Walk Through Portobello Market And You’ll Stumble On Sofas With Decades Of Life. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s Their Story

London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and Sofas Still Rule I’ve always had a soft spot for old family-friendly furniture. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. It weren’t showroom-perfect, but it was part of us. When London was swinging, you didn’t buy throwaway chairs. You’d go second-hand instead of brand new. That history clings to vintage pieces. I bartered for a sofa on Brick Lane one rainy morning. Most people would have walked on, sofa with accent chair but as soon as I sat down it felt right.

It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays. Each district carries its own vibe. Chelsea leans plush, with grand accent chairs. Shoreditch stays messy, with upcycled seats. It’s the mix that makes it all work. The catalogue stuff has no soul. Old-school sofas last decades. They’re not perfect, but neither are we. When it comes down to it, retro armchairs will always beat flat-pack. A chair should hold your nights. Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, go dig through a car boot.

Take home something with scars, and let it grow with you.