Crafted Close to Home: The Importance of Canadian-Made Furniture

Furniture is more than what you sit on. It is the backdrop for your family dinners, the anchor of your living room, and the piece you turn to for comfort at the end of a long day. When those pieces are Canadian-made furniture, they hold even more meaning. Each one is built with intention, artistry, and care, reminding us that beauty and strength can come from close to home.

Why Choosing Local Furniture Matters

When you walk into a room, furniture sets the tone before anyone speaks. The sofa that anchors your living space, the recliner that carries you through quiet nights, the dining table where conversations unfold; all of these pieces tell a story. And when they are Canadian-made, that story is one of durability, artistry, and a commitment to something greater than style alone.

Investing in furniture crafted close to home is not just about elevating your interior. It is about choosing quality over convenience, sustainability over shortcuts, and supporting the very communities that shape the places we call home.

Homegrown Design and Craftsmanship

Canada has a long tradition of meticulous woodworking, upholstery, and design. From coast to coast, artisans have built reputations not only on skill but on pride in their craft. Each seam, joint, and finish is the result of years of knowledge passed down, reinterpreted, and refined.

At The Chesterfield Shop, this commitment to quality craftsmanship is central. Canadian-made sofas, sectionals, and recliners are built to last, designed to handle daily life without losing elegance. By choosing locally made, you are not just buying furniture. You are investing in artistry that transforms a house into a home.

Craft advocacy groups such as the Canadian Crafts Federation emphasize that the act of making is deeply connected to culture, community well-being, and economic resilience. Their advocacy paper explains how craftsmanship is not only about beauty and design but also about sustaining local economies and nurturing creativity. In this sense, the furniture we bring home becomes more than a product. It is a reflection of Canadian identity and artistry.

Designing Locally: Toronto’s Creative Furniture Scene

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most dynamic design communities, and The Chesterfield Shop is proud to be part of that creative network. From the renowned Design District to the emerging Old Town Design District, these neighbourhoods have become central hubs for Canadian artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Each space showcases the country’s evolving design language, a blend of modern aesthetics, sustainable practices, and enduring quality. Within these creative corridors, furniture design isn’t just about what looks good; it’s about how it’s made, who makes it, and how it stands the test of time.

Supporting local design scenes also reduces the carbon footprint of shipping and overseas manufacturing. The Government of Canada underscores this through its Greening Government Strategy, which emphasizes the environmental benefits of reducing emissions. Choosing local furniture is one way individuals contribute to this broader effort.

Notable Canadian Furniture Brands

Across the country, Canadian brands have built reputations on strength, design, and reliability. These companies prove that Canadian-made does not mean limited choices; it means elevated ones.

Among the standouts in the Canadian market, Montauk Sofa has become synonymous with luxury, blending comfort and style in a way that feels effortlessly timeless. These made-in-Canada sofas are celebrated for their durability, modern aesthetic, and premium materials, often showcased in showrooms that highlight how quality and artistry can coexist in one seamless experience.

The world “Chesterfield” itself holds a special place in Canadian culture. Once a word used almost interchangeably with “sofa,” it became part of the national vocabulary, appearing in Canadian homes, films, and even dictionaries as a symbol of hospitality and comfort. The term Chesterfield has always represented more than a piece of furniture; it’s a gathering place, a touchstone of family life, and an enduring emblem of craftsmanship. At The Chesterfield Shop, that legacy continues, where traditional quality meets contemporary design to create pieces made for real Canadian living.

Whether you are drawn to sleek modern chairs, plush sectionals, or innovative recliners, Canadian brands balance contemporary design with lasting comfort. At The Chesterfield Shop, we have curated collections that celebrate this diversity, offering countless fabrics, leathers, and finishes to match every lifestyle.

Canada’s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, published on Canada.ca, outlines how federal agencies commit to clean growth, green procurement, and sustainable production practices. These national goals offer a framework many Canadian furniture makers embrace to enhance safety, durability, and environmental responsibility. When you bring home a piece crafted locally, it becomes more than furnishings, it becomes a legacy aligned with Canada’s sustainability ambitions.

