Take A Stroll In Spitalfields And You’ll Notice Funky Accent Chairs In Bold Fabrics. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s Their Story
Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London Retro unique chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it was part of us. Back in the sixties, people kept things for decades. Families saved for months to buy one piece. It’s in the creak when you shift. I bartered for a sofa on Brick Lane one rainy morning. Some would’ve laughed at the state of it, old fashioned armchair but as soon as I sat down it felt right.
That chair still sits in my flat. Every borough in London has its own taste. Kensington loves velvet, with buttoned wingbacks. Brixton thrives on colour, with upcycled seats. Every corner tells a different story. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Old-school sofas get better with years. They carry scratches like tattoos. Truth be told, retro wins because it’s real. A sofa should tell your story. When you walk past a glossy showroom, go dig through a car boot.
Grab a vintage sofa, and watch it age alongside you.