Head Down Brick Lane On A Saturday And You’ll Find Sofas With Decades Of Life. They’re Marked And Scarred But That’s Their Story

From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs I’ve always had a soft spot for old modern living room furniture. When I was a kid my nan had this battered armchair. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, but it had heart. During the heyday of Soho, people kept things for decades. You’d go second-hand instead of brand new. You can feel it when you sit down. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney.

Most people would have walked on, but you can’t fake that kind of comfort. It’s become part of my story. Furniture in London shifts with the postcode. Chelsea leans plush, with deep sofas. Brixton thrives on colour, with upcycled seats. It’s the mix that makes it all work. The catalogue stuff has no soul. Vintage finds last decades. Every creak is a memory. When it comes down to it, an old funky accent chair means more than new gloss. An armchair should hug you back.

If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, vintage style armchair step into a dusty warehouse. Choose a funky accent chair, and let it grow with you.