Few items of furniture carry the prestige and enduring appeal of the Chesterfield. With its deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms and unmistakable silhouette, the Chesterfield is an icon of British design. For those looking to part with one, an auction house offers the perfect setting to find the right buyer and achieve strong prices.
If you’re wondering how to sell a Chesterfield sofa at auction, read on to find out more. These iconic pieces of British furniture remain in strong demand, and whether you have a single chair or a three-piece suite, the auction room is often the best place to achieve a strong price.
The History Behind Chesterfield Sofas
With origins attributed to Lord Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, the sofa was originally commissioned by the Lord in the 18th century to allow a gentleman to sit comfortably without creasing his clothes. Hence the Chesterfield name! Today, that same timeless silhouette – low back, rolled arms, deep buttoning – is recognised worldwide as a symbol of British craftsmanship. This heritage adds an extra layer of appeal when you sell a Chesterfield at auction.
What Affects the Value of a Chesterfield Piece?
When you choose to auction a Chesterfield sofa, several factors can determine the final hammer price:
- Condition: Leather with a rich patina is highly desirable, while damage or poor repairs may reduce value.
- Craftsmanship: Hardwood frames, deep buttoning and hand-stitching all command attention at auction.
- Age and authenticity: Antique and early 20th-century Chesterfields are particularly sought-after, though quality modern pieces also perform well.
- Size and colour: Classic oxblood, green and brown leathers are perennial favourites, but unusual upholstery or suites in good condition can also attract a good price.
Why Sell Your Chesterfield Suite, Sofa or Chair at Auction?
- High demand: A Chesterfield sofa never goes out of style. Buyers range from interior designers furnishing country homes to collectors and young professionals searching for statement furniture.
- Competitive bidding: Unlike private sales, an auction can attract multiple bidders, often pushing prices higher than expected.
- Professional marketing: When you sell with a reputable auction house like Potteries Auctions, we promote your Chesterfield sofa, chair or suite to the right audience, both locally and internationally.
- Ease and transparency: From a free Chesterfield valuation through to sale day, the process is simple and fully managed by our expert team.
Take a look at some of the Chesterfield suites, chairs and sofas that have passed through our saleroom recently and fetched a good price at auction.
Last month, we sold this Chesterfield green leather swivel armchair for £130.
Lot 753 at the same auction was a four-piece Ox-blood Chesterfield suite that included a two-seater settee, a wingback armchair, a footstool and a tub chair. This stunning lot sold for £780 altogether!
From our November 2024 auction, Lot 1234 featured an ox-blood red Chesterfield settee and armchair, with the settee featuring a small brass plaque in the centre that reads ‘Leather by Design’. The lot sold for £200.
These two green leather Queen Anne Chesterfield high back armchairs sold for £170 and £160 each, respectively, at our July 2024 auction.
Lot 600 from our February 2024 auction was a charming large Chesterfield deep buttoned leather x framed hardwood stool that sold for £65.
This Oxblood Red Chesterfield Captains Chair (top) sold for £140 at our November 2023 auction, while the Oxblood Red Chesterfield Captains Swivel Desk Chair (bottom) sold for £150.
Lot 644 in the same auction was this Oxblood red wingback Chesterfield Armchair that sold for £140.
This quality leather Chesterfield three-piece suite, featuring a three-seater settee, club low armchair and high back armchair, sold for an astounding £980 at our March 2024 auction.
Sell Your Chesterfield Furniture at Auction with Potteries Auctions
If you’re considering selling your Chesterfield sofa, chair or suite, now is a great time. Demand remains strong, and buyers are actively looking for quality examples.
Please get in touch with us if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your Chesterfield furniture pieces. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom – to book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100, or valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.