Retro Comforts In Shoreditch – A Student’s Tale

When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, but we made it ours. Forget glossy showrooms, so we begged, borrowed and carried. I spotted a funky armchair on Brick Lane. The colours clashed, but that’s what made it real. Funky retro seating has character, and we care more about story than gloss. I’ve fallen asleep in a battered armchair with a book, and the luxury chairs uk became mates.

East London is built on mix and mess, and shops in the area thrive on it. We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. we were broke students, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all dragged furniture through rain. It’s part of student life. Vintage pieces survive it. Brand-new looks boring, but vintage carries weight. every wobble tells the truth. By the end of the year, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh.

When you start student life, don’t waste time on the soulless new. Make space for a classic seat, living room chairs and sofas and make it part of your story.