Are Chesterfield Sofas Comfortable?

Chesterfield sofas have been around for a long time, but one of the most common questions people ask when it comes to Chesterfield sofas is are they comfortable?

Luckily, the answer to the questions is really straightforward. Chesterfield sofas are certainly very comfortable, all you have to do is sit on one to find out…

If you want to learn more about Chesterfield sofas then keep reading this article to find out exactly why they’re so comfortable, as well as how long the design has been around and more.

What Is A Chesterfield Sofa?

A Chesterfield sofa is a sofa with an iconic design that is famous around the globe. In simple terms, a Chesterfield sofa is a large sofa with rolled arms the same height as the back of the sofa. This definition has been used to describe the majority of sofas in places such as Canada, but in England, it has a completely different meaning.

In England, a proper Chesterfield sofa has dark leather upholstery with deep button tufting throughout with nailhead trim. These are the tell-tale signs that a sofa is of the Chesterfield design, and a proper example can be found below.

A brown Chesterfield sofa
A Classic Chesterfield Sofa

The design of the Chesterfield is truly timeless and it is estimated that the design has actually been around since the 18th Century! It was at this time that there was a huge increase in new sofa designs, which is believed to be the reason for the introduction of the Chesterfield.

Why Are Chesterfield Sofas So Comfortable?

You really have to sit on a genuine Chesterfield sofa to realise how comfortable they are.

They’re so comfortable because of the craftsmanship that goes into making them, alongside the materials that are used. A proper Chesterfield will be loaded with springs in the seat base sat below top-quality cushions which makes for a great seating experience.

The leather upholstery will also add to the experience as high-quality leather is not only durable but soft and comfortable to sit on.

Are Chesterfield Sofas Good For Your Back?

Back pain is another key aspect of judging how comfortable a sofa is, as back pain – and also neck pain – continues to play a major part in adult health.

Many modern sofas encourage a backward tilting of the pelvis when sitting down which encourages slouching and poor posture.

A Chesterfield sofa allows for the pelvis to be upright in a natural position with the arms rested without slouching. This is maintained throughout the time that you sit on the sofa as it will not give way as much as other modern sofas, which will keep your back and neck free from strains and further injury.

How Long Do Chesterfield Sofas Last?

Chesterfield sofas, unlike a lot of other types of sofa, are renowned for becoming better with age. But this is just purely aesthetical, how about the materials and foundation of the sofa itself?

Luckily, these sofas are built to last. Leather is naturally water-repellent and as such spills won’t be absorbed into the cushioning easily.

Leather also doesn’t readily collect dust and debris on its surface, making it very easy to clean and maintain over the long run. A well-looked after family Chesterfield sofa can last well over 10 years even with regular wear and tear.

Why Are Chesterfield Sofas So Expensive?

If you’ve not already got the point by now, Chesterfield sofas are so expensive because of the craftsmanship and the quality of materials used to build them.

In fact, most Chesterfield sofa manufacturers allow for complete customisation by stocking a wide array of leathers ranging from antique all the way to concrete, as well as the colour of wood and studs used for the fittings.

Of course, these options do not come cheap, but it is still possible to pick up a Chesterfield sofa for a decent price especially if you are willing to look at some second-hand deals. As they last for such a long time you can get yourself a bargain if you decide to go this route.

All in all a new Chesterfield sofa is going to cost anywhere from £500 for a chair up to well over £2,000 for a large corner sofa. This isn’t actually too bad when you consider that most other sofas nowadays will fall into this range anyway.

How Can I Tell If My Chesterfield Sofa Is Real?

If you decide to go the second-hand route then one complication you may find yourself in is being unsure about whether a Chesterfield sofa is genuine or not. Cheap rip-off versions that are made from poor quality materials and fake leathers are quite common and some people will try to charge as much as if it was in fact genuine.

If the seller cannot provide proof of purchase then this is usually the first red flag you’ll want to avoid. Another key thing to look out for is the leather itself – if there are natural imperfections throughout the leather this is usually a good indication that the leather is real.

The next thing to check is the frame. A quality Chesterfield will be made from a sturdy frame made from beech hardwood with screw-fixed corner blocks. If the frame is made from cheap materials such as chipboard panels then this is also a bad sign.

Finally, take a seat on the sofa and test the cushioning. If the cushioning is supportive, firm and comfortable then that’s great. If the cushioning seems scarce on the surface area of the sofa and thin in places, that’s another good way to know to stay away.

Remember, the question isn’t whether the sofa is ‘real’ or not, but rather if it is a genuine Chesterfield sofa or an imposter.

Final Thoughts

We hope we’ve cleared up any doubts you had about a Chesterfield sofa being comfortable. Please do let us know if there are any other points regarding Chesterfield sofas that you would like to see answered in this article by contacting us here!