Shopping Destinations for Canadian Furniture

Choosing Canadian-made is about more than product. It is about experience. At The Chesterfield Shop, we know that buying furniture is a personal journey. That is why our showrooms are curated to inspire.

We showcase sofas, sectionals, recliners, and custom sofas designed to reflect individual style without compromising comfort. From fabric swatches to layout options, we provide the guidance you need to imagine how each piece will live in your space.

Our digital showroom experience also makes discovery simple. Browse online by category, size, style, fabric, or colour, then see your choices come to life in-store with the help of our experts. This blend of convenience and care is why we have become one of the leading furniture destinations in Toronto.

Supporting Canadian manufacturing directly can contribute to economic resilience, ensuring local jobs and stable industries. Shopping Canadian-made furniture is not just a design choice. It is an investment in the future of Canadian communities.

The Sustainable Choice

The environmental impact of furniture is often overlooked. Global fast furniture production generates massive waste, with low-cost imports that wear down quickly and end up in landfills. Canadian-made furniture, however, is built to last, using premium materials and mindful practices.

The United Nations Environment Programme outlines in Sustainability and Circularity in the Textile Value Chain: A Global Roadmap that sustainable design, resource efficiency, and waste reduction are core to resolving climate, biodiversity, and pollution challenges. 

Opting for locally crafted, long-lasting furniture helps reduce waste, lower the pressure on raw materials, and align your home with global sustainability goals.

Quality That Elevates Everyday Living

At the end of the day, furniture is about how you live. It is the recliner that carries you into comfort, the sectional that hosts gatherings, the sofa that endures movie nights, the chair where you read with your morning coffee.

Canadian-made furniture is designed with these moments in mind. It is not just about appearance. It is about trust. Trust that the stitching will not fray, that the wood will not warp, that comfort will not fade with time. At The Chesterfield Shop, every piece is a promise of quality that elevates your everyday living.

Where Craftsmanship Meets Community

When you choose Canadian-made furniture, you are choosing more than décor. You are choosing to support artisans who dedicate their lives to craftsmanship. You are choosing sustainable practices that protect the environment. You are choosing to keep investment close to home, reinforcing the strength of Canadian communities.

At The Chesterfield Shop, we believe furniture should be personal, enduring, and deeply connected to the place you call home. That is the value of buying Canadian-made. And that is the story worth bringing into your living room.

Reasons to Choose a Modular Sofa

As homes and condos evolve, so do their layouts—and that often means tighter entryways, narrower stairwells, and more compact living areas. Whether you're furnishing a modern condo, a cozy basement, or dealing with narrow door frames in a new build, getting the right furniture in—and making it work in your space—can be a challenge.

That’s where modular sofas shine. Designed for modern living, these smart, stylish sofas offer flexibility, comfort, and functionality in equal measure. At The Chesterfield Shop, we offer a wide range of modular options that are perfectly suited to today’s ever-changing spaces and lifestyles.

1. Perfectly Tailored to Your Space

Modular sofas are made up of individual sections you can configure to suit your unique layout. Whether you're working with a compact living room or an open-concept floor plan, modular seating makes it easy to build a setup that works beautifully in modern homes.

2. Designed to Evolve with You

Modern living means constant change—moving, renovating, expanding your family, or refreshing your interior style. Modular sofas adapt right along with you. Add pieces, change the shape, or divide them across different rooms as your needs shift.

3. Made for Easy Moves

Tight staircases, narrow doorways, condo elevators—no problem. Modular sofas are delivered in sections, making them easier to move into places where traditional sofas just don’t fit. Ideal for modern buildings, townhomes, and basement rec rooms.

4. Functionality Meets Comfort

Today’s modular sofas do more than look good—they’re packed with features that support modern living. Think deep seats for lounging, power recliners, built-in storage, and even sleeper modules. It's comfort with a purpose.

