When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, but we gave it soul with furniture. No student can afford Mayfair prices, so we begged, borrowed and carried. We carried a wingback through Dalston. Everything mismatched, unusual chair but that’s what made it real. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and students get that instinctively. I’ve fallen asleep in a battered armchair with a book, and every time it felt right.

Shoreditch is perfect for this life, and designers take inspiration from it. One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and classic armchairs the vintage unique armchairs uk carried scars I loved. money was tight, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all shoved sofas through windows. it’s where life happens. Retro sofas don’t care if you spill. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but old sofas age into character. every stain means another night. Looking back after twelve months, the stress disappears, but the armchair stays in your mind.

So if you’re moving to London, ignore the fake polish. Choose a funky accent chair, and make it part of your story.