Agree not to use both in the same room. I think the fanned one near the fireplace in some way, with a charcoal and pale pink (or some other color from the chair) pillow could work. Then bring that sane color in pillows over to the couch and in a few other decor items. I like mixing patterns, but sparingly and carefully. I think you can do it. It’s really the leg and arm shapes of the chairs that are hardest to work with in your space as opposed to the upholstery.

Awesome ideas! I do have additional spaces to limit pattern. I LOVE the idea of a new rug and pillows. Easy fixes. Fab ideas!!!! Thank you so much!

I will be a contrarian voice because I understand the difficulty of getting rid of items that belonged to parents and grandparents.

I held on to stuff for two long - stuff I didn't like and didn't need but was finally able to release items into the universe and kept only a few items that I still really liked and make me feel good when I look at them.

I don't miss any of the stuff that I got rid of at all. I took pictures of the stuff and occasionally I will take a look when I am going through my digital albums and that is more than sufficient.

Obviously taste is completely subjective but that upholstery is really very unattractive. If you want to place it in an unused guest room that needs a chair, okay. But to strain to attempt to use it in a room where it will be a constant eye sore - why bother.

Yes there is a current trend in decorating that is Grand Millenium which is theoretically incorporating older vintage stuff but none of the pieces resemble that upholstery. The lines of the chair aren't bad but aren't particularly special either.

Wow. Ok.

“….but none of the pieces resemble that upholstery.”

I disagree.

Terrhess, all that matters is if you like them or not.

They just aren’t popular with the masses. I wish I had a couple of my grandmother’s chairs that were similar.

(Sidenote: I’m having two chairs reupholstered currently and had sticker shock at the prices! I had to because of ripped fabric — I got them off FB Marketplace.)

Google "painting fabric upholstery".

This would be a perfect application for that since the current upholstery really doesn't go with what you already have.

Interesting idea…had no clue you could paint fabric upholstery.

Thank you, Jinx. I DO think it’s special to have pieces that belonged to my family generations ago. The darker wood chair is about 100 years old. Great grandparents bought it in late 1910’s. All have been reupholstered a couple times, most recently was my grandmother, who lived florals. There’s a lot of history there, even if tastes have changed. So, yea…I’m keeping them 💕

loved

I was going to suggest painting upholstery also. I’ve never attempted it but below is a before/after.

There have been posters here over the years who painted their upholstery furniture, and shared how … wish I could remember the threads. But as mentioned, there are tons of good tutorials out there.

I remember posters saying it felt sort of leather-like when finished.

Please update with whatever you decide!

Hi.... I would buy items that look currrent, for you or for others to realize you know what century it is. ;)

we have world track and field on tv, and have time.

Loloi Cotton Pillow Cover in Pink And Rust finish P131P0497PIRUPIL5 · More Info

Bloem Chevron Throw Pillows, Set of 2, Marigold · More Info

Consider your furniture's colors - experiment by using different colors in the chair, for use as pillows, lamps, etc.... this would form a color palette, assumed it's wanted.

There are a bunch of these on houzz.... go with grey sofa?

Velvet 2 Piece Lumbar Pillow Cover Set, Agate Green, 2 Piece, 14"x26" · More Info

On the chair?

second chair?

FauxMohair Shabby Chic Throw Blanket, 50"x60", Aqua · More Info

Bohemian Basics Decorative Diamond Tufted Cotton Throw Blanket, Clay · More Info

Maybe yellow considering oak doors, etc.... with grey sofa maybe, or on slipcovered chair?

Bohemian Basics Decorative Diamond Tufted Cotton Throw Blanket, Yellow · More Info

Pillow Decor - Medallion Handprint Lake 12X20 Throw Pillow · More Info

Don't have to like blue dining cushions, but it could bring a unity, if you chose blue in living room.

Blue Boho Chambray Throw Blanket with Fringe · More Info

I love these chairs and the personal connection. As another option, you can inquire about the cost of some simple, tailored slipcovers that leave the wood exposed. If you're up for it you could even try to DIY some.

I probably wouldn't pick delicate 'old rose' or lavender, but if you have modern art that you like with those, try it.

These typical woven textured pillows go with your room, do you think so?

Raith Stripes Throw Pillows, Set of 2, Tamale · More Info

Brilliant ideas, Everdebz and Heather!!! 💕

Just a thought…. Depending on where you live, you might check into classes offered by you community cooperative Adult education/recreation department. Sometimes you can find classes in how to re-upholster simple chairs. Or how to make slipcovers. You supply your own fabric and they supply the tools and expertise. A possibility if you are into DIY.

