Lose yourself in Deptford Market and you’ll spot funky accent chairs in bold fabrics. They’re marked and scarred, but that’s what makes them magic

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London Retro chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. Growing up, there was a sofa in our house that had seen it all. It weren’t showroom-perfect, but it told a story. When the East End was full of voices, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d go second-hand instead of brand new. It’s in the creak when you shift. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden. It weren’t pretty at first glance, high-end living room sets but I knew straight away it had something.

That chair still sits in my flat. You can tell the area by the chairs. Chelsea leans plush, with velvet armchairs. Brixton thrives on colour, with mismatched sofas. It’s the mix that makes it all work. The catalogue stuff has no soul. Retro pieces get better with years. They carry scratches like tattoos. At the end of the day, retro wins because it’s real. Your seat should outlast the years. Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, step into a dusty warehouse.

Pick up a retro armchair, and watch it age alongside you.