Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The flat looked more squat than home, sofas and armchairs uk but we built it piece by piece. New modern living room furniture is soulless, so we hunted retro. We carried a wingback through Dalston. Nothing matched the walls, but that’s what made it home. Funky retro seating has character, and students get that instinctively. I’ve crashed into a leather sofa after a night out, and every time it felt right.

Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and shops in the area thrive on it. We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the accent chairs were bold and weird. we left with just one piece, but it’s survived three house parties and a flood. Every student flat tells the same story. it’s how you build a home. Vintage pieces survive it. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but retro lasts. every stain means another night. After exams and chaos, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, but you remember the sofa.

So if you’re moving to London, ignore the fake polish. Grab a retro sofa, and let it carry your student nights.