First year in London was chaos. The windows rattled in the wind, but we filled it with life. Forget glossy showrooms, so we grabbed second-hand. I spotted a funky armchair on Brick Lane. Everything mismatched, but that’s what made it real. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and we don’t need polish, we need real. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, vintage style armchair and the chairs became mates. Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and designers take inspiration from it.

My flatmate dragged me into Smithers, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. money was tight, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s half the fun. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but funky chairs grow with you. Every scratch adds more story. Looking back after twelve months, the cracked window gets forgotten, sofa with accent chair but you remember the sofa. When you think furniture, don’t waste time on the soulless new.

Pick up a vintage style leather armchair armchair, and see how it shapes your memories.

From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs Retro chairs fabric and leather couches sofas have been part of my life for years. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, unique settee but it carried memories. Back in the sixties, people kept things for decades. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. You can feel it when you sit down. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney. Some would’ve laughed at the state of it, but as soon as I sat down it felt right.

Friends always fight to sit in it. Every borough in London has its own taste. Mayfair goes glossy, with deep sofas. Camden loves the clash, with industrial armchairs. London wouldn’t be London without the variety. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Retro pieces get better with years. Every creak is a memory. When it comes down to it, sofas and armchairs uk retro wins because it’s real. Furniture should live with you. Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, take a look at what’s already lived.

Pick up a retro armchair, and watch it age alongside you.