Good Questions: Upholstering Aluminum Chairs?

I have acquired some old office chairs that are similar to Emeco aluminum Navy Chairs except they have a upholstered seat. I want to re-upholster them but was wondering should I stick with a vinyl seat? fabric? what color? Thanks, Melinda

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We think they'd look great in a cherry red vinyl — or maybe an oilcloth with a pattern? It is also possible that the current upholstery can be removed entirely...Anyone?

Comments (20)

personally i hate vinyl. it just doesnt last. unless you mind reupholstering them again in a few years.
i would probably go white, but i am a sucker for white.

It's always annoying when someone asks what color to make something without giving any context. I mean really, thats not asking for advice. You might as well close your eyes and pick a paint chip.

I think vinyl would remain true to the style and period of the chair.

Good quality upholstery vinyl is almost as expensive as leather, so why not go with the real thing? Hair calf would be striking, I think. And while you're about it, be sure to replace the foam; those chair seats don't look very comfy.

Something with serious texture would be an interesting counterpoint to the smooth, cold frames. Those chairs are so iconic that I think it's OK to riff on them a bit and upholster them with something unexpected. Mohair, velvet, nubby wool.

is it me, or are these chairs different heights? i'd not put that much money/effort into a mismatched set, although the haired cowhide does seem interesting. ikea is still selling hide rugs that would work as material (but i think they're on clearance @ $250 each)

/\/\ Ditto Enamoranda

Design is soooo much about context...

Where are these going? What's the rest of the room like? What table are they going with? You looking for chairs that stand out or take a supporting role? Are they the lone vintage pieces in an otherwise modern scheme? Are they the lone modern elements in an otherwise traditional scheme? Are you a minimalist or a "maximist"? Do you want to stay true to the original vibe of the chair, or want something ironic and whimsical? Even... do you spill a lot?

Without some context, the correct answer to your question is "anything."

Lucky you to have these iconic chairs and they are expensive.

Echo here don't do vinyl. I have seen them upholstered so many different ways. My favorite is a cream or pale taupe Boucle (wool) fabric. The cream or pale taupe (grayish) is pretty against the aluminum and the nubby texture of a Boucle compliments the smoothness of the frame.

I fell in love with a similar chair (the kind with the upholstered back) since I saw a set that was done in a sage colored velvet.
Absolutely amazing.
I have since collected a set of 8, and have purchased a wonderful textured gray bubble pattern fabric that is going to look terrific when I finally(!) get around to reupholstering them.
They are quite comfortable, and completely indestructible. I still adore them.

Vinyl is gross! Imagine sitting on that in the middle of august? Oil cloth would look great, or maybe a nice wool or twine. I think a natural fiber and color would look great against the industrial brushed steel...

Are you removing the current vinyl because of condition and/or color? If they're in good condition I'd leave them alone; Mrs. Yow is right, they're meant to last for years and years.

Not sure what kind of decor you have but I think these types of chairs work as they are in all kinds of settings...I have a few with the upholstered back, and I'd love to use them in a setting like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jendavid1000/3212058811/in/set-72157608108348750/

If you want to keep the chairs intact for investment reasons (are they worth it? not my favorite style, I don't know...) maybe instead of reupholstering, you could just make seat cushions to "slipcover" the seats with. If they were tailored nicely they might look fine.

If I got those chairs, I will go for something SILVER, Blink blink silver - like the new age material they makes the fire proof blanket for (not sure the price or if they are usable), but go with some silver/grey will be nice. These days vinyl are made very nice and good thing they don't stain as easily as leather. So, for dining room please go with vinyl.
Have fun!

Hi-
I have the same exact chairs myself and can't decide how to upholster them. I was thinking of using a worn looking crackled leather but still not sure. They are going in my kitchen- shaker style pecan colored cabinets with modern bar handles, I'm assuming a white or black countertop and white backsplash, and hoping to find a worn looking farmers table. There will be an exposed brick chimney too. Really hoping to accomplish a modern but slightly rustic feel to the kitchen/eating area. Any way we could see more pics of these chairs upholstered? Ideas please!