Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London Retro chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and sagging. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it had heart. When London was swinging, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. Families saved for months to buy one piece. You can feel it when you sit down. I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham. Some would’ve laughed at the state of it, but the weight told me it was the real deal.

It’s become part of my story. Each district carries its own vibe. Belgravia keeps it polished, with buttoned wingbacks. Shoreditch stays messy, with industrial armchairs. The contrast keeps it alive. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Accent chairs from another era become part of your life. They carry scratches like tattoos. Truth be told, I’ll pick a couch vintage style sofa over new every time. An armchair should hug you back.

When you walk past a glossy showroom, take a look at what’s already lived. Pick up a retro armchair, and see how it shapes your nights.