My in laws bought me that exact chair and I was just wondering how to do the same thing. Since I got it I've just kept a pretty sheet over it, tucked into the folds like a slip cover but that's been a pain as I have to readjust it each time I get up from it. I hope someone has a better idea for both of us :)

Ok, seriously, you already think it's an "eyesore" and "hideous." You are correct. Questions--Was this purchased new for you or is it a hand me down? Did you see it first and ask for them to let you borrow it for your new baby?

Perhaps they couldn't wait to get it off their hands and out of their house. It's truly terrible and not worth your time or money in reupholstering. Donate it. The ARC and Salvation Army will come take it off your hands. Be honest with your friend and let them know that after all, it did not go with the decor of the nursery. Don't feel guilty. Look at it, it's really ugly! You can get a comfy chair for nursing and small step stool for your feet at Ikea (Klappsta or similar.)
I do not mean to sound bitchy. Like I said, you have already labeled it an eyesore. Get something you really want for your baby's room--the baby deserves it!

Check out this tutorial: http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/02/reupholstering-nursery-rocker.html

I'm sure it would be really easy to make a skirt to go around the bottom of the chair as well. Finding some beautiful fabric would make all the difference.

I received a hand-me-down glider, which to be honest wasn't as hideous but really didn't match my daughter's room. I covered it with an IKEA sheepskin, and it made a huge difference. While I don't think it will solve the problem, it might help.

Can you find the manufacturer and see if they have different covers you can buy?

Etsy has some slipcovers that may fit.

Otherwise, give it away.

I wouldn't be too quick to give it away, I know its not the most beautiful thing, but it could really save you a few bucks if you can make a cover for it, especially since you said it was comfortable. There are so many things we COULD spend lots of money on for our babies, and it can get pretty expensive real quick, so its nice when something is given to us! If nothing else, maybe try find a local re-upholsterer that can fix it up for you.

If you want Easy you can do what I do when I want to update my pillows.

Lay the cushions on a piece of cute fabric. Trace the shape and then cut out two pieces leaving an extra half an inch on the outside. Put right sides together and sew around edge leaving a half inch seam allowance and a hole big enough to fit the cushion in. Turn it right side out, insert cushion. Turn edges under on the hole you left and sew shut with a slip stitch. Easiest & Cheapest way to do it!

I just took pics for this tutorial on a pillow I made and hope to get it up on my blog soon:) I hate to work too hard at sewing and dont have a ton of money to spend but it is good not to waste and figure out how to make something out of everything...

www.lovelybud.typepad.com

If you have any sewing skills, you could make a simple slipcover that stops an inch or two short of the floor. I would wrap the arms in batting to hide the metal frame, drape my fabric (inside out!) over the chair, folding and pinning wherever a seam was needed, then sew along the pinned lines. A seamstress should be able to sew a slipcover for less than reupholstering the whole thing, if sewing isn't your thing. Also, a lightweight fabric would show every lump and bump underneath, so choose something in an upholstery weight or double-up. And if you use an easy care fabric, you'll be able to throw it in the wash when life gets messy.

I would make (or have made) a slipcover for the entire chair. It could cover the chair frame and the cushion...the skirt should just touch the floor. It would be simple to do a slipcover for the ottoman as well.

I loved this redo so much I bookmarked it in hopes I could find an ugly chair.

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/nursery-furniture/glider-makeover-093472

Good luck! You're right. That chair is the reason the word hideous was invented.

I'm a fellow Bay Area gal who recently had her Craigslist find glidder and ottaman repainted and reuphosltered. Reupholstery can be ubber expensive! I was qouted $250 just to recover 2 pillows and a ottaman! Plus I had already purchased my own reclaimed fabric! Whoa!
Before giving in and paying the 250, I searched good ol' reliable San Francisco CL for a reupholstery services. That's when I found Rene at Mo-jo intereriors in Oakland. He qouted me $226 out the door for not only the reupholstery but also threw in a new paint job! He also picked up and delivered the finished product in only 3 days time! His work was superb! I couldn't be happier and vowed to spread his good service to anyone who'd listen! Believe me: he is worth the drive across the bay bridge!
http://mo-jointeriors.homestead.com/index.html

Another link to a DIY glider redo: http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2008/07/you-too-can-pimp-your-chair.html

Good luck!