The Chesterfield sofa style is well-known and loved worldwide for its timeless elegance, but hot on its heels is the Chesterfield armchair, a classic addition to the Chesterfield suite. Versatile and able to blend beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors, Chesterfield armchairs are a stunning addition to any space with their enduring appeal and endless customisation opportunities.

As this is an investment piece, making an informed decision is crucial to ensure you achieve the right fit for your home and budget. Whether you’re incorporating the Chesterfield style for the first time or want to add to an existing furniture suite, you’ll find everything you need here to make the buying process simple and smooth. In this detailed guide, we’ll share the essential aspects to consider when choosing a Chesterfield armchair, including design and practical considerations for your space, style preferences, and budget.

Factors to Consider When Buying

A Chesterfield armchair is an investment, so it’s essential to carefully consider it before buying. There are a number of factors to take into account, some straightforward, others less obvious. From the type and style of chair to colour, texture, and covering, there’s lots to think about, which can make the process more complex.

Style: Aesthetic aspects are usually the first thing we consider when choosing furniture. Although striking a balance with the important practical elements is key, the design and visual appeal are equally necessary. First, assess your existing space and what characteristics your new furniture will need to possess in order to complement and enhance it. It’s also worth thinking about whether you plan to change the colour or mood of the space in the future – if so, a more neutral choice that will work with a variety of different design schemes is best.

The Chesterfield also presents a unique design challenge. Contemporary Chesterfield armchairs can be divided into roughly two categories: traditional and modern. Classic styles feature key aspects, including deep button tufting and firm, curved arms, and tend to be covered in leather or heritage fabrics such as tweed and velvet. On the other hand, modern armchairs incorporate sleeker silhouettes and come in a wider variety of materials and coverings.

Covering: Your choice of covering has a design element and a practical benefit. Classic Chesterfields were almost exclusively covered in premium leathers, of which there are many different types to choose from. Leather can be a fairly practical choice for high-traffic homes with kids and pets, although certain hides may be more susceptible to damage. There are many types to choose from, including rugged, strong full-grain, smooth top-grain leather and bonded leather, which offers a more affordable option. Fabric can be preferential due to its warmer, softer feel and comfort factor – but unless pre-treated, most fabrics are vulnerable to stains, spills and other types of unintentional damage.

Craftsmanship: The Chesterfield name is synonymous with expert craftsmanship, durability and longevity – but not all contemporary Chesterfield furniture is made in the same way. Some brands follow the time-trusted processes involved in creating an authentic Chesterfield, weaving in new innovative techniques to extend the lifespan of their products even further than their traditional counterparts. On the other hand, there are also companies producing cheaper replica sofas, which may look the part but aren’t built to last. Choose a reputable manufacturer with excellent independent reviews to be sure that your investment piece will stand the test of time.

Size: Before browsing armchairs in person, take time to carefully measure your space and determine what size may be a good fit. Remember, just because space is available doesn’t mean it has to be filled—take inspiration from magazines and online sources such as Pinterest for positioning and sizing suggestions.

Comfort: Ultimately, your Chesterfield’s role is to provide comfy seating, so this consideration shouldn’t be forgotten. The type of cushion, filling, and height of arms and backrest can influence the comfort level of your seating. Consider the intended use (and frequency of use) of your armchair and take into account family members who may need enhanced comfort or special considerations, such as higher seats for elderly or disabled people. Some feature extras such as padded arms and even ergonomic seating for maximum comfort.

Price Considerations and Budgeting

Due to the many different elements that make them so unique and sought-after, Chesterfields can vary in price. Factors such as leather or covering type, craftsmanship, and brand reputation can all significantly influence the price, which in turn can affect affordability. However, it is possible to strike a balance between staying on budget and purchasing a well-made piece of furniture.

The typical price range of Chesterfield armchairs is between £500 to £3,000, which is quite a significant spectrum. The discrepancy is due to the wide variation in quality, comfort and durability on the market, so it’s important to do your research on any companies you plan to purchase from. Be realistic, but settle on a ballpark budget without compromising on quality.

Where budget allows, it’s best practice to prioritise quality over cost wherever possible to ensure that you are purchasing a long-lasting investment piece. Suppose you’ve identified some retailers but can’t quite afford their products. In that case, it’s worth waiting to purchase from reputable brands when they are offering discounts or running a sale to secure a quality piece at a lower price.

Where to Buy Chesterfield Armchairs

Buying from established companies is a must to ensure lasting aesthetic appeal and comfort. This ensures quality, durability, and excellent customer service during and after purchase. It’s not always easy to spot reputable retailers, especially with many options for potential buyers.

Nowadays, most people prefer to shop online—at least initially. The comfort and convenience of browsing and comparing products online make it much easier to view and shortlist different options in a much shorter space of time with less hassle.

But it’s also important to physically see and get a feel for prospective purchases in person, especially regarding important furniture pieces. Visiting a showroom before buying allows you to feel the texture of coverings, sit in different styles and compare products to determine which will be best for you. You can also experience the chair’s comfort, quality and craftsmanship first-hand – and get a true impression of colour and texture that’s impossible to convey via pictures on a screen. That’s why choosing a brand with a best-of-both-worlds approach makes the buying process much simpler and more straightforward. At Chesterfield Sofa Company, we offer both an online showroom and physical location with expert-tailored advice available anytime via our website and in-person, making us a trusted choice for buyers.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Although they are designed to be durable and long-wearing, Chesterfield armchairs do require some special care and essential maintenance in order to preserve their beauty and longevity for many years to come.

The first important step to keeping your armchair in the best possible condition is regular cleaning to stop dust and dirt from building up and causing damage or discolouration over time. Dusting and vacuuming the upholstery once a week is an easy and fairly quick task which can easily be incorporated into your usual routine. Leather Chesterfields require dedicated care – to keep leather soft and supple and to prevent colour fading and cracking, you should condition your leather with a suitable product every 6-12 months.

The positioning of your chair can also affect how well it will age, especially when it comes to keeping leather and fabric coverings in good condition. Position your armchair away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and use coverings where necessary to keep fading and damage at bay. When spills occur, quickly blot them with a clean cloth to avoid staining. For larger or more deep-set soiling, seek professional help. With proper care, your Chesterfield could last well over 30 or even 50 years. For more on Chesterfield maintenance and care tips, read our dedicated care guide.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

After reading this article, you should have all the information and knowledge you need to confidently find and purchase the perfect Chesterfield armchair for your needs. A Chesterfield armchair is an important investment, so it’s crucial to carefully select your product and retailer to ensure a beautiful addition to your home that brings style and comfort for many years to come. Remember to take time to consider the armchair’s style and practical benefits, as well as how it will fit into your existing space and home environment.

Ready to start the search for your perfect Chesterfield armchair? Browse and explore our many options online, or visit a showroom to experience the charm of Chesterfield first-hand. For expert advice, get in touch with us here or come and see us in person.