Walk Through Portobello Market And You’ll See Vintage Wingbacks With Cracked Leather. They’re Marked And Scarred But That’s Their Story
From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs I can’t walk past a retro armchair without stopping for a look. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, but it felt alive. During the heyday of Soho, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. Chairs lived longer than flats. It’s in the weight of the wood. I found a retro accent chair in a Dalston car boot. The fabric was stained and faded, but the weight told me it was the real deal.
It’s become part of my story. You can tell the area by the chairs. Kensington loves velvet, with velvet armchairs. Brixton thrives on colour, with bold fabrics. The clash gives it character. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Vintage finds last decades. Every stain has a story. Truth be told, retro armchairs will always beat flat-pack. A chair should hold your nights. If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, high-end living room sets take a look at what’s already lived. Grab a vintage sofa, and let it shout London every time you sit.