Here at Thomas Lloyd, we know your sofa is the heart of the living room. So to meet your demand for button back sofas, we have a wide collection of beautiful styles. Choose from traditional, modern and vintage style button back sofas and a variety of classic colours to find a piece that truly suits you. We work to ensure each sofa is handmade to an exceptional standard by our skilled craftsmen here in Wales, so you can be sure you'll always recieve a quality piece.
The iconic look of a button back leather sofa is designed with a tailored look in mind. A button back leather sofa contains buttons embedded in the back of the sofa, which are pulled tightly against the leather creating a shallow dimple effect. This is sometimes known as button tufting.
Combine this effective finish with the timeless design of a Chesterfield and you have yourself a winning piece. All of our button back leather sofas are made with high-quality grain leather and thickly padded to provide you with the utmost comfort.
The origin of the button back Chesterfield is often disputed, but many agree that they were originally named after the Earl of Chesterfield. It is also accepted that a ‘Chesterfield’ refers to a sofa with arms and back the same height. We believe that the history of this exemplary sofa is why it has such a special place in our hearts.
Interestingly, button back sofas were first created with the buttons pointing out of the leather, rather than embedded into the sofa. It is said that this was because these distinguished sofas were traditionally owned by rich men, who were known to have long lines of people waiting to see them. The buttons were used to make the chairs slightly more uncomfortable, so only the most dedicated people would sit and wait.
However, lucky for all of us in the modern day, this design was massively improved and the buttons are now only utilised to enhance the design. Our button back Chesterfields are made with comfortable and thick padding which is sure to make a cosy sitting experience for anyone who purchases this classic sofa.
Not only are button back Chesterfields a signature piece across time, but they are also incredibly durable pieces of furniture which will last you for years to come. The design of the button back works to hold the material tight and stop any deterioration of the fine grade leather.
Furthermore, not only are they built to last, button back sofas can look spectacular alongside a variety of different interior designs. A button back sofa will look comfortable alongside industrial, traditional, rustic and even modern design.
Another benefit of a button back leather sofa is the ability to maintain it easily. Of course, leather requires some TLC to keep it looking pristine, but overall, it’s an easy material to keep clean. Any spillage can be wiped away easily with as little as a damp cloth.
When purchasing a modern button back sofa, it’s important to consider how this piece will fit into your daily life. Comfort, style, colour are all things to take into consideration. With such a wide selection of sofas, it’s important to make sure you’re happy with your decision before you buy.
To test if the colour you’d like will fit in with your room, you can order free samples of our leather. You’re welcome to order more than one to see which matches your home the best! You can request a sample here.
To make sure you’re happy with your choice, all of our button back sofas have a two-year manufacturer’s warranty and, as an added sign of confidence in the quality of our sofas, a 21 day ‘no quibble’ money back or exchange guarantee.
The Chesterfield became popular around the 19th century and started to appear in more traditional Victorian homes. Photos from as far back as 1857 show what we now know as Chesterfields sitting comfortably amongst Victorian furnishings.
Button back sofas were often made out of a velvet during this time; however, leather Chesterfields were equally as popular, traditionally used to adorn the offices of wealthy gentlemen.
While these Victorian sofas did look very similar to modern Chesterfields, the interior was surprisingly different. Originally they were filled with horsehair, rather than the comfortable springy cushions we use nowadays.
This filling would’ve made the sofas far less comfortable than we are now accustomed to, but many believe this was intentional. A firmer sofa meant you could sit upright and not crease your freshly pressed suit.
Perhaps even more fascinating is the link between button back leather Chesterfields and the likes of Sigmund Freud. The renowned founding father of psychoanalysis was well known for the Chesterfields he placed in his studies. It is said that he wanted to ensure his patients were comfortable when letting him into the confines of their minds. His choice of sofa means the ‘therapist’s couch’ is now synonymous with the iconic look of a button back Chesterfield.
The appealing shape and look of a this modern button back sofa has led it to become timeless across every decade. Even in the 21st century, they are still as popular today as they were in the 1800’s.
