Unspoken Class Politics of Aristocratic SOFAS

Why do the royal sofas in The Crown feel so luxurious—even when they look old? Welcome to the unspoken class politics of aristocratic furniture.

Inspired by The Crown and specifically the iconic Michael Fagan episode, this video dives deep into how something as seemingly ordinary as a sofa reveals centuries of power, privilege, and hidden social hierarchy. Why does the aging of a royal sofa become "patina," while the same aging in a working-class home is just "wear and tear"? And why do these same dynamics still shape the spaces we live in today?

From the origins of the Chesterfield and canapé to the feeling of sinking into aristocratic comfort, we’ll explore how seating has always been about more than just rest—it's about who belongs, who stands, and who gets to age with dignity.

If you love: 🎬 The Crown
🎥 Video essays on class, design, and culture
🏛️ History of aristocracy
🛋️ And the secret language of interiors

...then this is the video for you.

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