I like the yellow that's on them, perhaps a fabric in the same color?

Why not just hit the fabric stores and find upholstery fabric remnants that appeal to you?

I'd use a upholstery fabric, maybe something in the remnants section of a fabric store would work, since you won't need much. Depending on the rest of your room, you might go patterned or plain (including tweeds or other blends that read as plain.) If you want to emphasize the vintage quality, you could look for a retro designed fabric -- if it were mine, I'd want to go more classic, so I might pick a leafy brocade.

Nice catch, by the way! I think I'm jealous!

Etsy has a ton of fabrics at better prices than anywhere else on the net that I've found. I'd just search through there until I found one that appealed to me.

This is about as easy and cheap as upholstery projects go... in fact, it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to have the whole thing done! Plus, you don't even need a yard of fabric, so your costs are going to be minimal. Why not bring home several fabrics- and change it when you get bored, or for each season?

I'd go with something with a fleck of olive green in it- but with a fun, mod pattern. A tweedy houndstooth? An off-the-wall plaid? It's such a simple chair, you could go really wild with the fabric.

I picture something Orla Kiely-esque. A big, bold, simplistic scandinavian print. Great find!!!

E-bay has an amazing selection of fabric. Some of my favorite shops are:

http://stores.ebay.com/Peace-By-Piece-Fabrics_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsxQ3asstQQtZkm

http://stores.ebay.com/GORDOF-TEXTILES_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsxQ3asstQQtZkm

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Emerald-City-Fabric-and-Craft__W0QQ_armrsZ1

http://stores.ebay.com/Fabric-Carolina

A high-contrast, two- or three-color fabric that uses that ellipse shape in the back of the chair (between the slats).

I just found out that my go-to-upholstery-place (Shor International Fabrics on Broadway & Canal street) just closed. Does anyone have any recommendations for decently priced upholstery in NYC? Just went to fabric district and all those places have a very limited selection. Thanks!

Definitely use upholstery fabric since that will wear well. Depending on the colors of your home, I've seen robin blue fabric used with that light color wood and it looks really beautiful.

Great find, I love the yellow and would stick with it.
Love the idea of a simple scandinavian print.
Maybe some Jansdotter fabric?
http://bloesem.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/04/lottajansdotter.jpg
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.15983878.jpg

Or maybe off-white and this pillow?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19765615

Go Mod! Be bold! I don't think that shade of yellow is right for that fabulous find of yours.

I love just about all these fabrics:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5650397

this one is pretty cool:
http://modgreenpod.com/item/3/

I found two similar, not quite as detailed, chairs at the Goodwill near me. I really like this fabric and I haven't gotten tired of seeing every day. Brown and cream 1" houndstooth check available at Hancock's of Paducah--not Hancock Fabrics. Remember to use upholstery weight and not apparel weight.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20256029

such wonderful fabrics at 'lotus blu' on hayes st - you don't need much.........

I'm sorry - *eight dollars and fifty cents* - for two knockout chairs?! I AM envious!

Nary a bargain so wonderful to be had in Vancouver.

Congrats on the great find.

Wonderful find, Claire. If you want to keep this aligned with the original design, but updated, consider a woven wool in a color that contrasts with the wood tone. A dark turquoise/teal or other jewel-tone would be nice. Unless you use upholstery grade fabric, you might want to line the fabric with muslin or some other backing material to make it more durable. Try Discount Fabrics in Berkeley. Their staff is pretty knowledgeable and very helpful.

I absolutely adore that chair! How lucky are you? And for the equivalent of about £5!!

If I were you, I'd keep the fabric quite similar. As others have suggested, leaning towards an olive green colour.

Enjoy!

I am so jealous. What an awesome score!