There are a variety of opinions about the origin of the word 'Chesterfield' as a depiction of the product now known as the Leather Chesterfield. Many people believe 'Chesterfield' to be an expression originating from the turn of the century when Chesterfield started to become the word used to describe a sofa. Many believe the term Chesterfield originally referred to the style of buttoning of the leather, shape of the sofa back, and even the height of the seat. In England, a Davenport with arms and back of the same height in buttoned leather is also referred to as a chesterfield sofa. Another view is that the fourth Earl of Chesterfield - Phillip Stanhope (1694-1773) was honored by the commissioning of a piece of fine furniture known as the Leather Chesterfield Sofa.

The Chesterfield Deep-Buttoned Sofa is tantamount with that of traditional English furniture design as its origins can be traced back to mid 18th century. In 1773, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield commissioned a cabinet maker to design a piece of furniture that would permit gentlemen to sit with their backs straight and avoid uncomfortable movements and positions. Many agree that this style of furniture was the precursor of the now famous Chesterfield Sofa.

Since 19th Century, the leather chesterfield sofa has become linked with Freudian psychoanalysis. Freud originally used the couch as a tool to aid his hypnosis of the patient. When he transferred from hypnosis to stream-of-consciousness as his major method of analysis, he still used the couch. Freud felt that he needed to limit the transference between psychoanalyst and analyst. Whatever the explanation, leather chesterfield furniture is viewed as a high quality and marvelous home or office addition made by devoted craftsmen.

The leather chesterfield was originally created as an elitist piece of furniture. It was not until industrialization period that the upholstered couch became an essential item for both middle and lower class homes. Today, leather chesterfield furniture is a common fixture in family life and television culture. It is often situated in close proximity to the television set. It has increased the social trend known as the couch potato.

A well, it can often be seen in television shows and movies. This correlation has shifted leather chesterfield furniture interest to the public domain. There has been an astounding increase in public purchases of leather chesterfield furniture. The Classic Leather Chesterfield Furniture designs have continued in a timeless manner thanks to its British roots and British craftsmanship. It is a symbol of classic, elegance, taste and distinction.

It is a British icon and remains a timeless statement, a symbol of luxury and classic style.

Craig Miller owner of http://www.classicchesterfields.com