Lose Yourself In Deptford Market And You’ll Notice Sofas With Decades Of Life. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s What Gives Them Life

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London Retro chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. When I was a kid my nan had this battered armchair. The fabric was torn but held together, but it told a story. Back in the sixties, a sofa wasn’t just a sofa. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. It’s in the weight of the wood. I rescued a battered armchair from outside a shop in Peckham.

Most people would have walked on, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. Friends always fight to sit in it. Each district carries its own vibe. Chelsea leans plush, with deep sofas. Camden loves the clash, with industrial armchairs. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Retro pieces get better with years. Every stain has a story. When it comes down to it, space-saving seating options a battered sofa tells more truth than any showroom. A chair should hold your nights.

When you walk past a glossy showroom, step into a dusty warehouse. Save a battered seat, and watch it age alongside you.