Student living in East London is messy but fun. The windows rattled in the wind, but we gave it soul with furniture. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we searched markets. One mate found a sofa in Hackney. The colours clashed, but that’s what gave it soul. Funky retro seating has character, and it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve crashed into a leather sofa after a night out, and every time it felt right.

Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and dealers live for it. My flatmate dragged me into Smithers, and everything felt alive, not plastic. we had to haggle, but everyone fights to sit in it. Ask around and you’ll hear it. it’s half the fun. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Modern stuff? Forget it, but funky chairs grow with you. every stain means another night. Once the parties are done, you don’t remember the kettle, but the armchair stays in your mind.

If you find yourself in a Shoreditch flat, ignore the fake polish. Pick up a vintage armchair, luxyry armchairs and let it carry your student nights.