I agree these are a fantastic find. All I would look for in terms of a color for the backs would be contrast: Contrast the color with whatever background they'll have. (In the pix, the wall is whitish, so the black looks great! Consider also the seat covers. Are you recovering them? (I hope so.) If you do, and choose a patterned fabric, have the backs pick up one of the colors in the fabric. With a solid-colored fabric, choose a good (again) contrasting color.

This is simply my preference, but I like a dark color over a light or mid-toned color for the metal backs.

Good luck! And pick up that dog if it's not alread yours!

*already* yours!

(woof)

Am i the only one feeling naughty but delighted with the idea of recovering the fabric with a silver metallic fabric? ;3

Looks like your pup is also unsure!! :oD

I do like geometric designs, leaving the 'bones' as they are. The dark contrast of the metal with a fun fabric will make your chairs stand out. If you paint the metal, you may be sorry because they will be hard to strip if you ever decide to re-do them and your fabric may not stand out as well.

Look at your surroundings and go with a fabric that has the combination of colors in the room you plan to put these in. They are bar seats and that atmosphere should be fun.

Now, if these were mine, cheetah print all the way. Yes, I know animal prints are so yesterday but I'm still a beliver!

Good luck and kuddos for finding such cool chairs on-line.

I wouldn't paint the iron. The new coat of paint will eventually chip drive you nuts. Don't do it! The metal looks great as-is. Recover the seats and enjoy! Maybe you could consider a corduroy or velvet solid, something putty colored or bronze with a lot of texture and warmth to contrast with the rigid cold metal? Could be very Restoration Hardware - meets - Kartell if you went with a bold color, though.