Take A Stroll In Spitalfields And You’ll See Armchairs Stacked Outside Shops. They’re Marked And Scarred But That’s The Charm

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London I can’t walk past a retro armchair without stopping for a look. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, funky chair but it had heart. When the East End was full of voices, furniture meant something. You’d go second-hand instead of brand new. It’s in the weight of the wood. I bartered chairs for living room leather a sofa on Brick Lane one rainy morning.

It weren’t pretty at first glance, but the history spoke louder than the flaws. It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays. Every borough in London has its own taste. Hampstead stays calm, with buttoned wingbacks. Hackney keeps it raw, with bold fabrics. Every corner tells a different story. Showroom sofas don’t talk back. Armchairs with scars get better with years. They remind us life isn’t flawless. Here’s the thing, I’ll pick a vintage sofa over new every time.

A sofa should tell your story. Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, go dig through a car boot. Grab a vintage sofa, unique armchair and let it grow with you.