Lose Yourself In Deptford Market And You’ll Spot Retro Sofas Piled High. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s The Point

From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs I can’t walk past a retro traditional armchair without stopping for a look. My first memory of proper furniture is my grandad’s wingback chair. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it told a story. When the East End was full of voices, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. Families saved for months to buy one piece. It’s in the sag of the springs.

I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham. The legs were wobbling, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. That chair still sits in my flat. You can tell the area by the chairs. Chelsea leans plush, with buttoned wingbacks. Dalston keeps it cheeky, with bold fabrics. Every corner tells a different story. New furniture looks dead next to vintage. Vintage finds grow with you. They remind us life isn’t flawless.

At the end of the day, retro armchairs will always beat flat-pack. A chair should hold your nights. Before you grab a soulless bargain, take a look at what’s already lived. Save a battered seat, and watch it age alongside you.