1970s West German industrial design
In the 1970s, leather became an unexpected material for bathroom scales in Germany, with both synthetic and real leather being popular choices. German manufacturers, such as Krups and Stube, capitalized on this trend.
- Krups produced models in olive and yellow, distinctive for their design and color.
- Stube offered a brown model, marking its unique place in the market.
- Soehnle introduced scales in blue and orange, expanding the vibrant options available to consumers.
These leather-clad scales have become collectible items over time. The collection from WertWerk, a vintage goods reseller based in South Korea, included several well-preserved examples of these 1970s scales, though all have since been sold. For those interested in retro design, it’s worth noting how eco-minimalist trends of today contrast sharply with the bold designs of the past, offering a fascinating study in style evolution. Additionally, exploring the themes of vintage collectibles can also be seen in photography, as Paul Nicklen’s work beautifully captures nature, much like these scales capture a moment in design history, as discussed in ‘Reverence’.
