I’ve been in the trade man and boy for decades. Around these West End streets, sofas and armchairs uk buying is about more than comfort. Designers with clients in tow, and they all want a piece that speaks. A battered old wingback, never fails to speak up. There was a velvet sofa that went to a townhouse in Chelsea, and he told me years later it was still going strong. That’s the point with retro. People wander past the big chains, but eventually they realise.

Fabric frays fast, luxyry armchairs whereas vintage lasts. This city speaks through its homes. Hampstead seeks calm, with buttoned wingbacks. Dalston experimental, with upcycled seats. That’s the charm. Let me put it plainly, accent chairs outlive their buyers. Flat-pack won’t do that. I still walk my warehouse floors, and the real thing speaks. History sits with you. So when you’re tempted by the new, think again. Choose a funky accent chair, and watch it age gracefully.