Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The carpet smelled like beer, but we gave it soul with furniture. Forget glossy showrooms, so we begged, sofasdirect.com borrowed and carried. I spotted a funky armchair on Brick Lane. It looked like chaos, but that’s why it worked. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and it fits our lifestyle. I’ve crashed into a leather sofa after a night out, and every time it felt right.

Retro furniture feels natural here, and designers take inspiration from it. One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and the accent chairs were bold and retro style sofa bed weird. money was tight, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. It’s part of student life. Vintage pieces survive it. Brand-new looks boring, but old sofas age into character. every dent becomes part of the flat. After exams and chaos, the stress disappears, but that funky accent chair is legend.

When you think furniture, leave the glossy showrooms behind. Choose a funky accent chair, and watch it age with you.