Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The walls were bare, but we gave it soul with furniture. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we grabbed second-hand. Another dragged a chair from Camden. It felt like Shoreditch, but that’s what made it real. Retro armchairs have weight, and students get that instinctively. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, look at this site and the chairs became mates.

Every warehouse flat tells the same story, and dealers live for it. We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. we left with just one piece, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all begged friends for statement sofas lifts. it’s where life happens. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Brand-new looks boring, but funky chairs grow with you. every wobble tells the truth.

Once the parties are done, the cracked window gets forgotten, but that funky accent chair is legend. When you start student life, skip the flat-pack rubbish. Grab a retro sofa, and see how it shapes your memories.