From Markets to Mansions: London’s Love for Vintage Sofas and luxyry armchairs I can’t walk past a retro armchair without stopping for a look. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and funky chairs for living room sagging. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it was part of us. When the East End was full of voices, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d keep the same chair your whole life. That history clings to vintage pieces. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden.

The legs were wobbling, but the weight told me it was the real deal. It’s become part of my story. London’s furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Belgravia keeps it polished, with buttoned wingbacks. Camden loves the clash, with bold fabrics. The clash gives it character. Mass-produced pieces fade in months. Armchairs with scars last decades. They remind us life isn’t flawless. Here’s the thing, unique armchair retro wins because it’s real. An armchair should hug you back.

When you walk past a glossy showroom, step into a dusty warehouse. Pick up a retro armchair, and see how it shapes your nights.