Try Anthropologie. I bought a floor sample, and they slashed the price.

The Crate and Barrel Taylor sofa isn't a full-on chesterfield (it has loose back cushions) but the shape is the same, it comes in fabric and costs about half what Restoration Hardware does.

Jayson Home and Garden? They have a 92" w sofa for $1995.

If you're in Chicago, they are having their warehouse sale this weekend. I've heard it's really good!

Try Ethan Allen's Chadwick or Whittaker sofas - super comfortable!

If you are near DC, you may want to check out Urban Retreat Furniture, which contracts with makers to build furniture that is nearly identical to products from Pottery Barn, C&B and others. I'd stay away from the sleeper sofas because those are rarely good anywhere but the rest of the stuff is great!

Try Arhaus, I'm not sure if it's cheaper, but they have some good options.

http://www.arhaus.com/furniture/living-room-furniture/sofas/12307CHES/

The Chester from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: http://www.mgbwhome.com/CHESTER-XL-100-SOFA-P10102.aspx

Right now, if you look on www.gilt.com, there are three available for an okay price. There are some more colorful ones also at anthro. They are not the MOST expensive that I have seen, but i can't speak to the quality. also, i think there is one on sale right now at macys, which is the cheapest of them all.

In case you couldn't tell, I've been on the hunt too! Good luck!

This is a little bit more modern looking than a traditional chesterfield but has a similar look... http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/natalie-sofa?ID=583529&swatchColor=mustard
This one is probably a bit closer to the traditional look... http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-annalisa-sofa?ID=512010&swatchColor=No%20Color

The Ethan allen ones are great because you can pick your fabric...thanks for the tip!

Macy's had a lot of options for fabric choices for their Chole sofa, even a gorgeous sage green! The sofa is only $699 too! http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/chloe-velvet-metro-living-sofa?ID=351407&CategoryID=35419#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D424

I also vote for Ethan Allen

Urban Outfitters.

I own this exact sofa from Restoration. Got it more than a year ago. 10 foot long, custom velvet, .. and $3750 instead of 5K.

I got it for this price through luck and looking pathetic. I stalked the couch -- walked into the RH every time I was near, sat on it, talked to the couch ladies about it. We discussed price, what uphosltery is best to avoid cat scratches (velvet -- they were write). They work on commission. Everytime they asked me if I wanted to write up my order, I said I was saiving up, couldnt afford it right then. One of them I hit it off with -- and she offered me a 10 eprcent discount. Its called a "move in" discount. Not sure why. I hemmed and hawed for awhile, then took it. I called RH, asked to speak to her, They said she wanst there but I could place my order with anyone. I said: no I'll wait for my girl. And its a good thing I did. My 10 percent offer had expired, but she had arranged with her manager to give me a designer discount (maybe because I talked about my blog a lot) I dont know, but $3750 later -- including delivery -- I had my 10 foot couch. I love it -- its very deep, so I need lots of pillows to prop me up. Great for naps, and two adults can stretch out and read the paper end to end. easy fit for 4 people during a party.
pam h
howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com

you can see it here: http://howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-is-for-you-blackbird-merry.html

so the moral is: be straight up that you can't afford it. They do have wiggle room, and want to move couches. They have to sell a certain number of gooods every month, each one of the salespeople. They make deals. You can also go to an RH outlet and see what they have. There is one in Leesburg. Va.
pam h
howtorunyourlife.blogspot

This Old Hickory one is on sale, these are made very well.
http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod69240115

If you have an Amex, and a looot of points, you can get a gift certificate to RH. THis is how we afforded our drapery for our living room!

So, I work at restoration hardware. I can say that the quality is there, I just find the delivery system a bit ridiculous. If you're paying that much for a sofa, you shouldn't have to pay for delivery too.
Also, we don't work on commission (sadly) and they (the company higher ups) have really cracked down on unapproved discounts. But the friends and family sale will get you 20% off, which is a good deal.
Just when you buy it, make sure you can get it into your home.
And look around for the best price and save up for when you want it.

This is the macy's one i was talking about - can't really tell about the color, but you can order a swatch. total (after shipping and tax) comes to $1600 - not bad.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/martha-stewart-living-room-furniture-sets-pieces-saybridge?ID=625490&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

My next sofa purchase is going to be for the long term - the natuzzi lasted almost 20 years and I'm hoping for at least the same. I've read that RH quality has declined since production moved to China. I'm starting to care more about buying US-made furniture.

Anyway - the Mitchell Gold tight seat looks best to me. It's not quite as deep as the Ethan Allen Whitaker. Anyone sat on both?