Walk Through Portobello Market And You’ll Find Funky Accent Chairs In Bold Fabrics. They’ve Got Stains And Creaks But That’s What Gives Them Life

London’s Retro Revival: Why Vintage Armchairs and contemporary leather armchair Sofas Still Rule

There’s something about vintage pieces that grabs me. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and sagging. It was worn, patched, and squeaky, vintage accent chairs but it told a story.


When London was swinging, furniture meant something. Families saved for months to buy one piece. That history clings to vintage pieces.

I found a retro accent chair in a Dalston car boot. Some would’ve laughed at the state of it, but I knew straight away it had something. It’s become part of my story.

You can tell the area by the chairs. Belgravia keeps it polished, with deep sofas. Shoreditch stays messy, with industrial armchairs. It’s the mix that makes it all work.

New furniture looks dead next to vintage. Old-school sofas grow with you. Every stain has a story.

When it comes down to it, an old funky accent chair means more than new gloss. A chair should hold your nights.

Next time you’re thinking of flat-pack, go dig through a car boot. Grab a vintage sofa, and let it grow with you.