All you need to know about Chesterfield style sofas

Have you always wanted a Chesterfield style sofa? Here is all you need to know about it: what is its origin, how to match it with the rest of the furniture, how to enhance its characteristics.

We all know Chesterfield style sofa: we see them in elegant hotel rooms, or in the houses of classy people, but maybe we haven’t got one of our own, not being sure about how to combine it the rest of our décor. While the elegance of this model of couch is undeniable, its strong classic look can seem hard to manage and to balance it with other pieces of furniture. But don’t worry: in this article you will find all you need to know, and all of your questions will be answered.

Take a look at more classy living room furniture by Ottiu here.

What is Chesterfield style?

While the precise origins of the Chesterfield sofa are a bit blurry and uncertain, there is no doubt that this icon of design has evolved over the centuries in many different ways, furnishing ancient and modern houses with the same classy allure. According to some, the name derives from the fourth earl of Chesterfield, in the United Kingdom, who was given a sofa of this type in the mid-eighteenth century; others consider that it was a generic term adopted in Canada and America at the turn of the century to describe all the couches. Today, we call by this name a sofa with the characteristic capitonné workmanship, with armrests and backrest usually at the same height. Traditionally made of leather, today these models are available in an assortment of different fabrics, including velvet, tweed and linen, with many colors and patterns to choose among. Until the 18th century, Chesterfield style sofas were crafted by hand with a technique that included hammering and basting, to produce the classic buttoned upholstery. Whether you choose an classic one, or you choose one of the many modern interpretations of this style, Chesterfield sofas are incredibly versatile and can be perfectly adapted to any style of furniture: let us show you how.

How do you like this modern Chesterfield style sofa? Find out more about the design of Latorre, click here.

Buttons all over the place, but not too much

The main characteristic of an elegant home décor is harmony. Create a sense of continuity by introducing other elements in the room that present the same typical capitonné workmanship. A pouf, an armchair, a padded bench, a stool, or some classy dining chair, if your living room has an open plan asset. Be careful not to overdo: a few touches of the Chesterfield style here and there will be enough to create a balanced décor, without having your interiors completely invaded by buttons and upholstery.

Check out more creations by Marac Design, click here.

Bright colors are the way

Make your Chesterfield style sofa the real star of your home décor, by opting for a bright color that will make it shine like the protagonist of the room. Fuchsia, violet or tea leaf are extremely fashionable, especially if combined with the most trendy shades of pink of this season: blooming dahlia, crocus pink or rosé. If you can’t choose which color to go for, you can always choose a patchwork sofa: this bold and eccentric decorating style will make your living room truly unique and special, and the most fun room in the house.

We are living for this patchwork sofa! Do you like it? Look at more eccentric furniture design by Squint Limited here.

Do you wish to know more about the shades of pink trending this year? Take a look at this article, and remember: always think pink!

Make the walls match the sofa

Talking about the harmony and balance of the environment, it can help to make the Chesterfield sofa and the wall behind it match. You could, for instance, paint the wall in the same color, or in a slightly lighter shade. Another option could be to find some sort of artwork to hang behind the sofa, that recalls its tints, or choose a matching fabric for the curtains in the room. Of course, to avoid creating a monotonous décor, it is advisable to choose armchairs with a different tint and style, and the same goes for coffee table, carpet, and the other furniture in the living room.

Discover more about the design of BM Style, click here.

Go for an L-shaped model

Give a modern touch to the Chesterfield style, and choose a fashionable L-shaped sofa: you will create a perfect corner for the social events and the parties you are going to host in your living room. Choose a soft material, to make the conversational corner comfortable and cozy. Reproduce the curves of the couch in other furniture, by selecting, for instance, a round coffee table or pouf and armchairs with sinuous lines.

Click here and enter the furniture world of Saporini design.

Create an industrial-chic vibe

An antique look leather Chesterfield sofa is a great choice for an industrial loft atmosphere. It is very good in wide and open plan spaces, since it will show its refined details from every angle. It would be a wonderful idea to go for a second hand effect: a sofa that was crafted to have a lived-in look, will do beautifully in an industrial-chic environment. Opt for natural floor, maybe a light color parquet, and an old trunk or suitcase to use as a coffee table. And here is another tip: consider an exposed brickwork wall. The Chesterfield sofas become fabulous with an exposed brick wall softening their powerful classic style. Add lots of comfortable accessories, such as cushions and a large rug, and place some modern accessories around the sofa, to put together the most stylish corner of the house.

This sofa is simply... WOW! Don't you think? Look at more furniture by Arketipo, click here.

Set up your exclusive "gentlemen's club"

A Chesterfield style sofa is perfect for a high-end bachelor pad. With the traditional brown leather f a Chesterfield couch, you will surely be decorating the perfect “gentlemen’s club” living room. It is advisable to pick autumn colors for the leather, like the shades of brown, cream and bottle green. Add some touches that recall your favorite manly activity, such as hunting - perhaps a chandelier or a mirror with deer horns – or sports – you can expose your trophies in a small glass showcase.

Find out more about the impecable classic style of furniture by Origgi.

Chesterfield in the bedroom

Can Chesterfield style enter the bedroom too? Of course it can! Not only you could opt for a Chesterfield headboard for your classy bed, but you could place a beautiful bed bench that recall the same decoration. Another idea could be to create a wonderful and cozy reading corner in your bedroom, with a comfortable Chesterfield style armchair.

Take a look at more elegant and refined furniture design by Alberta, click here.

You might also like: Color match, what goes well with a white sofa?