The Origins of Chesterfield Sofas

Some people think that Chesterfield Sofas are given their name after the town of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Yet rumour has it that they were named after the Earl of Chesterfield but neither are proven facts.

Choosing a Chesterfield Sofa is an important decision - do you buy a leather sofa or a fabric covered one? Today, most living areas feature a sofa, or sofas, in some shape or form. Most of us grew up with a fabric or a leather sofa, settee or couche - whichever term you use - but where did these modern Chesterfield Sofas, and their smaller counterparts (the Club Chair) originate from? The history and background of Chesterfields is somewhat rather complex.

The earliest form of seated furniture to accommodate two or more people was known as a settee - this dates back to around 1500. The more comfortable chair-back type settee evolved from this in the late 17th century and it was from this that the fully upholstered and exposed wood long seat (or settee) developed.

A settee was an elongated armchair that accommodated two or more people. Anything with more than two cushions was called a sofa.