5. Customized for Your Lifestyle

At The Chesterfield Shop, you can personalize your modular sofa from top to bottom. Choose your size, layout, colour, and fabric or leather to reflect your taste and your space. Whether your preferred style is sleek and contemporary or plush and cozy, we’ll help you create the perfect piece.

Where It's Made Matters

When it comes to choosing the perfect seating for your home, the origin of your furniture is just as important as its style and comfort. At The Chesterfield Shop, we believe that where it’s made matters—which is why we’ve proudly offered the best selection of leather and fabric seating, with a strong focus on Canadian-made collections, for over 77 years. We are the local experts, and we take our responsibility to support Canadian craftsmanship seriously. The North is strong and free, and so is our furniture.

Supporting Canadian Craftsmanship

Choosing Canadian-made seating isn’t just about quality—it’s about investing in craftsmanship, sustainability, and supporting local businesses. Every Canadian-made collection in our showrooms is carefully vetted, ensuring that we partner with manufacturers who uphold the highest standards of design, durability, and ethical production. We work closely with local factories, inspecting their materials, processes, and construction methods to ensure that our customers receive only the best.

Built for Canadian Homes

For over seven decades, The Chesterfield Shop has been a trusted name in home comfort. We understand the needs of Canadian households—whether it’s seating that stands up to everyday use, customizable options that fit unique spaces, or high-quality materials that endure for years to come. Many of our Canadian-made pieces offer extensive customization, allowing you to choose from a wide range of leathers, fabrics, configurations, and finishes to perfectly suit your home.

Sustainable and Ethical Choices

By choosing Canadian-made seating, you’re not just getting exceptional quality—you’re also making an environmentally responsible choice. Local manufacturing reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping, and many of our Canadian partners prioritize sustainable sourcing and eco-conscious production methods. When you invest in locally crafted furniture, you’re helping to support skilled artisans, family-run businesses, and a more sustainable future.

Why Buy from The Chesterfield Shop?

Since 1948, we’ve been dedicated to bringing the best selection of seating to homes across Toronto and the GTA. Our five showrooms offer an extensive collection of Canadian-made sofas, sectionals, recliners, and sofa beds, alongside top-tier international brands. With a deep commitment to quality, comfort, and customer service, we make it easy to find the perfect piece for your space.

We don’t just sell furniture—we help you invest in lasting comfort and superior craftsmanship. Visit one of our showrooms today and experience the difference that Canadian-made quality makes.

Your comfort starts here!

Top Home Trends for 2025

As we step into 2025, the world of interior design and home decor/furnishings is embracing themes of warmth, comfort, and intentionality. This year’s trends draw heavily from the refined simplicity and cozy aesthetics showcased at the most recent High Point Market this past fall. Let’s explore how these trends can inspire you and your home living.

1. Earthy, Calming Colour Palettes

Nature-inspired tones are taking center stage in 2025. Think soft blushes, muted oranges, warm cinnamon browns, and sandy beiges—all reminiscent of desert landscapes. Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, embodies this trend with its warm, inviting brown hue that adds sophistication to any space. Accents of sage green, denim blue, and jewel tones like burgundy and emerald bring depth and contrast to these soothing palettes. Whether used in wall colours, upholstery, or décor, these hues add a sense of tranquility and groundedness to any space.

2. Comfort-First Furniture

Comfort continues to reign supreme. This year, expect to see ultra-plush seating with deep cushions and wide configurations designed for lounging. Roll arms, wide track arms, and soft curves are popular styles that combine ergonomic support with visual appeal. These pieces are perfect for creating inviting living spaces that encourage relaxation and connection.

3. Minimalism with a Personal Touch

The mantra of “keeping it simple” guides many 2025 designs. Clean lines, streamlined shapes, and uncluttered spaces are in—but with a twist. Instead of stark minimalism, homeowners are opting for meaningful accents that reflect their personalities. Whether it’s a vintage find, a curated art piece, or a cherished heirloom, these touches make spaces feel uniquely yours.

