When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The walls were bare, but we dragged in whatever we could find. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we hunted retro. Someone even nabbed a table from outside a pub. It looked like chaos, but that’s what made it home. Funky retro seating has character, and we care more about story than gloss. I’ve crashed into a leather sofa after a night out, and the chairs became mates. East London is built on mix and high-end living room sets mess, comfort accent chairs and shops in the area thrive on it.

We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, and everything felt alive, not plastic. We couldn’t afford much, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all dragged furniture through rain. it’s half the fun. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Modern stuff? Forget it, but old sofas age into character. every stain means another night. After exams and chaos, the stress disappears, but the armchair stays in your mind. So if you’re moving to London, forget the catalogue shine.

Make space for a classic seat, and watch it age with you.