Wander around Camden Lock and you’ll stumble on retro sofas piled high. They ain’t showroom clean, but that’s the point
Vintage Armchairs, Accent Chairs, and Sofas: Proper Character for Real Homes I’ve always had a soft spot for old furniture. When I was a kid my nan had this battered armchair. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it told a story. In the days of smoky pubs and jazz clubs, an armchair wasn’t just a seat. You’d hand down sofas from parents to kids. It’s in the sag of the springs. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden.
The fabric was stained and faded, but as soon as I sat down it felt right. Friends always fight to sit in it. London’s family-friendly furniture scene splits by neighbourhood. Mayfair goes glossy, with plush seating. Camden loves the clash, with industrial armchairs. London wouldn’t be London without the variety. New furniture looks dead next to vintage. Vintage finds become part of your life. Every creak is a memory. Truth be told, retro wins because it’s real. Your seat should outlast the years.
Before you grab a soulless bargain, wander a street full of second-hand shops. Take home something with scars, and see how it shapes your nights.