Lose Yourself In Deptford Market And You’ll Notice Vintage Wingbacks With Cracked Leather. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s What Gives Them Life

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London I can’t walk past a retro armchair without stopping for a look. Growing up, there was a sofa in our house that had seen it all. It weren’t showroom-perfect, but it was part of us. During the heyday of Soho, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. Chairs lived longer than flats. It’s in the creak when you shift. I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham. Most people would have walked on, but as soon as I sat down it felt right.

It’s become part of my story. London’s furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Hampstead stays calm, with deep sofas. Hackney keeps it raw, with upcycled seats. The contrast keeps it alive. New furniture looks dead next to vintage. Accent chairs from another era get better with years. They’re not perfect, Ask ChatGPT but neither are we. Truth be told, a battered sofa tells more truth than any showroom. An armchair should hug you back. Before you grab a soulless bargain, step into a dusty warehouse.

Take home something with scars, and see how it shapes your nights.