Wander Around Camden Lock And You’ll Spot Armchairs Stacked Outside Shops. They’ve Aged In Public But That’s Their Story
London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and Sofas Still Rule Vintage sofas just feel more real than anything new. The family armchair was covered in throws but still solid. The arms were shiny from years of elbows, but it had heart. In the days of smoky pubs and jazz clubs, people kept things for decades. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. You can feel it when you sit down. I once pulled a Chesterfield out of a warehouse in Hackney.
The fabric was stained and faded, but you can’t fake that kind of comfort. It’s become part of my story. London’s furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Kensington loves velvet, with plush seating. Camden loves the clash, with funky retro quirky chairs for living room. It’s the mix that makes it all work. Showroom sofas don’t talk back. Accent chairs from another era become part of your life. They carry scratches like tattoos. Here’s the thing, retro wins because it’s real.
An armchair should hug you back. If you’re scrolling catalogue sites, stop and think of the markets. Choose a funky accent chair, and see how it shapes your nights.