4. Luxurious Textures

Texture plays a starring role in this year’s interiors. Plush velvets, soft furry fabrics, and channel tufting bring depth and tactile appeal to furniture and accessories. These rich textures not only enhance comfort but also add a layer of sophistication to the overall design. Pair these materials with flared or swooping arm styles for a retro-modern vibe.

5. Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainability continues to be a key priority in home design. Recycled materials, responsibly sourced wood, and eco-friendly fabrics are becoming staples in the industry. Furniture with a smaller environmental footprint allows homeowners to align their interiors with their values while still achieving a polished and stylish look.

6. Multi-Functional Spaces

With hybrid lifestyles becoming the norm, multi-functional furniture is evolving to combine versatility with innovation. Modern designs go beyond simple adaptability—integrating advanced features that cater to both convenience and entertainment. Imagine recliners equipped with zero gravity mechanisms, massage and heat functions, or modular sectionals featuring consoles with built-in chargers and speaker systems. These designs transform living spaces into highly functional and tech-savvy hubs. Whether it’s a sleep-ready recliner or a “sound lounge” sectional, the future of furniture blends cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to meet the demands of modern living.

These 2025 trends celebrate the art of living well. Whether you’re drawn to earthy tones, sumptuous textures, or the simplicity of timeless design, there’s a trend to match your vision. Start small with accent pieces or go bold with a room makeover—either way, your home will reflect the comfort and elegance that define this year’s aesthetic.

How to Optimize Comfort in Your Living Room

Your living room is the heart of your home, a place where you relax, entertain, and spend quality time with loved ones. To ensure it's a sanctuary of comfort, you need to consider various factors that contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explore how to optimize your living room for maximum comfort with tips on choosing the right furniture, arranging your space, and incorporating the latest features.

1. Choose Motion Furniture: Motion furniture, such as sofas and chairs with power reclining, can transform your living room into a haven of relaxation. With just the push of a button, you can adjust your seat to the perfect position for reading, watching TV, or taking a nap.

2. Incorporate Zero Gravity Seating: Zero gravity seating is designed to distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure points and promoting better circulation. This feature is inspired by the position astronauts take during launch to minimize the stress on their bodies.

3. Optimize Your Layout: The arrangement of your furniture plays a crucial role in the comfort of your living room. Here are some tips to optimize your layout:

4. Add Cozy Accessories: Accessories like throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs can add warmth and comfort to your living room.

By choosing the right furniture, incorporating modern features like motion and zero gravity seating, optimizing your layout, and adding cozy accessories, you can create a living room that’s not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable. Visit any one of The Chesterfield Shop's showrooms to explore our wide range of furniture options designed to enhance the comfort of your home.

Recap of High Point Market Fall 2024 

The High Point Market this fall had a noticeably quieter atmosphere than usual, with a shift toward subtlety and “keeping it simple” across the board. The energy felt reflective, as if the industry was holding its breath and taking a moment to pause. Exhibitors favoured more pared-back designs, both in colours and features and in the overall presentation. 

Keeping it Simple 

The theme of "keeping it simple" resonated throughout the market, with many exhibitors opting for streamlined display options that emphasized clarity and ease of understanding. American Leather showcased this approach by highlighting their best-selling arm and leg styles in a straightforward manner, allowing visitors to quickly grasp the offerings. Simple, digestible point-of-purchase displays made it easy for attendees to engage with products without overwhelming them. This emphasis on simplicity not only streamlined the shopping experience but also reflected a broader industry trend toward functional design and minimalism. 

Calming Desert-inspired colours 

Desert-inspired tones led the colour story everywhere. Soft pink blushes, muted oranges, warm browns in cinnamon and chocolate tones with lots of warm earthy beiges were the primary palette. Accents of sage greens and denim blues offered subtle contrast without overwhelming the look.

