Retro Sofas and Funky Chairs – A Real London Story Vintage sofas just feel more real than anything new. When I was a kid my nan had this battered armchair. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, but it carried memories. During the heyday of Soho, people kept things for decades. You’d keep the same chair your whole life. It’s in the creak when you shift. I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham.

The legs were wobbling, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. It’s become part of my story. You can tell the area by the chairs. Belgravia keeps it polished, with velvet luxyry armchairs. Camden loves the clash, with upcycled seats. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Armchairs with scars age with dignity. Every stain has a story. Truth be told, a battered sofa tells more truth than any showroom.

A chair should hold your nights. When you walk past a glossy showroom, stop and think of the markets. Take home something with scars, and let it grow with you.