When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The windows rattled in the wind, but we gave it soul with furniture. Forget glossy showrooms, so we bartered with old dealers. We carried a wingback through Dalston. The colours clashed, but that’s what gave it soul. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and we care more about story than gloss. I’ve balanced takeaway boxes on a mismatched chair, and the sofa was another character in the story.

Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and designers take inspiration from it. We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, couch vintage style and the place was full of funky retro chairs. We couldn’t afford much, but it’s survived three house parties and bedroom chair vintage a flood. Every student flat tells the same story. it’s half the fun. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Modern stuff? Forget it, but funky chairs grow with you. every wobble tells the truth. When you’re moving out, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, but that funky accent chair is legend.

When you start student life, leave the glossy showrooms behind. Pick up a vintage accent chair armchair, and see how it shapes your memories.