Vibrant jewel tones in burgundy and emerald added a touch of opulence to the show, especially when paired with luxe fabrics like velvet, which was also a seemingly popular choice. 

Comfort is King 

Comfort was clearly a key trend at this market, with many brands showcasing ultra-plush options and wide, deep seating configurations for peak relaxation. These generous arrangements fostered a slouchy, inviting look that encourages lounging. Roll arms and wide track arms emerged as the top styles, offering a cozy yet structured aesthetic, while soft curved arms complemented the seating beautifully. 

Embracing Texture and Timeless Design 

Channel tufting, a key detail from the previous market, remained highly visible, adding texture and refinement to numerous designs. Exhibitors also embraced plush materials and soft, furry textures to enhance the overall relaxing experience. Additionally, flared and swoop arms made a strong appearance, infusing a retro vintage vibe into the mix. High wide track arms further complemented this trend, providing a contemporary twist on classic forms. Together, these elements contributed to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere focused on comfort and style. 

Overall, this season’s High Point Market embodied a refined simplicity in form, with a richness in colour and texture. Expect these trends to bring warmth, comfort, and timeless style into interiors for the cozy months ahead. 

Discover the Benefits of Science in Design

Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s your personal sanctuary where you unwind and recharge, and it's more important than ever to create a space that nourishes our overall well-being. With over 70 years of expertise in Toronto’s home furnishings market, we’re excited to be Canada’s first Science in Design certified retailer.

But What is Science in Design? 

The unique Science in Design certification course focuses on the impact our surroundings have on our physical and mental health by bringing together elements of neuroscience, psychology, and cutting-edge design principles so our team of consultants and interior decorators are now trained to craft spaces that promote relaxation, increase productivity, and support your overall health.

We are thrilled and proud to be the first and only Canadian retailer to embrace the Science in Design approach. This certification gives our team a whole new level of service and expertise for our clients. We are going beyond selling furniture, and moving towards creating safe and comfortable retreats at home that enhance our clients' lives.

By understanding the subtle ways in which colour, light, patterns, and textures affect our mood and how we think, our team of certified graduates can truly guide clients toward choices that foster relaxation, support productivity, and promote general well-being.

We believe good design has the power to transform lives and with this certification, we're better equipped than ever to understand our clients' needs and create spaces tailor-made for a better everyday experience.

Still questioning whether a beautifully designed home is more than meets the eye?

The Future of Canadian Interior Design

The Chesterfield Shop's forward-thinking approach reflects a broader shift within the home furnishings industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking interior design solutions that prioritize health alongside beautiful aesthetics. The Chesterfield Shop is at the forefront of new trends and innovations in home furnishings and interiors—one that values both aesthetic beauty and well-being to deliver on these needs.

Choosing The Chesterfield Shop means choosing a partner dedicated to your long-term health and happiness. We invite you to experience the Science in Design advantage!

From Sketch to Reality: A Step-by-Step Design Consultation

At The Chesterfield Shop, our mission is to make your vision for your home come to life. Whether you're revamping a single room or transforming your entire home, our design consultants are here to guide you every step of the way. Today, we’re excited to share the story of one of our wonderful clients, Camilla, and her experience working with our talented design consultant, Sandra.

Step 1: Initial Layout and Vision

Sandra’s journey with Camilla began with a rough sketch of her new home’s layout. By understanding the dimensions and flow of the space, Sandra was able to craft a detailed plan that reflected Camilla’s vision. This preliminary sketch was then transformed into a 5D planner, a powerful tool that allowed Camilla to see a more realistic representation of her future space.

Step 2: Choosing the Perfect Pieces

With a clear layout in mind, Sandra and Camilla selected the perfect pieces of furniture for the space. They chose a stylish sofa and chaise, complemented by elegant chairs, an ottoman, and bar stools that perfectly suited Camilla’s needs and preferences. Each piece was carefully selected to ensure it not only fit the space but also enhanced its functionality and aesthetic.

