Walk Through Portobello Market And You’ll Stumble On Sofas With Decades Of Life. They Ain’t Showroom Clean 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 furniture. When I was a kid my nan had visit this site right here battered armchair. It weren’t showroom-perfect, but it felt alive. When the East End was full of voices, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d go second-hand classic armchair designs instead of brand accent chair funky new. You can feel it when you sit down. I found a retro accent chair in a Dalston car boot.

It weren’t pretty at first glance, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. That chair still sits in my flat. London’s furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Kensington loves velvet, with plush seating. Shoreditch stays messy, with funky retro chairs. Every corner tells a different story. Showroom sofas don’t talk back. Retro pieces become part of your life. They carry scratches like tattoos. Truth be told, retro wins because it’s real.

Furniture should live with you. If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, take a look at what’s already lived. Save a battered seat, and see how it shapes your nights.