London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and Sofas Still Rule I’ve always had a soft spot for home seating solutions old furniture. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. It weren’t showroom-perfect, leather armchair green but it told a story. When the East End was full of voices, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. You’d keep the same chair your whole life. That history clings to vintage pieces. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney.

It weren’t pretty at first glance, but you can’t fake that kind of comfort. It’s outlasted three flats and two relationships. Each district carries its own vibe. Chelsea leans plush, with grand accent chairs. Shoreditch stays messy, with upcycled seats. The clash gives it character. Showroom sofas don’t talk back. Old-school sofas last decades. They’re not perfect, but neither are we. Here’s the thing, a battered sofa tells more truth than any showroom.

Furniture should live with you. If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, wander a street full of second-hand shops. Grab a vintage sofa, and let it grow with you.