Step 3: Coordinating Fabrics and Leathers

Once the furniture pieces were chosen, Sandra guided Camilla through a diverse selection of fabrics and leathers. This step was crucial in coordinating the overall look of the room. Sandra’s expertise helped Camilla pick out the perfect materials that matched her style and complemented the furniture, adding a touch of elegance and cohesion to the space.

Step 4: Visualizing the Space with 3D Room Configurators

To help Camilla visualize the space more effectively, Sandra utilized a 3D room configurator. This advanced tool allows us to create a detailed, three-dimensional representation of the room. Unlike traditional sketches, 3D configurators provide a realistic view of how furniture and decor will look in the actual space. This step is crucial for understanding how different elements will fit together and ensuring the design aligns with Camilla’s vision.

Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches

To complete the transformation, Sandra suggested adding a couple of carpets to tie the entire look together. The right rugs can make a significant difference in the ambiance of a room, and Sandra’s selections helped to unify the design, making the space feel complete and inviting.

The Result

The final result was a beautifully curated space that perfectly reflected Camilla’s personal style. We’re thrilled to share the pictures of Camilla’s new home, filled with our furniture and showcasing how Sandra’s design expertise brought her vision to life. A big thank you to Camilla for sharing these wonderful images!

If you’re ready to embark on your own design journey, our team of consultants is here to help. From initial sketches to the final touches, we’ll work with you to create a space you’ll love.

Tailored seating solutions for every lifestyle

From cozy urban condos to sprawling suburban homes, Canadians invest time, effort, and creativity into making our dwellings uniquely our own.

Your home is distinct to you- and serves as personal sanctuary, workplace, and social hub (often all at once). This multifaceted use of living space has led to a growing demand for versatile, comfortable seating options. The Chesterfield Shop rises to meet this need with an extensive range of seating solutions designed to complement the diverse lifestyles of Canadian homeowners.

But What Makes the Right Seating Choice?

The Chesterfield Shop's approach to selecting the right seating considers factors such as room size, daily activities, family composition, and long-term comfort. Their team of expert consultants guides customers through this process, ensuring each choice enhances their living experience.

We believe the right seating can transform a house into a home. Our goal is to help customers find pieces that not only look beautiful but also support their unique lifestyle needs.

Sectionals: Versatility for Larger Spaces

Sectional sofas work well in homes with ample room and frequent gatherings. Their adaptability makes them ideal for:

Sofabeds: The Ultimate Space-Savers

The Chesterfield Shop specializes in sofa beds, offering solutions for various living situations:

The latest additions to our sofa bed collection include two innovative power sofabeds from the Luonto brand: the Belton and the Kai. The Belton opens up and out with a remote control, while the Kai features a sliding-out motion that allows users to remain seated during transformation.

Chaises: Maximizing Comfort in Smaller Spaces

For those seeking a middle ground between expansive sectionals and transitional/traditional sofas, chaises offer an elegant solution:

The Chesterfield Shop has a knack for finding the perfect pieces for small-space seating. Versatile pieces like chaises offer the comfort of a sectional without overwhelming more compact rooms.

The Science of Seating

As Canada's first Science in Design Certified retailer, The Chesterfield Shop brings a unique perspective to seating solutions. Their team of certified experts considers factors such as:

The scientific approach of The Chesterfield Shop makes sure that each piece fits the physical space and also contributes positively to the overall atmosphere and well-being of the home.

Experience the Difference

The Chesterfield Shop invites you to experience their diverse range of seating options firsthand. Their showroom allows customers to test furniture in realistic room settings, ensuring comfort and suitability.

Additional services include:

Choosing the right seating is an investment in your daily comfort and well-being. We're here to guide you through that process, ensuring you find pieces that you'll love for years to come.

Visit one of our locations to discover how their innovative seating solutions can enhance your living space and complement your lifestyle.