Walk Through Portobello Market And You’ll Stumble On Vintage Wingbacks With Cracked Leather. They Ain’t Showroom Clean But That’s What Makes Them Magic

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London I’ve always had a soft spot for old furniture. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. The fabric was torn but held together, but it had heart. Back in the sixties, quirky sofas an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d keep the same chair your whole life. You can feel it when you sit down. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney. The fabric was stained and faded, but you can’t fake that kind of comfort.

It’s become part of my story. Each district carries its own vibe. Chelsea leans plush, with plush seating. Dalston keeps it cheeky, with upcycled seats. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Accent chairs from another era last decades. They carry scratches like tattoos. When it comes down to it, retro armchairs will always beat flat-pack. Furniture should live with you. When you walk past a glossy showroom, wander a street full of second-hand shops.

Pick up a retro armchair, and let it grow with you.