I haven't done it yet, but am planning to. I think the best bet is not to recover the woven cane seats, but replace the seats. I'm planning on cutting new plywood to size (Home Depot will do it for you if you bring measurements), wrapping it in upholstery foam (probably 1" high density foam and extra loft batting) to create a comfortable seat, then wrapping the new seat for a very new look.

I’m have no idea about fabric yet.

I agree with Siobhan! It just depends on what mood you want to set and the decor of the rest of the place but, luckily that gun-metal gray will go with any fabric you choose. I've done this with other chairs and if you can wrap a present, you shouldn't have a problem.

My husband and I thought about doing the same thing, but Ikea no longer sells the chairs individually. They only come as a set with the table. The hunt continues for kitchen table chairs!

I agree w/ Siobhan - Just take a seat to your local hardware store and have them cut you some 1/4 " plywood to size.

For your colors, why not go with the IKEA fabric that has small orange and red striped balls on it? (I forget the name)

I'd probably do a very plain canvas.

either very very warm black or maybe an eggplant color.
Just based on the set and not your room.

Um...definitely don't go with 1/4" plywood unless you want your seats to sag and crack. 1/2" should be more than adequate. Also, speaking from experience you'll probably want to router or heavily sand the top edges of the new seats, otherwise the sharp corners are going to wear away at your foam and fabric very quickly.
As for fabric - something neutral and geometric would match the actual dining set. Somehow, a floral or other pattern with soft lines just doesn't seem appropriate.

If it were me, I'd paint the chair frames a fun, punchy color like orange or hot pink and then get a funky patterned fabric for the seats. And I agree with those who suggest replacing the seats rather than trying to work around the fiber seats you've got at the moment.

I've been intending to do just as siobhan described for the past three years! I'm still looking for the fabric...

I think I'd price leather and microfiber. I honestly don't know what they cost but for chair seats maybe its not that unreasonable a splurge. Something warm and natural, maybe ochre or a deep red. Bronze would also be rich and dramatic.

I don't think I'd go for a busy pattern. Maybe a soft tone-on-tone, foliage print, if you really want pattern, or a softly contrasting stripe.

If you wanted a cooler color, I would go with a black/gray tone-on-tone pattern in a foliage sillhouette or stripe, or a solid moss or plum.

I'd think about tying either the red or the yellow to the dining area with a FLOR tile rug.

I have done! I used a geometric fabric. You can see them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlosymariola/2204054476/in/set-72157603752017193/

Hello Mariflori,

I am planning to re-upholster my same chairs from Ikea too. Wanted a few details from you since I saw the pictures on flickr and the chairs look beautiful.

1) What thickness of the plywood did you take as well what was the size(dimensions) of each piece.
2) What thickness was the foam and any particular type of foam which you used.
3) Did you use anything else in the layers between the plywood and cloth.
4) Did you do this yourself and got it done. I need to take care of my chairs right away since the cane is broken for one chair already.

Will appreciate all your help and if you can answer my questions above. Thanks in advance.