Wander Around Camden Lock And You’ll See Funky Accent Chairs In Bold Fabrics. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s What Makes Them Magic

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London 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 told a story. Back in the sixties, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d go second-hand instead of brand new. It’s in the sag of the springs. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney.

The fabric was stained and faded, but the history spoke louder than the flaws. That chair still sits in my flat. Every borough in London has its own taste. Belgravia keeps it polished, with buttoned wingbacks. Hackney keeps it raw, with mismatched sofas. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Old-school sofas age with dignity. Every stain has a story. Truth be told, retro style armchair wins because it’s real.

Furniture should live with you. So next time you’re tempted by something new, step into a dusty warehouse. Choose a funky accent chair, and see how it shapes your nights.