I"m not an upholsterer, but I bet most of the shapes in the backs of those chairs is just filling covered with fabric. You might like them more, and it might be less expensive to reupholster, if you consider doing a plain flat back instead. It's worth another conversation with the upholsterers you've already gotten quotes from.

I just had my favorite vintage chair redone, and a lot of the cost is the fabric. If you look around you may find a fantastic suitable fabric that you love at a lower price. I found a store that sells "leftovers" from manufacturers. I found a fabric that is exactly what I wanted, and it was only $10/yard (upholstery fabrics are usually more like $60/yard or more!).

I agree with jinx--modern pillows will make them look fresh. Heidi Caillier is one of my newest favorite designers, and she does pattern mixing so beautifully; you might get some inspiration from her portfolio.

Here's an older chintz chair with a modern Kelly Wearstler pillow!

There's no way I would re do either. Sorry, but they need more than a pillow refresh, and btw re upholstering is FAR from dead; it's exploding! But not those. Take a sentimental picture and consign them........where they will sit nearly forever. Or longer. Wrong wrong about the "It's just fill on the back..." It's LABOR and your fabric and unless you HAVE to have them? Not worth a thin dime in angst or aforementioned fabric and labor.

Stiley, I was thinking of Heidi, too! :)

Love her Instagram … and after following her, now get a lot of suggestions for designers who have a similar aesthetic. It’s a popular look, but since it combines elements of vintage and modern, won’t just be a passing fad. It’s very warm and inviting.

This is a picture I saw on IG recently … the account has an eclectic look of MCM, modern, traditional, etc. She recently found this vintage chair on FB Marketplace and has it mixed in a room with a minimal style.

Terrhess, this board in general leans far away from traditional styles, so something to keep in mind regarding opinions here (not saying all opinions aren’t valid, just explaining that this is not a style well understood or looked upon favorably by most here). Even after you’ve said they’re meaningful, and you love them, you’ll still get the usual, ”Eww, no, get rid of them!”.😄

ETA: I just got an email that the fabrics for my chairs are arriving today! Super excited.

@JAN MOYER I know the tufting is LABOR, that's why I said maybe it doesn't need the tufting at all.

If I may...your chairs are called channel back.

I'd keep looking for more prices for reupholstering. The chairs aren't going to take a lot of fabric and where could you buy a quality chair for $1000.00?

Go to etsy and search for channel back chairs. Etsy doesn't allow me to cut and paste, but take a look at this chair and the price.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/693894971/channel-back-chair-queen-anne-white?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=channel+back+chairs&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&organic_search_click=1

Thank you to all who responded! I’m trying not to take offense from the ones who essentially think I’m holding onto garbage. My family; my choice. I get it’s not popular but many others on here understand and are both thoughtful and helpful, suggesting some wonderful ideas. Gonna look up Heidi Cailier. Not sure I can take on one of these chairs as my first project, but I have thought of classes. None offered near me. Buying my own fabric is an option, too!! Thanks, again, everyone!

Many years ago I took an Adult Ed class offered on Upholstery and upholstered a chair (Aunt Mary’s chair) just like the first one. The fabric was a classic tapestry with small rosebuds on an ecru background. The second chair you show is extremely similar to a chair that belonged to my father-in-law and was re-upholstered and is now in our bedroom. Good luck on whatever you decide!

I think add stripes. They are not huge chairs, would they fit in a bedroom?

Yes. I could definitely split them up;
work them into different rooms so it doesn’t get overwhelming. Use different accessories to compliment. Thank
You!

Got this chair from my mother circa 1960. Original was green, she did red and I did cream. Love the vintage vibe. You got this and no hurry!

Its the tufting and tucking of those backs that makes reupholstering time consuming and expensive. My friend had a seamstress who claimed she could do it. The job was crappy! She either didn't have the experience or tools to get the lines right or the padding in. Looked awful.

You can use batting to flatten out the grooves and then pay someone to make simple covers as Heather shows above in a color that works where you want to use them.

I'm gonna be the lone voice here. I think the prints on them now are charming. (Hee hee...prints charming :) I think they will add some quirkiness to your decor, some homey-ness and softness, an acquired over time feel to your space. You'll certainly add history and memories every time you sit on them. I 'd add a lumbar pillow or a throw blanket in a solid color that coordinates with your other decor.

