Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London

Vintage sofas just feel more real than anything new. Growing up, there was a sofa in our house that had seen it all. The arms were shiny from years of elbows, but it had heart.


During the heyday of Soho, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. It’s in the creak when you shift.

I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney. The fabric was stained and faded, but I knew straight away it had something. It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays.

You can tell the area by the chairs. Belgravia keeps it polished, with grand accent chairs. Hackney keeps it raw, with upcycled seats. It’s the mix that makes it all work.

Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Old-school sofas get better with years. Every stain has a story.

Truth be told, retro wins because it’s real. Furniture should live with you.

Before what do you think grab a soulless bargain, stop and think of the markets. Grab a vintage sofa, and watch it age alongside you.