Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The iconic Chesterfield



The Chesterfield sofa is thought to be named after the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope in the 18th century.  This is fitting as the Earl was a known trendsetter in his day.  The Chesterfield sofa is characterized by it's deep button tufting, rolled arms, equal back and arm height, and nail head trim.  This sofa is most often associated with a gentleman's library... think rich mahogany paneling, distressed leather, a fine bottle of scotch, and the faint aroma of pipe tobacco.  However this iconic sofa makes a statement in traditional and modern interiors alike. 















Want to get the look??  It seems like everyone has a Chesterfield in their current line, each with their own twist!



Leave it to Anthropologie to come up with this fun canary yellow version.


I love the wide sloping arms on this great interpretation from Windsor Smith Home.


Hickory Chair offers a sophisticated Chesterfield with classical lines and proportions.




Mitchell Gold's version will be at home in both transitional and modern interiors.



The Restoration Hardware sofa is evocative of  a gentleman's library, masculine and clubby, with distressed cigar leather and over-scaled styling.
 
If you are looking for authenticity check out Jean-Mark Fray on 1st Dibs, this one is from England circa 1920.








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