distinctive by design
01
300 year old process
Despite being first commissioned in the mid-18th century, a number of our production techniques remain the same. Our methods stand the test of time, predominantly the deep-buttoning, for which the Chesterfield is globally renowned. Icon in design, the Chesterfield sofa is a timeless piece of furniture, and we take pride in delivering such high-quality goods.
02
Always Handmade
Here at Distinctive Chesterfields, we partner with only the very best suppliers to bring you the ultimate in British craftsmanship. Handmade from our workshop in West Yorkshire, we have been producing high-quality, luxury furniture for over 15 years.
03
Hand-selected
Hand-selected to maintain quality, our leathers are available in a huge selection of ranges and colours. Our leathers are selected for their consistent density, unique finish, durability, and extensive shade range. Hard wearing, yet soft to the touch, our leathers are our most popular choice.
04
So many choices
We have a number of house fabrics to choose from, ranging from luxury boucle, to conscious cotton and sumptuous velvets. Our velvets are available in wide range of colours, luxuriously soft and stain resistant and our Verde (cotton) range is made from 80% recycled cottons, making it as eco-friendly as it is stylish.
05
Strength and longevity
The starting point for any Sofa or Chair is the frame. Distinctive Chesterfield frames are constructed of only the finest hardwoods, carefully selected for strength and longevity. The Chesterfield frame components are assembled by hand, using dowels, screws, and corner blocks for added strength. Once the Chesterfield frame has been fully assembled, it is then quality-checked for strength and shape.
06
The support you desire
The frame and springs are the most important elements of luxury sofa manufacturing - the individual application of the springs is where your piece of furniture will really begin to take shape. Ensuring the use of high-quality springs provides both longevity and the support you desire. This is a painstaking process of applying individual coil springs or serpentine springs to the frame to ensure a long lasting shape to each piece of furniture.
07
Durable, easy to clean
This woven fabric, spun from soft, Italian recycled wool is one of our most popular choices for upholstery. Our Linwood Lana range offers durability, is easy to care for and clean, is naturally anti-static, flame-retardant and eco-friendly.
08
We don't cut corners
Here at Distinctive, we don’t cut corners. As we have used only the finest materials, particularly our strong wooden frames, our Sofas tend to be on the slightly heavier side, which is something we’re very proud of. Designed to stand the test of time, our Chesterfield sofas are a homage to great British design.
09
We can adapt to you
Can’t quite find what you’re looking for, or have a tricky space to fill? As all of our items are designed in-house, our bespoke service allows you to adapt any of our styles to your desired size and design requirements.
Our Process
What do we do, and how do we do it?
Frame
The starting point for any Sofa or Chair is the frame. Distinctive Chesterfield frames are constructed of only the finest hardwoods, carefully selected for strength and longevity. The Chesterfield frame components are assembled by hand, using dowels, screws, and corner blocks for added strength. Once the Chesterfield frame has been fully assembled, it is then quality-checked for strength and shape.
Springs
The frame and springs are the most important elements of luxury sofa manufacturing - the individual application of the springs is where your piece of furniture will really begin to take shape. Ensuring the use of high-quality springs provides both longevity and the support you desire. This is a painstaking process of applying individual coil springs or serpentine springs to the frame to ensure a long lasting shape to each piece of furniture.
Prep with foam
After the frame has been sprung, there are a number of layers to add before we can even begin upholstering. The foam padding is made to pattern to suit each individual item and is applied, panel by panel, until the chesterfield or chair reaches its desired shape.
Deep button it
The key characteristic of a Chesterfield sofa is the deep-buttoning – this traditional technique was first commissioned in the mid-18th century, and each sofa has approximately 200 individual buttons, hand-compressed into the upholstered base. Each button is held in place by taught stitching and concealed within the sofa. Each tuft is tightly secured, giving the traditional, luxurious finish renowned to the Chesterfield design.
Finishing Touches
Each piece of furniture is made-to-order, with a number of finishing options available. Whether you’ve chosen a pleated, single-button or plain border, each item is made bespoke to your taste. Our finishing team ensure your suite is assembled with the desired foot polish and shape, stud colour and border. Lastly, each stud on your Chesterfield suite is painstakingly hand-studded into the frame, ensuring the intricate detailing stands the test of time.
Handmade in Great Britain
Not For Everyone
Distinctive Chesterfields, a long-standing family-run company in the UK, crafts and sells Chesterfield Sofas globally. Beginning with a small team of upholsterers, we've steadily expanded, providing local learning opportunities for a traditional skill that defies automation. Each sofa is meticulously handmade in England, reflecting our commitment to quality using top-notch materials for durability. We take pride in spotting our beloved creations on TV shows and in movies.
Clare LaidlawDistinctive Chesterfields