Chester Sofa by Poltrona Frau, luxury Italian design with Pelle Frau® leather, artisanal capitonné and goose down cushions

Chester | Sofa

Renzo Frau

Build your own
01 chester sofa
0003A_0501203
0049A_0501203
Immagini 348
Immagini 352
Immagini 368
08 chester sofa
09 chester sofa
511
01 chester sofa
0003A_0501203
0049A_0501203
Immagini 348
Immagini 352
Immagini 368
08 chester sofa
09 chester sofa
511

The Chester sofa features a suspension system made of hand-placed, double-cone steel springs, fixed to jute belts on a seasoned beechwood supporting frame. The seat padding is in rubberized horsehair, while the backrest and armrests are in hand-shaped vegetable horsehair. The seat cushions are filled with goose down. The legs may be spherical or tall, in dark walnut-stained beech or black lacquered beech. They are also available in wood covered with leather. The upholstery of the Chester sofa is available in Pelle Frau®.

Chester | Sofa

Renzo Frau
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Visuals shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual finish and/or pattern may vary due to unique characteristics of natural raw materials

Sofa version

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Upholstery Info

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Concept and Design

The Chester sofa celebrates the classic model of Edwardian England, revisited by Renzo Frau in the first catalogue in 1912 and inspired by the sofas and armchairs that populated English clubs and country houses at that time. One of the icons of the Poltrona Frau brand ever since, Chester stands out for its pleated armrests, an appropriate finishing touch for the rich capitonné processing of the leather, carried out entirely by hand.  
 

renzo frau
Designed by
Renzo Frau

Lorenzo Frau, known as ‘Renzo’, was born in Cagliari in 1881. He left Sardinia for military service in Milan, which he completed successfully earning the title of lieutenant. He married Savina Pisati and moved to Turin, at the time a real hub of Italian culture. He initially worked as a sales representative for Gribaudi and then for Dermoide Patent, manufacturer of faux leather. Having moved to Great Britain for work, he was able to discover the Chesterfield model armchairs and immediately imagined its potential, successfully starting to import it into Italy. At the same time, however, he was also attracted by the models of French and Central European style. He therefore decided to create his own artisan production laboratory. It was 1912: Poltrona Frau was created. From the initial work ‘in style’, Frau quickly moved onto direct design. Poltrona Frau became not only a production pole, but also a meeting point for artists and intellectuals. Renzo Frau used these relations to consolidate the brand image: successful models ensued quickly, one after the other. As the First World War broke out, Frau was called to fight for his country and his wife Savina bravely took up the reins of the company. Frau’s armchairs thus began entering the most important buildings, also used by the royal family. Renzo Frau met an early death in 1926. He left an extensive archive of projects that would allow his wife to coherently pursue Poltrona Frau production in the years to come.

Coverings and finishes

Dimensions
01 chester 2 seater sofa 5107211
02 chester 3 steater sofa 5107311
03 chester 3 seater sofa two cushions 5107311
04 chester ottoman 5107511
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01 chester 2 seater sofa 5107211
02 chester 3 steater sofa 5107311
03 chester 3 seater sofa two cushions 5107311
04 chester ottoman 5107511
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The Chester sofa by Poltrona Frau is more than just a sofa: it is a true icon of Italian design, a symbol of timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Its unmistakable style, characterized by the hand-crafted capitonné upholstery, covered buttons, and rounded armrests, makes it a recognizable piece worldwide, capable of transcending trends while remaining eternally contemporary.

 

This sofa naturally finds its place in elegant living rooms, historic settings, period villas, and prestigious residences, where the desire to tell a story of style blends seamlessly with the pursuit of ultimate comfort. The Chester is the ideal choice for those who wish to furnish their living space with an object that speaks of tradition, culture, and attention to detail: the quality of Pelle Frau®, the precision of the stitching, and the solid hardwood structure ensure a durability that spans generations.

 

Equally important is the Chester sofa’s role in professional environments: law firms, notary offices, executive offices, and corporate waiting rooms find in this sofa the perfect ally to convey authority, hospitality, and a sense of exclusivity. In luxury hotel lobbies, boutique hotel lounges, exclusive clubs, and high-end lounge bars, the Chester takes center stage, offering guests a seating experience that combines comfort with prestige.

 

The Chester sofa is also a reference piece for showrooms, art galleries, and luxury retail spaces, where the need to create sophisticated and memorable environments meets the desire to offer impeccable hospitality. In libraries, reading rooms, museums, foundations, and cultural institutions, the Chester contributes to an atmosphere of refined relaxation and cultural elegance, enhancing every space with its commanding presence.

 

Thanks to its versatility, the Chester sofa can also be placed in contemporary contexts, where it becomes a contrasting element and focal point in eclectic, industrial, or minimalist interiors. Interior designers and architects often select it for contract projects in hotels, yachts, luxury residences, and public spaces, taking advantage of the customization options offered by Poltrona Frau in both materials and colors.

 

The Chester is also frequently requested for photo shoots, film productions, commercials, and editorial spreads where an image of class, history, and prestige is desired. Its universal charm makes it a preferred choice for anyone wishing to furnish with a Made in Italy icon, capable of harmonizing with both classic interiors and bold, modern spaces.

 

Finally, the Chester sofa meets the needs of those seeking a piece that is both a symbol of status and a source of everyday comfort: the welcoming seat, the softness of the padding, the quality of materials, and the ability to personalize every detail make this sofa an investment for anyone who wants to experience their home as a space of beauty, history, and well-being.

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Discover the collections

Each collection of leathers or fabrics represents a different world: the color offering, the hand, the stroke, the tanning process, and the aesthetic value, make each upholstery valuable and unique