Lose Yourself In Deptford Market And You’ll See Vintage Wingbacks With Cracked Leather. They’ve Aged In Public But That’s Their Story

London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and prev Sofas Still Rule I’ve always had a soft spot for old furniture. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. It sagged in the middle and funky arm chair smelled faintly of tea, but it felt alive. When the East End was full of voices, furniture meant something. Families saved for months to buy one piece. It’s in the weight of the wood. I found a retro accent chair in a Dalston car boot. Some would’ve laughed at the state of it, but I knew straight away it had something.

That chair still sits in my flat. Each district carries its own vibe. Mayfair goes glossy, with grand accent chairs. Dalston keeps it cheeky, leather armchair green with industrial armchairs. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Armchairs with scars become part of your life. They remind us life isn’t flawless. When it comes down to it, retro wins because it’s real. Your seat should outlast the years. So next time you’re tempted by something new, go dig through a car boot.

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