Retro Comforts In Shoreditch – A Student’s Tale

When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The flat looked more squat than home, but we filled it with life. IKEA lasts a term at best, single long chair so we searched markets. We carried a wingback through Dalston. Everything mismatched, but that’s why it worked. Funky retro seating has character, and students get that instinctively. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and the chairs became mates. East London is built on mix and mess, and shops in the area thrive on it.

We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, and everything felt alive, not plastic. We couldn’t afford much, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all shoved sofas and armchairs uk through windows. it’s how you build a home. 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. After exams and chaos, you don’t remember the kettle, but that funky accent chair is legend.

Next time you walk past a market, retro style armchair don’t waste time on the soulless new. Pick up a vintage armchair, and see how it shapes your memories.