Wander around Camden Lock and you’ll find sofas with decades of life. They’re marked and scarred, but that’s the charm

Why Retro Furniture Still Beats Flat-Pack in London Retro chairs and sofas have been part of my life for years. We had an old floral sofa that was patched and sagging. It sagged in the middle and smelled faintly of tea, but it had heart. When London was swinging, stylish upholstered seating furniture meant something. Families saved for months to buy one piece. You can feel it when you sit down. I dragged a velvet armchair home from Camden. The legs were wobbling, but as soon as I sat down it felt right.

It’s carried me through late nights and lazy Sundays. Each district carries its own vibe. Hampstead stays calm, with buttoned wingbacks. Brixton thrives on colour, with bold fabrics. The contrast keeps it alive. Modern flat-pack doesn’t hold a candle. Armchairs with scars age with dignity. They’re not perfect, but neither are we. If you ask me straight, an old funky accent chair means more than new gloss.

A sofa should tell your story. So next time you’re tempted by something new, step into a dusty warehouse. Save a battered seat, and let it grow with you.