Objects of Desire: New Takes on the Tufted Sofa

With its low back, stately curved arms and deep tufting, the classic chesterfield sofa is as aristocratic as its namesake. Legend has it that the idea for the piece was conceived in 18th-century England for the Earl of Chesterfield, who was somewhat of a fashion slave, so that he might have a piece of furniture that wouldn’t wrinkle his clothing. While the impetus for the piece’s design may have been a failure, the design itself has achieved icon status, gracing rooms in every style and inspiring a myriad of spinoffs.

Here are five distinctly different tufted sofas that breathe new life into an old classic.

The original chesterfield was reportedly made of velvet, like this one. But only recently has the crushed velvet chesterfield become more mainstream. “It was exciting using this sofa in this Hollywood-glam design,” says designer Jane Reece. “To have what was only in the imagination come to fruition was most satisfying.”

Details: The A. Rudin sofa (shown) uses sustainable harvested wood from North America. This sofa was made without plywood, which helps reduce VOCs (volatile organic compounds). All scraps are recycled and the ticking is unbleached.

Why it works: The low profile and 96-inch length of this piece make it a good fit for the crystal-encrusted mirrored cocktail table that sits in front of it. But it’s the glam look that makes it perfect for this luxurious living room in the Four Seasons Residences in Austin, Texas.

Tip: Reece says this versatile piece can be a part of virtually anyone’s home: “It is beautiful, velvety, comfortable, adaptable and timeless.”

Source: A. Rudin


De Meza + Architecture believe this edgy take on a classic chesterfield reflects their client’s personality. “It has this sort of steampunk thing about it with all the filament lighting,” says Gregg De Meza.

Why it works: The tufting and color blocking create focus in this minimalist space.

Tip: “My advice would be not to go too crazy with the color. Let the piece be simple; to me it’s sculptural,” says De Meza.

Source: Coup d’Etat


This sofa, designed by Lillian August for Hickory White, is used in a relatively traditional layout in which a pair of chesterfield-inspired tufted sofas face each other. The traditional layout in a modern space is what makes this room feel fresh.

Details: “The sofa is a high-quality, eight-way hand-tied sofa that is a modern take on the traditional chesterfield sofa,” says designer Linda McDougald.

Why it works: The transitional design of the home demanded furnishings with clean lines that also gave a nod to the traditional. The angular lines of this piece do just that.

Tip: Consider mass and scale when buying a sofa or another large furniture piece. “Such a purchase is often an anchor point of a space, and you want to be very deliberate and thoughtful when making such selections,” McDougald says.


This sofa was custom designed by Mendelson Group to tuck into the corner of this oddly shaped room.

Why it works: This piece anchors a difficult space, helping create a focal point together with artwork and lighting to transform what could have been a problem area into a uniquely beautiful room.

Tips: “Don’t let a strange space get you down. It’s an opportunity!” says Gideon Mendelson.


This shared office space in a repurposed factory required seating that was substantial in scale. This custom sofa, designed by Laura Hay of LH Decor & Design and built by Louis Interiors, can accommodate more than 10 people, making it perfect for small, casual meetings or social events.

Details: The square back of this piece allows it to sit tight against the wall, creating a banquette-like feel. “It’s also covered in rich, stressed vinyl, which acts like leather at a fraction of the cost,” says Hay.

Why it works: “The design had to tie into the existing surroundings of the brick and beam building,” Hay explains. This oversize, tufted sectional with traditional lines was custom designed to fit the bill.

Tip: When commissioning a custom piece, Hay recommends hiring a professional interior designer to walk you through the process. “They can assist you with fabric selections, proper sizing as well as construction methods,” she says.

How to Commission Custom Upholstered Furniture

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