Klober Connex Swivel Chair (or similar Tub Chair)
Seating - Office/Executive Swivel Chair · Post-Modern/Contemporary Corporate Design (circa 1990s-Present) · Resembles the 'Connex' line by Klöber (German design) or various high-end commercial office brands like Steelcase or Knoll.
Type
Seating - Office/Executive Swivel Chair
Style Period
Post-Modern/Contemporary Corporate Design (circa 1990s-Present)
Material
Upholstered in red leather (potentially synthetic/bonded leather), internal molded foam core, likely steel or reinforced plastic internal frame, and metal pedestal base.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured between 1995 and 2010.
Dimensions
Approximately 32-34 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 30-32 inches total height. This is a standard wide-profile executive tub chair.
Origin
Likely Western Europe or North America, originating from a professional office or corporate lobby environment.
Designer/Maker
Resembles the 'Connex' line by Klöber (German design) or various high-end commercial office brands like Steelcase or Knoll.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on the brand authenticity (e.g., higher if confirmed Klober/Knoll). Value is currently low due to visible surface wear.
Description
This is a robust, ergonomically styled executive tub chair featuring a deep, semicircular profile designed for comfort in reception areas or private offices. Its bold red hue and streamlined, hardware-free silhouette characterize the 'form-follows-function' approach of late 20th-century commercial design. The wrap-around back provides a sense of enclosure and privacy.
Key Features
Continuous curved backrest, horizontal mid-seat seam, wide-set stance, and vibrant red upholstery over a sculpted foam form.
Color & Finish
Vibrant primary red semi-matte finish. The leather shows signs of scuffing and loss of pigment in high-wear areas.
Construction Method
Industrial mass-production; molded foam injection over a rigid internal frame with tailored upholstery applied over the form.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Non-traditional joinery; relies on industrial stapling, adhesive, and tension-fit upholstery over a solid molded core. Precision is typical of commercial-grade office furniture.
Wood Grain & Species
None visible; likely lacks any wooden components in its structural design.
Surface Treatment
The surface is treated with a protective topcoat typical of corrected-grain leathers, showing significant mechanical wear (scratches and pilling).
Upholstery Details
Full wrap upholstery with a central horizontal seam separating the backrest and the seat pan. The material appears to be a medium-grade leather with visible surface cracking and creasing from use.
Hardware & Fittings
Visible metallic glint at the base suggests a chrome or polished aluminum pedestal base; no visible drawer pulls or decorative hinges.
Origin & Provenance
Likely Western Europe or North America, originating from a professional office or corporate lobby environment.
Condition Notes
Condition is 'Fair' to 'Good'. There is significant surface abrasion on the left side of the seat, visible scratches in the leather, and some flattening of the foam padding. Structural integrity appears intact.
Interesting Facts
Tub chairs evolved from the 18th-century French 'Bergère à l'oreille,' but the modern swivel version became a staple of 'Power Office' decor in the late 1980s and 90s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in office interior design towards more 'organic' and colorful shapes to break the monotony of grey cubicle culture.
Similar Pieces
Could be confused with the Knoll 'Pollock' chair or the Walter Knoll 'Turtle' chair, which have more defined outer shells or different seam patterns.
Care & Maintenance
Needs cleaning with a pH-balanced leather cleaner and intensive conditioning to prevent further cracking of the red pigmentation. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on the brand authenticity (e.g., higher if confirmed Klober/Knoll). Value is currently low due to visible surface wear.
Sustainability Notes
Not inherently sustainable; contains non-biodegradable foams and treated leathers, though its durability and potential for reupholstery extend its lifecycle.