Tully Barrel Chair (also known as a Tub Chair or Club Chair)
Seating — Upholstered Armchair · Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Revival (2010–Present) · Likely manufactured for a mass-market retailer such as Target (Threshold brand), Wayfair, or Walmart. It design-mimics several high-end Scandinavian silhouettes.
Type
Seating — Upholstered Armchair
Style Period
Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Revival (2010–Present)
Material
Polyester microsuede fabric, solid rubberwood legs, foam padding, and an engineered wood frame (likely plywood or MDF).
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 2015 and 2022.
Dimensions
Approximately 30" Height, 28" Width, and 28" Depth. This is on the smaller/compact end of the armchair scale, designed for small-space living.
Origin
Commonly manufactured in Vietnam or China for global retail distribution. No specific historical provenance.
Designer/Maker
Likely manufactured for a mass-market retailer such as Target (Threshold brand), Wayfair, or Walmart. It design-mimics several high-end Scandinavian silhouettes.
Value Estimate
$50 - $125 (Secondhand/Resale Market). Original retail was likely $180 - $250.
Description
A compact and functional barrel chair that bridges the gap between retro and modern aesthetics. Its curved silhouette and flared arms provide a cozy 'enveloping' feel, while the slender tapered legs add visual lightness to a room. It is a quintessential piece for modern transitional interiors.
Key Features
Semicircular 'barrel' back, integrated track arms, tapered spindle legs, and a removable box seat cushion.
Color & Finish
Charcoal/Gray fabric with a matte texture. The legs feature a dark espresso or black stained satin finish.
Construction Method
Mass-produced/Factory-made. Features a bolted-on leg design and an integrated back-and-arm frame typical of modern commercial manufacturing.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
The frame uses staple and glue joinery common in modern upholstery. The legs are simple turned wood with threaded bolt inserts.
Wood Grain & Species
The visible wood (legs) is likely Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), which is a dense, straight-grained wood often used in mass-market furniture.
Surface Treatment
The fabric is untreated; the legs are finished with a standard spray-applied pigmented lacquer to achieve a uniform dark color.
Upholstery Details
Gray microsuede/polyester fabric with visible topstitching. Features a loose seat cushion and a fixed, slightly curved back with minimal foam padding.
Hardware & Fittings
Internal metal t-nuts for leg attachment; plastic floor glides on the bottom of the tapered wooden legs.
Origin & Provenance
Commonly manufactured in Vietnam or China for global retail distribution. No specific historical provenance.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible pilling on the fabric above the cushion and significant pet hair/dust accumulation. The structural integrity appears sound, though the front-left leg shows minor scuffs.
Interesting Facts
The 'Barrel' chair design was popularized in the early 20th century, notably by Frank Lloyd Wright, but this specific iteration is a 21st-century 'fast furniture' adaptation designed for easy shipping.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of Mid-Century Modern design styles reaching mass audiences through big-box retail in the 2010s.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with a 'Tuxedo Chair' (which has arms and back of the same height) or a 'Bergère' (which has an exposed wooden frame).
Care & Maintenance
Vacuum frequently with an upholstery attachment to remove pet hair and dust. Blot spills immediately with a damp cloth; use a fabric shaver to remove pilling.
Value Estimate
$50 - $125 (Secondhand/Resale Market). Original retail was likely $180 - $250.
Sustainability Notes
Low sustainability; primarily uses synthetic materials and engineered woods that are difficult to recycle. However, the rubberwood legs are sourced from plantation-grown trees.