When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The carpet smelled like beer, sofasdirect.com but we filled it with life. New furniture is soulless, so we hunted retro. Another dragged a chair from Camden. It looked like chaos, but that’s what gave it soul. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve watched half my flat pass out across two chairs, and the chairs became mates. Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and dealers live for it.

We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. 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. Armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them. Brand-new looks boring, but old sofas age into character. every stain means another night. By the end of the year, the broken toaster doesn’t matter, cool armchairs but the armchair stays in your mind.

Next time you walk past a market, skip the flat-pack rubbish. Choose a funky accent chair, and let it carry your student nights.