Moving into a student flat ain’t glamorous. The flat looked more squat than home, classic armchairs but we dragged in whatever we could find. Forget glossy showrooms, so we hunted retro. We carried a wingback through Dalston. The colours clashed, but that’s what made it real. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and we don’t need polish, we need real. I’ve balanced takeaway boxes on a mismatched chair, and the sofa was another character in the story. Shoreditch is perfect for this life, and Smithers down in Shoreditch knows it.

We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the place was full of funky retro chairs. money was tight, but it’s the pride of the living room. Ask around and you’ll hear it. It’s part of student life. Vintage pieces survive it. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but funky chairs grow with you. every dent becomes part of the flat. Once the parties are done, you don’t remember the kettle, but that funky accent chair is legend.

When you start student life, quirky chairs ignore the fake polish. Pick up a vintage armchair, and statement sofas watch it age with you.