You aren’t the lone voice saying that. :)

I’m sure I will get push back, but without doing a thing, other than bring them out of hiding and add throws, here is how I incorporated two of the chairs. And, honestly…I think I like the quirk that they add. ❤️

They both look VERY nice! A welcome addition. The wood trim on both is in great shape, by the way.

Go you! I like where you put them. And the best thing is that it’s obvious they make you happy. :)

I was looking for vintage wing chairs and other vintage chairs recently — they go fast, at least in my area. I looked at new ones, too, and they looked so cheap and character-less (in my budget). You have something meaningful and unique. Enjoy!

For fun — this design account has some beautiful chairs:

https://instagram.com/sibylcolefax?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I could see second one in a bedroom. If open to chalk painting, it‘s easy to paint the wood and the chair could be really cute with a fun color. Save $1,500.

The high cost could be because of the ribbing and that can be changed. Speak to the upholster about options for your first chair if you decide in redoing.

I had some antique chairs redone for $500 each. I located a fabric outlet and provided the fabric to a highly recommended upholster (who was retired/working out of his home and he advised how much fabric was needed), so another way to save.

Love what you've done @terrhess! The vintage pieces add some soul to your rooms. And the one in the living room looks pretty with the color of the flowers on your coffee table.

I have nothing against vintage chairs. In fact I had several vintage pieces reupholstered when I did my overhaul.

However the issue is not the style of the chairs per but the fabric. The *stylish* updates which have been posted look fresh and new because of the fabric choices.

Before and after

Your chairs fit in nicely, especially with the solid color throws on them.

Maureen your blue chair is very pretty in new fabric.

Judianna, thanks for the etsy link. now I know that the Dr Seuss wingback of my dreams is more correctly referred to as a butterfly wingback.

I really love those chairs. And I also love what you did with them - your placement of one at the desk, etc. - and just adding the throws. That is all that it needs; and I love the colors you chose for those items. That was going to be my suggestion - just a couple of throws. They are beautiful chairs.

If you decide you want to toss some more floral around - on your sofa, etc. - ( and why not ? :)) - I also thought Society 6 has a lot of fun options. https://society6.com/throw-blankets/floral

Or you could just casually toss a floral pillow onto the sofa.

But the plain/solid colored and/or textured throws offer an elegant look and really work fine. You don’t have to bring in any additional floral ( I just couldn’t resist suggesting it, because it’s so much fun! :))

You can have a lot of fun with the throws. You could change them up from time to time - and there are so many ways you can go! You could even toss a leopard print on one of the chairs, if you wanted to! Would be fabulous on the desk chair. Velvet and/or silk throws could also be stunning!

These are just some nice, simple textured throws I found on Etsy.com. I like the style - and lots of options!

Freedomplace1…the RESEARCH you did is so awesome. I do need different pillows for the couch and something floral for a couple would be Sa-WEET! Thank you 😊

My pleasure! :)

This thread is fun. I love the brainstorming. Freedom, great ideas!

Thank you, Jinx! Your ideas are great, too! (as always... :))

This is so much fun. Those chairs are awesome! A breath of fresh air, really... And with everything going on with Boho, Boho Chic, Eclectic styling, etc. - they are so versatile! And of course, they are also classic. Beautiful heirlooms.

Personally like your 2 photos: LR's rug not Persian or such that'd have a heavy feeling with floral... it's lite with the throw.... they cost little, and you can enjoy for however long. Office is great - is it comfortable too! At times, there's misplaced dislike, in a way, in that people might like and respect very old art, clearly not fresh or new... yet dislike these. Not saying altogether that is it. I get tired of everything looking The Same.

The upholstery quote is a lot of $$ and also what to expect. I've done wingback chairs and a camel back couch...took them apart, pulled 1.5 million staples out etc...it's a TON of work! And what most people don't even think about is the cost of foam. Foam has only a certain # of years that it's good, these chairs are decades past that and everything has to be replaced. They were built well, and the webbing probably has to be replaced too. I would only reupholster antique furniture if I knew that I would have it forever, AND it was extremely special to me....or if I had a money tree on the backyard. People have asked me to do their furniture...I won't...it's such a huge job. Fabric paint or a large throw could make a difference in trying to incorporate them into your home.

I like the faux fur on the chair in the living room! Looks so cozy.