Student living in East London is messy but fun. The windows rattled in the wind, but we filled it with life. Forget glossy showrooms, so we hunted retro style sofa bed. We carried a wingback through Dalston. Everything mismatched, but that’s what made it ours. Funky retro seating has character, and it fits our lifestyle. I’ve balanced takeaway boxes on a mismatched chair, and the chairs became mates. East London is built on mix and mess, art deco style settees and shops in the area thrive on it.

One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. We couldn’t afford much, but that chair still sits in the flat. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s where life happens. Armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but old sofas age into character. every wobble tells the truth. After exams and chaos, you don’t remember the kettle, but the armchair stays in your mind.

If you find yourself in a Shoreditch flat, skip the flat-pack rubbish. Make space for a classic seat, and let it shout Shoreditch every time you sit.