First year in London was chaos. The walls were bare, but we gave it soul with furniture. No student can afford Mayfair prices, so we bartered with old dealers. Someone even nabbed a table from outside a pub. Nothing matched the walls, but that’s what made it ours. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and unusual armchairs uk it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve balanced takeaway boxes on a mismatched chair, art deco style settees and the chairs became mates. Markets spill luxury chairs uk onto the streets, and dealers live for it.

One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. We couldn’t afford much, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s where life happens. Retro sofas don’t care if you spill. Mass production doesn’t care, but funky chairs grow with you. every dent becomes part of the flat. Looking back after twelve months, the cracked window gets forgotten, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh.

When you start student life, forget the catalogue shine. Choose a funky accent chair, and let it shout Shoreditch every time you sit.