Chesterfield is a type of sofa in which the arms and the backrest are of the same height and the leather is characteristically deep buttoned. The origin of the name Chesterfield is not authentically known, but it is rumoured that the sofa was invented by the Earl of Chesterfield a hundred years back.
Types of chesterfield
There are many types of this leather chesterfield sofa. The difference is mostly in the design. The typical classic design is where the entire sofa is deep buttoned, giving the characteristic dimpled appearance. Even the lower halves of the sofas are deep buttoned and carry a typical chesterfield vertical stitch.
Most chesterfield sofa come in deep-buttoned cushions. Nevertheless, there are variants that have separate plain-leathered cushions for comfortable seating. These come in single club settee, double seaters, triple seaters and even special long seaters perfect for waiting rooms and lounges.
The hand rests are typically rolled and at 90 degrees to the seat. Nevertheless, some people prefer a more obtuse angle for the hand rests and back. This gives the sofa a shape of a semi opened flower. The sofas also come in a design with no rolled arm rest and can be great addition to a reception or a study.
The back of the sofa is generally of the same height as the arms, but can be slightly arched back too, if preferred that way. The legs and arm rest have beadings in them. These again are typical features of a chesterfield. The beadings can be brass or nickel. The legs can be castors or bun feet depending upon the amount of movement the chair or sofa might experience.
Leather used in chesterfield
Balmoral
Balmoral is pure aniline leather from the best European animal hides. The leather has a lovely dual tone due to the dull wax finish. The texture is natural grainy.
Branco
A shiny, distressed leather, Branco is tanned to bring out the natural markings of the hide. The colour varies through the sofa's length and breadth.
Cambridge
Highly grainy, creased with natural markings highlighted, this Cambridge leather has the distinct feature of having spotted grains. The tips of the grains are darkened to achieve this effect. Since the spotted effect comes out well in lighter shades, this leather is preferred for lighter shades of upholstery.
Old English
This is the famous semi- aniline leather. The leather is slightly waxy and, like any other pull up leather, the coat colour slightly differs in shades, through the surface of the sofa.
Leather furniture is unique because, the leather comes from an individual animal. And each animal hide is different. Chesterfield sofa combines the uniqueness of vast types of leathers and its own characteristics to present a one of a kind upholstery.
