Earl had at that time already established himself as a trendsetter. In particular, he was well-admired and sought-after for his writings on manners and society, Letters to His Son.

After an instance in which the Earl gifted the sofa to his godson, word traveled, hype grew and a rising demand for what would one day become a classic furniture piece was born.

...so, use it to your heart’s content – and indulge your senses for years to come.

What to Pair With a Chesterfield Sofa

A Chesterfield is a classic, so wise is the decorator who pairs one with classic decor! Try a Chesterfied sofa before a brown wood coffee table (preferably, a coffee table with claw feet or molded trims to match a traditional aesthetic). You can also pair a Chesterfield sofa with other furniture pieces: try a Chesterfield chair (a shortened form of the sofa) or a club chair.

Best Chesterfield Sofas of 2024