Chester Sofa
Made by Poltrona Frau
Renzo Frau introduced the Chester in 1912, drawing from the deep-buttoned sofas of Edwardian England - its gentlemen's clubs, its rambling country houses, its sense of settled authority. More than a century later, the form remains essentially unchanged: rounded armrests, pleated detailing, covered buttons, and the ceremonial geometry of capitonné upholstery.
Beneath the surface, the construction is equally considered. A seasoned beech frame supports hand-tied biconical steel springs, with traditional padding that gives the seat its characteristic depth and resilience. Cushions are filled with goose down.
Upholstery is offered exclusively in Pelle Frau, Poltrona Frau's signature hide, developed and refined across generations. Feet are available in spherical or high profiles, finished in dark walnut.
- Capitonné upholstery with covered buttons and pleated detailing
- Seasoned beech frame with hand-tied biconical steel springs
- Goose down cushion fill
- Pelle Frau leather upholstery, exclusively
- Feet in spherical or high profile, dark walnut finish
Made to order by Poltrona Frau, tailored to you.
Get personalized guidance on product details, customizations, pricing, and lead times.
Pairs Well With
Chester Sofa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pelle Frau leather?
Pelle Frau is Poltrona Frau's proprietary leather, developed in-house and refined over generations. It undergoes a specialized tanning and finishing process that produces a hide of exceptional softness, durability, and consistent color depth, and it is the exclusive upholstery material for the Chester.
What is capitonné upholstery?
Capitonné is a traditional upholstery technique in which fabric or leather is pulled through a grid of buttons to create a pattern of deep, regular tufts. On the Chester, this geometry is integral to the sofa's identity, carrying forward a craft tradition rooted in nineteenth-century English furniture-making.
How are Poltrona Frau sofas constructed?
The Chester is built on a seasoned beech frame with hand-tied biconical steel springs, a technique that distributes weight evenly and contributes to the sofa's long-term resilience. The seat padding follows traditional methods, and cushions are filled with goose down.
Is the Chester Sofa made to order?
Yes. The Chester is produced to order, allowing clients to specify leather color from the Pelle Frau palette and choose between foot profiles. Lead times vary; a design consultant can provide current production estimates.
What are the foot options for the Chester Sofa?
The Chester is available with feet in either a spherical or high profile, both finished in dark walnut. The choice subtly affects the sofa's overall stance and proportion within a room.