Lose Yourself In Deptford Market And You’ll See Vintage Wingbacks With Cracked Leather. They’ve Aged In Public But That’s The Point
From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs I’ve always had a soft spot for old furniture. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it was part of us. During the heyday of Soho, furniture meant something. Chairs lived longer than flats. It’s in the creak when you shift. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden.
The fabric was stained and faded, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. It’s become part of my story. London’s furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Chelsea leans plush, with deep sofas. Shoreditch stays messy, sofa with accent chair industrial armchairs. London wouldn’t be London without the variety. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Retro pieces age with dignity. Every stain has a story. At the end of the day, retro wins because it’s real. A chair should hold your nights.
If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, step into a dusty warehouse. Pick up a retro armchair, and let it grow with you.