Take A Stroll In Spitalfields And You’ll Find Retro Sofas Piled High. They Ain’t Showroom Clean But That’s The Charm
From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs Retro chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, but it had heart. In the days of smoky pubs and jazz clubs, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. You’d keep the same chair your whole life. That history clings to vintage pieces. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden.
It weren’t pretty at first glance, but you can’t fake that kind of comfort. It’s outlasted three flats and two relationships. Each district carries its own vibe. Kensington loves velvet, with deep sofas. Shoreditch stays messy, with mismatched sofas. The contrast keeps it alive. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Armchairs with scars last decades. They remind us life isn’t flawless. When it comes down to it, art deco style settees retro armchairs will always beat flat-pack.
A chair should hold your nights. So next time you’re tempted by something new, stop and think of the markets. Choose a funky accent chair, and watch it age alongside you.