Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The walls were bare, but we gave it soul with furniture. New furniture is soulless, so we grabbed second-hand. Another dragged a chair from Camden. It looked like chaos, but that’s what made it home. Retro armchairs have weight, and students get that instinctively. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and the chairs became mates. Retro furniture feels natural here, and dealers live for it.

One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. 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 how you build a home. accent chair and sofa chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Mass production doesn’t care, but old sofas age into character. Every scratch adds more story. When you’re moving out, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, but the armchair stays in your mind.

When you think furniture, forget the catalogue shine. Pick up a vintage armchair, and let it carry your student nights.