From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and Armchairs There’s something about vintage pieces that grabs me. Growing up, there was a sofa in our house that had seen it all. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it told a story. In the days of smoky pubs and jazz clubs, people kept things for decades. Families saved for unique armchairs uk months to buy one piece. It’s in the weight of the wood.

I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden. Most people would have walked on, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. It’s become part of my story. Furniture in London shifts with the postcode. Belgravia keeps it polished, with plush seating. Brixton thrives on colour, with funky retro comfort accent chairs. Every corner tells a different story. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Retro pieces become part of your life. They’re not perfect, but neither are we.

Truth be told, retro wins because it’s real. Your seat should outlast the years. So next time you’re tempted by something new, stop and think of the markets. Take home something with scars, and make it part of your story.