These Gorgeous Chesterfield Sofas Are Worth Decorating a Whole Room Around

Photo credit: Anthropologie
Photo credit: Anthropologie


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Even in the most laid-back living space, chesterfield sofas add an air of stateliness and sophistication. They’re characterized by their button-tufted upholstery, which gives them an overstuffed look, as well as their curved or “rolled” arms, which are equal in height to the back of the sofa.

Traditionally, these seats are made of leather and are studded with nailheads along their lower frame, but can now be found in a wide range of materials, with the nailheads becoming more of a stylistic flourish.

The origins of the chesterfield sofa are surprisingly hazy, though it has roots in 18th-century design. Legend has it that the British diplomat Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, commissioned the deep-set, button-tufted seat so that he could sit up straight while also not wrinkling his clothes. From its royalty-adjacent beginnings, the chesterfield style has endured over time, and when situated amongst the gallery walls and sleek silhouettes of a contemporary space, its posh presence looks as fresh and intriguing as ever.

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The Best Chesterfield Sofas

What to Consider

The most important things to consider when it comes to getting a chesterfield sofa are practicalities like size, assembly, and coordinating the delivery. Make sure you have the measurements of your space (and doorways!) correct and that you can have help on hand to put it together once it arrives. Some brands may offer white-glove delivery and assembly, which will require someone in your household to be home.

Most of these chesterfield sofas are ready to ship and may arrive at your home in a matter of a few days or weeks; however, if you're opting for a custom-upholstery option, you'll want to allow for a longer lead time, even several months, depending on the brand.

Beyond that, the sky's the limit when it comes to stylistic possibilities. Check out our guide to the best chesterfield sofas to shop right now.

Best Customization Options

The Lyre Chesterfield Two-Cushion Sofa ($2,198) is the epitome of an updated silhouette. It’s a made-to-order piece in which every component — from the couch width to the material type and color to the leg and nailhead finish — can be customized.

Select on the site from a rainbow of options in velvet, slub velvet, wool, leather, and Belgian linen to create your perfect centerpiece seat. The sofa is available in either a 7- or 8-foot-long silhouette, and it features generous button tufting along the back, arms, and front. Reviewers adore its luxe look and sturdy build.

The sofa's delivery fee is $149, and it comes with white-glove delivery and assembly service.

Best on Amazon

This chesterfield sofa is a classic style with casual appeal. Available in polyester and faux-leather upholstery options, it's a ready-to-ship piece from Amazon that'll arrive at your doorstep in just days. Hundreds of reviewers give this chesterfield sofa their approval, touting its well-made construction and sturdy frame — plus, the cushions are incredibly comfortable and supportive.

This one doesn't have white-glove delivery available, but according to reviews, the whole piece ships in one box, and the only assembly required is screwing on the legs.

Best Leather Upholstery

Adding just the right amount of edge to your space, West Elm's Modern Chesterfield Leather Sofa ($2,399) is a modern take on the traditional chesterfield. It features straight metal legs, and it also has button tufting on the inner arms, back, and seat, leaving the exterior smooth. We particularly love that this made-to-order sofa comes in seven genuine, top-grain leather colors and one vegan leather color.

White-glove shipping and in-home assembly are included in the flat-rate shipping cost based on your zip code.

Best Velvet Upholstery

Velvet upholstery is a perfect match for the chesterfield sofa style, with its opulent look and feel. The Alcott Hill Snyder Velvet Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa ($750) is a 7-foot-long model comes in five different colors with nailhead details bordering the front of its arms, and reviewers love that it looks and feels super cozy.

It's important to note that this ready-to-ship sofa does require assembly. Make sure you have your toolkit and a helper handy since some reviewers note that it can be tricky to put together, but given its beauty, it's well worth the challenge.

Best Linen Upholstery

The Kelly Clarkson Home Austin Linen Chesterfield Sofa ($1,170) is both elegant and understated all at once. Its grand silhouette and all-over button-tufting make it centerpiece-worthy decor, while its five neutral upholstery shades in smooth, heathered linen make it a very approachable piece. Reviewers say that it's a pretty firm seat but that it softens up over time with use.

While it can ship free with the basic outdoor drop-off service, this sofa is also eligible for white-glove delivery and assembly for an additional service charge.

Best Chesterfield Chair

For those who simply don't have the space to spare, the Charlton Home Brookhill Tufted Chesterfield Chair ($253) is essentially a scaled-down version of the chesterfield sofa. It features the same rolled arms, button-tufting, and nailhead details (and even the sculptural legs!) that you'd see in the full-sized version. Many reviewers say that they've bought this seat in a pair to create a luxe-looking conversation area — they love its well-made look and pristine upholstery.

This one does not come with a white-glove delivery option, but the assembly is simple and involves just attaching the legs.

Best Chesterfield Sectional

With sectional sofas, it can sometimes feel like there's a tradeoff between style and space — many sectionals err on the more casual side, but not this one. Upholstered in gray or purple velvet, this L-shaped Rosdorf Park Velvet Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa ($1,480) provides ample seating while looking like the picture of elegance.

This chesterfield does not come with a white-glove delivery option, and you may want assistance in putting it together.

Best Chesterfield Sleeper

At just over 7 feet long, Pottery Barn's Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa ($2,399) comfortably seats multiple people and looks great doing it. This made-to-order piece comes in a whopping 105 different colors and fabrics (!), all featuring the classic button-tufting on the back and rolled arms. The seat cushions are also removable, and a queen-sized bed is folded up inside to be put to use for overnight guests. We like that this sleeper sofa doesn't look like clunky 2-in-1 furniture, but instead is as elegant as it is intelligently designed.

White-glove shipping and in-home assembly are included in the flat-rate shipping cost based on your ZIP code.

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