Wander Around Camden Lock And You’ll Stumble On Armchairs Stacked Outside Shops. They Ain’t Showroom Clean But That’s The Point

Vintage Armchairs, Accent Chairs, and Sofas: retro settee Proper Character for Real Homes I’ve always had a soft spot for old furniture. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. The arms were shiny from years of elbows, but it was part of us. When the East End was full of voices, people kept things for decades. Families saved for months to buy one piece. It’s in the creak when you shift. I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham.

The fabric was stained and faded, but the weight told me it was the real deal. It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays. London’s comfortable home furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Kensington loves velvet, with plush seating. Camden loves the clash, with industrial armchairs. Every corner tells a different story. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Old-school sofas last decades. They remind us life isn’t flawless.

If you ask me straight, retro wins because it’s real. Furniture should live with you. Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, go dig through a car boot. Grab a vintage sofa, and make it part of your story.