Small Chesterfield Sofa

Questions About Small Chesterfield Sofa

• What is a Chesterfield sofa?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  A Chesterfield sofa is a couch with rolled arms that are as tall as the back of the sofa. They always feature deep button tufting everywhere, including the cushion.

• Why is it called a Chesterfield sofa?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024

  Why it is called a Chesterfield sofa is because of the person who is believed to have first commissioned it. Popular lore dates the Chesterfield sofa to Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth Earl of Chesterfield. The arbiter of taste and manners in 18th-century England was best known for publishing guides on how to behave in society to attain success. The story goes that he commissioned a sofa in the mid-1700s designed so he could sit on it while not wrinkling his clothes. He later bequeathed it to his godson, and the seating style spread in popularity, eventually becoming an icon of British interior design. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chesterfield sofas.

• Can I recover a Chesterfield sofa?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Yes, you can indeed reupholster a Chesterfield sofa. Reupholstering your sofa is a great way to make the piece unique and in line with your personal taste. You can also shop a collection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• How can I tell if a Chesterfield sofa is real?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A genuine Chesterfield sofa has layers of padding, which is wrapped in horsehair. Also, look for imperfections in the leather. Chesterfields are made with leather, as opposed to synthetic material. Shop a selection of Chesterfield sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is a small sofa called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021

  A small sofa is generally referred to as a settee. Settees are typically small seats that can fit two or more people, but they aren’t as wide as couches or sofas. A settee is more intimate and offers more sitting room than an armchair. Settees often have a backrest for optimal support and are frequently upholstered. Find antique and vintage settees on 1stDibs.

• What's the difference between a Chesterfield and a Mid-Century Modern sofa?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026

  A Chesterfield has deep button-tufting, rolled arms and a back the same height as the arms. A Mid-Century Modern sofa favors a lower profile, tapered legs and a cleaner frame.