When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The carpet smelled like beer, but we made it ours. Forget glossy showrooms, so we searched markets. Someone even nabbed a table from outside a pub. It felt like Shoreditch, but that’s what made it ours. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and we care more about story than gloss. I’ve fallen asleep in a battered armchair with a book, and the furniture was part of the night.

Retro furniture feels natural here, and dealers live for it. I stopped by Smithers looking for nothing, and the place was full of funky retro chairs. we left with just one piece, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. Every student flat tells the same story. It’s part of student life. Furniture with scars feels built for students. Brand-new looks boring, but old sofas age into character. every wobble tells the truth. Looking back after twelve months, you don’t remember the kettle, but the armchair stays in your mind.

When you start student life, don’t waste time on the soulless new. Take comfortable home furniture something with scars, and watch it age with you.