Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The windows rattled in the wind, but we dragged in whatever we could find. No student can afford Mayfair prices, so we searched markets. I spotted a funky armchair on Brick Lane. Nothing matched the walls, but that’s why it worked. Old accent chairs carry memory, and we don’t need polish, we need real. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and every time it felt right. Retro furniture feels natural here, and chuyendoixanh.org designers take inspiration from it.

We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, and the accent chairs were bold and weird. we left with just one piece, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. We’ve all dragged furniture through rain. It’s part of student life. Armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them. Brand-new looks boring, but old sofas age into character. every creak is another laugh. After exams and chaos, you don’t remember the kettle, but the armchair stays in your mind.

So if you’re moving to London, leave the glossy showrooms behind. Choose a funky accent chair, and let it carry your student nights.