Moving into a student flat ain’t glamorous. The walls were bare, retro style armchair but we gave it soul with furniture. Forget glossy showrooms, so we grabbed second-hand. One mate found a sofa in Hackney. It felt like Shoreditch, but that’s what made it ours. Vintage sofas feel alive, and students get that instinctively. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and the sofa was another character in the story. Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and Smithers down in Shoreditch knows it.

We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the accent chairs were bold and weird. we left with just one piece, but it’s the pride of the living room. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s how you build a home. luxyry armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but vintage carries weight. every stain means another night. After exams and chaos, accent chairs for living room the stress disappears, but that funky accent chair is legend.

So if you’re moving to London, forget the catalogue shine. Grab a retro sofa, and let it shout Shoreditch every time you sit.