Fab chair! I'd re-cover it.

Recover and I would cover the legs with a simple box pleat.

Recover and stain the legs. Awesome. It would be fabulous in a funky fabric - or a plain one for that matter.

Thanks everone! Manon: I was thinking exactly that with the sheepskin throw if I don't end up reupholstering it. Any idea how much a reupholster job like this would cost?

Professional reupholstering is pricey. However, I've hear that it's really not as hard as we think it is. There are several DIY tutorials on the internet, if you want to look into it.

Great chair! Hard to tell if the fabric is worn or not, but assuming it needs to be replaced and the frame is in good condition I would keep with the mid-century styling and get a tweed or even a metallic glazed linen. The blond legs are pretty traditional, I wouldn't change them. But, they would look great in almost any color.

We're all for DIY, but strongly discourage people from taking on an upholstery project themselves. There are so many nuances to getting a great, lasting end product- fabric choice, fabric content/ Martindale (durability more or less) rating, seating choices...etc.

Good luck and enjoy!!

As far as pricing, it really depends on your area and your fabric choice. In our area, pricing for quality fabric starts about $50/yard. Some upholsters will do COM (customer's own material), some will not. We will not work with COM for several reasons.

One, we want to make sure the fabric is correct for the application. For example, if you have an active household, a thin, light colored fabric would not be the best choice for a lasting piece. An easy care, durable fabric with a high double rub would be a good option.

Two, we take all measurements and will order the correct amount of yardage based on the fabric (railroading, pattern repeat, etc.). Any left over goes to our client, some opt to make pillows!

Three, although rare, occassionally there are flaws with the fabric...maybe there was something off with the dye lot that caused color to rub off. Purchase fabric at a craft store or big box and you're likely out of luck once its been cut. With to-the-trade fabric, we can resolve the issue with the mill. It comes down to being able to offer the highest quality product and service for our clients, upholstery is an investment that should last you for decades if done correctly.


Upholstery is a great choice, take your time and make the piece right for you and your lifestyle! Hopefully, this will help you make an educated decision :)

Don't hide the legs--that's part of the "style" of this chair. What's up with those super wide arms? Is there a secret compartment in there? Looks like you could lift the top of the arm rests and have places to store remote or magazines?

Definitely recover. You can get estimates and find a large difference in what upholsterers will charge. Ask friends who they've used. Someone usually knows someone who's good and reasonable.

Mid century modern. The 60s were a crazy time in furn. But I like it. It will be expensive to recover. But if you love the look, go for it.

If recovering. Keep the look. Don't cover the legs.