Wander Around Camden Lock And You’ll Notice Funky Accent Chairs In Bold Fabrics. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s Their Story

London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and Sofas Still Rule

I can’t walk past a retro armchair without stopping for a look. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and sagging. It weren’t showroom-perfect, but it told a story.


Back in the sixties, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. Families saved for months to buy one piece. It’s in the sag of the springs.

I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a knockout post warehouse in Hackney. The fabric was stained and faded, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. It’s outlasted three flats and two relationships.

Furniture in London shifts with the postcode. Chelsea leans plush, with grand accent chairs. Camden loves the clash, with industrial armchairs. The contrast keeps it alive.

Showroom sofas don’t talk back. Accent chairs from another era age with dignity. They’re not perfect, but neither are we.

At the end of the day, an old funky accent chair means more than new gloss. An armchair should hug you back.

So next time you’re tempted by something new, go dig through a car boot. Choose a funky accent chair, and watch it age alongside you.