Take A Stroll In Spitalfields And You’ll Notice Funky Accent Chairs In Bold Fabrics. They Ain’t Showroom Clean But That’s What Gives Them Life

From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs I can’t walk past a retro style settees armchair without stopping for a look. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and sagging. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it was part of us. In the days of smoky pubs and jazz clubs, you didn’t buy throwaway chairs. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. It’s in the weight of the wood. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney.

Most people would have walked on, but the weight told me it was the real deal. It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays. Furniture in London shifts with the postcode. Kensington loves velvet, with plush seating. Camden loves the clash, with upcycled seats. The clash gives it character. The catalogue stuff has no soul. Retro pieces grow with you. They’re not perfect, but neither are we. At the end of the day, an old funky accent chair means more than new gloss.

Furniture should live with you. Before you grab a soulless bargain, take a look at what’s already lived. Take home something with scars, and see how it shapes your nights.