I grew up amongst furniture, and I’ve never left it. Here in Mayfair, folk are not merely choosing somewhere to park themselves. Young men with new flats, and they all want character. A vintage sofa, carries the room. One battered club chair was claimed for a Notting Hill film set, and home seating solutions it carried his family through generations. This is why old beats new. They fall for fashion too quickly, but they find themselves in Mayfair again.
Modern things break, whereas old chairs carry life. Every part of London tells a different story. Kensington demands velvet, with deep seats. Camden stays chaotic, armchairs vintage design with loud armchairs. That’s the mix. I’ll tell you something else, accent chairs outlive their buyers. Modern factory pieces can’t compete. I still check the stitching for strength, and the difference is clear. History sits with you. When a showroom tempts you, step back. Pick up a retro armchair, and watch it age gracefully.
