The chester sofa is an elegant piece of furniture that gives a touch of distinction wherever it is placed. Keep reading and we will tell you more about its virtues.
Despite their centuries of history behind them, The chester sofa is still, even today, one of the most used pieces of furniture. It is considered a classic. Due to its elegance, it is capable of becoming the center of decoration.
He Chesterfield It is usually the one chosen by many people when buying a sofa for the living room or for other spaces, due to a wide variety of reasons. We will know them in detail.
Chester sofa: origin and characteristics
The chester sofa is considered a classic within the furniture store. It is said that it is of English origin and that its creation was due to a commission from the Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773).
This nobleman specified to the cabinetmaker that the piece of furniture should force the person to sit in a correct posture. However, there is no reliable source for this or other versions.
Others locate its origin in the 19th century.
What is clear is that the same began to be used in the halls of men’s social clubs in London in the Victorian era. Shortly after, it became an essential element in the houses of English high society.
From there it spread to the former colonies of the British Empire and then to the rest of the world. In an investigation, its use is mentioned as a characteristic element of interior decoration between 1870 and 1890, both in Europe and in the United States.
Regarding the characteristics of the chester sofa, the following are highlighted:
- It can be two or three seats.
- are located armrests and backrest at the same height.
- The back is studded with buttons (at first, these were gold).
- It has capitone: consists of marking the fabric and the padding, putting the upholstery in the shape of diamonds.
- Depending on the length, it has four to six legs, made of turned wood or sometimes made of metal.
- Originally it had leather upholstery.but today they can be found in velvet and a wide variety of fabrics.
Why a chester sofa for decoration?
The chester is one of the best known pieces of furniture, to the point that when the word is mentioned sofait is almost inevitable to evoke its design. Now we will see why this preference and what are the benefits of using it in decoration.
1. It’s a classic
with the term classic refers to what creates a class or is worthy of imitation. In a way, this occurs with the chester sofa. In fact, some other models have also been derived from it.
2. It never goes out of style
Another meaning of classic it has to do with what does not go out of style, but is always in force. Is it timeless or belongs to different eras?beyond his own. He goes through some musical pieces, with literary works, as well as with the furniture.
3. It is the archetype of the sofa
The designer Jasper Morrison, in his book Everything but the wallspoints out that the chester It is like the symbol of all sofas and comfort inside the home.
4. Own identity
If anything can be said about the chester sofa, it is that its design is unmistakable. The continuous line from one armrest to the other, as well as the backrest with the buttons, are its sign.
Everyone recognizes it.
5. Give character to the decoration
In the same order of ideas, when this piece of furniture is placed in a room, gives your space personalityeven making the other elements appear to be subservient to its influence.
6. Sober and elegant
Of that there is no doubt. It is a sober and elegant piece of furniturewhich stands out in sight, without the need to be flashy or have excesses of superfluous decorations.
7. Provides a touch of distinction
For the aforementioned reasons, its distinguished appearance makes the space imbued with majestyas if it were the room of an aristocratic mansion.
8. It is functional
But the Chester sofa is not a mere decoration. It fully fulfills the function for which it was designed; that is, to be a piece of furniture where a person can remain seated for a certain time.
According to an investigation carried out at a Bulgarian university, analyzing the model of different furniture (including the chester), it is found that the design has remained in its basic form, precisely because of its functionality.
9. It adapts to other styles
Although he has a very marked personality, it can even work with other styles or trends inside the decoration Covers from the vintage even minimalism.
10. Perfect for the living room
In the room, the central element is usually the sofa. And what could be better than a Chesterfield with his personality, around which the other elements are arranged. It would even allow you to match the color of the walls.
11. It works in different environments
There are many optimal spaces for this sofa. Whether at home or in an office. It can be placed in the home library, in waiting areas, inside stores and malls.
12. Various size options
Although the three-seater is a large piece of furniture (2.10 meters), if we have little space You can choose one of two positionswhich is 1.66 meters.
There is even an armchair of only 90 centimeters with the style.
13. It is durable
If well cared for and preserved, a furniture Chesterfield can last many years. And the best thing is that, the older, the more valuable; it takes on an air of antiquity that goes well with your style.
14. Design Updates
Without abandoning the original essence of the classic chester sofa, Updates have been introduced in the design, both in the upholstery and in the shape. In this regard, the following variations are worth mentioning:
- The thickness of the armrests has been reduced or lightened.
- Incorporation of anti-stain and hypoallergenic fabrics.
- They no longer only come in the classic leather color, but in beigewhite, violet, red and even with pieces of different colors, as a collage.
- For those who like the aristocratic style, there is a chester royalwhich maintains the buttons and rhombuses, but with more ornate legs.
What to consider when buying a “Chesterfield”?
When looking for a chester sofa for your home or office, factors related to both furniture and space must be considered. Even with whom they are going to use it. Let’s see:
- Its price may vary: It is more expensive when it is made of leather and not so much when it is fabric or imitation leather.
- If it is for a space that will be used by many people (such as an office), leather would be best.
- Sober or neutral colors are recommended for clubs, offices or companies: blacks and browns.
- However, for some people, the upright position that must be maintained may be uncomfortable.
Caring for your chester sofa
If you want to enjoy your chester sofa for a longer time, there are some care that you should take into account. Take note of the following:
- For the wooden parts, such as the legs, you can use a polish that is not very strong.
- The same goes for leather or fabric, when you decide to dust your furniture.
- Take precautions when moving it: You could not only damage the sofa, but your back, since it is a heavy element.
- You must consider that the chester sofas were designed for adults. Therefore, they are not totally proof against the pranks of children.
- You should also be careful around pets, especially cat scratches on furniture.
- Finally, if you are going to be away from home for a while or you are not going to use it for a while, you can put a cover or protective lining.
An icon of culture
The Chesterfield sofa may be one of the most famous pieces of furniture in the world, along with Louis XV dining rooms and desks and console tables. Chippendale. It is common to see it in magazines, in movies and TV series (for example, in Friends).
It is said that even Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, had one for sessions with his patients. However, it is not an impossible luxury. And it is worth investing in an armchair of this class to enjoy good reading or a movie at home.
Of course, remember that from time to time you need to get up from the chair and move your body a little. A sedentary lifestyle is not very good either, even if you are sitting in a Chesterfield.
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