apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

sometimes, some things, are better left alone, I think it's charming the way it is.

I'd definitely reupholster it. In brightful colors, maybe Designers Guild or similiar fabrics. I imagine someone sitting there and talking (in the phone?), and the fabric it has now seems to be itchy on summer times.
I'd only clean and oil the surface of the wood, though.

I completely agree with AT-Lover. It's such a great piece, as is, but a nice bright fabric could really make a statement. What a great find, and only $10? Nice...

I doubt that that is the original upholstery, so I say go with a new fabric, one that reflects the frivolity and fun inherent in any piece of furniture named after a vice.

Step 1. Give it a good clean and polish

Step 2. Replace the drawer handle with something smart and modern (but tape the old handle to the back of the drawer in case you ever decide to change back)

Step 3. Choose a fabric that reflects your home's look. I'd suggest an untextured, patterned material, maybe a collection of bright stripes or something with a bit of Atomic Age kitsch.

AliceG, why bother commenting if you dislike it so much? Obviously I like it! Otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.

To everyone else, thank you!

I think you should paint it white and go with a brightly colored fabric. Maybe something Jonathan Adler or Kelly Wearstler- ish.

If you decide to reupholster, I suspect taking off the current fabric will provide you with the insight (aka pattern) you need to tackle the seams.

As for fabric, I like the idea of making this a statement piece - it's certainly not your typical piece of furniture. I can think of two options. If you paint the wood white, use a bold black/white pattern. If you leave the wood natural (better in my view - I'm not a fan of painted wood except maybe to create a white kitchen), then go with a deep, lux fabric - peacock blue velvet or something dynamic!

Oh, BTW, awesome find!!

Oooh, I love the idea of a peacock blue! That sounds absolutely fabulous.

Great find!

If you're thinking keeping simple - I'd clean up the wood and give it some polish -- some great TLC could go a long way with the wood. Replace the handle with something fun!

For some reason when I saw it I thought, must paint it a soft olive and a patterned cream... something like that would fit my taste, though...

Find a fabric, maybe it'll inspire you! :)

I really like Tobyacts idea.

But here's a different take. Get crackle medium from Michaels, and put a dark color (or a metallic gold or silver for a really ritzy look) on the bottom and crackle it with a white top coat to give it that antique look. (Don't use Baer crackle, use the stuff from Michaels.)

Add a fabric that's the exact opposite. Something bright and funky, but with a hint of vintage. I agree with Blandwagon, that doesn't look to be the original fabric. The fabric is so 80's, but the piece is kinda 50's. Definitely don't put it on a curb. If you do, let me know when you're going to do that, and where you live. Better still, you got for $10, I'll buy it from you for $20! LOL!

As for upholstering. I've done quite a bit of it over the years and the easiest thing to do is take off the current cover delicately, check closely how they came up with the look and repeat it in your new piece. You may be able to use the old piece as a pattern of sorts. The lines look like it's just one piece of fabric with seams and then staples may have been stuck deep in, if it's hitting wood. The welts may be an issue but I'd skip it since it gives the piece an outdated look. But of course, the choice is yours.

reupholster it, just follow the existing one. peel one layer at a time, take pictures for reference. it is really easy. then refinish it with stain. love it!!! great find.

I was thinking gloss black with royal blue velvet. I'm sure you could find tutorials online for the back pleats.

I think it's great.

I'll reupholster it.
www.properfurniture.net

cute! great find!

It's going to look lovely! I thought they were called something to do with telephones though (but a gossip bench sounds far better!).

I've always known these as telephone tables. In the photo, the upholstery looks like it's in good shape. What do you think about sanding the wood down and giving it a couple coats of a nice semi-gloss black? Maybe get a shiney chrome handle for the door (where I think phone books are meant to reside, with the phone on top).

Unlike that lovely quartersawn tiger maple empire breakfront that was up for discussion a few weeks ago, this is a piece that I think would benefit from a nice coat of paint.

Yes, definitely reupholster it! The drawer looks like a great place for a charging station (who has a phonebook nowadays? :°) ). Please share a picture when you're done. I would love to see how it turns out. Great find, enjoy it.

Reupholstering the seat won't be that difficult. Remove the fabric a piece at a time (order will probably be seat first, then back.) Seam rip all the pieces and use them as your pattern. Upholstery:A complete Course by David James is a good resource if you want to do it yourself. The lines on the back are called fluting, and there's about 10 pages of techniques in the book. Good luck!

Actually, that nubby wool fabric is very 50s, not so much 80s.

It has the same texture, telling by the picture anyway, as the orange vintage sofa we just bought.

I like the idea of painting it a bold color and using a bold fabric - if that much of a statement will work with the rest of your decor.

Otherwise I'd refinish and reupholster in similar tones to the original.

I think that skreinking is right -- it shouldn't be that difficult. I took an upholstery class recently and the instructor gave a really good tip -- as you take it apart, snap lots and lots of pictures (big picture and details)--this will help remind you of what goes where and how it was done. Especially if, like me, you start it, then something comes up and then three weeks later you're wondering...hmm...how did this go together?!

I also thought the idea of a charging station was brilliant. I would drill a hole in the back of the drawer, install an extension cord in the drawer. Then I would leave the wood, polish it up, change the handle (maybe...I can't really see the detail). I see the fabric in a great blue color -- I like the idea before of peacock blue - but I prefer something a little more subdued...maybe a robin's egg blue.

Post pics when you're done! Good luck and congrats on the great find!

I would love to see this with the upholstery in a large blue and white zig zag, and the table section painted a matching glossy blue. Very Anthropologie.

Hope we get to see pictures when you're done!

I'd keep the upholstery as is, and stain the wood a darker color or spray paint it glossy black.

I absolutely love it! I can't believe you found it for only $10!! Great buy!
I wouldn't reupholster it, but definitely have the fabric cleaned. If you're not satisfied with the cleaning, reupholster. I love the wood color but if you can pull off refinishing it, the end result would be fantastic!
Whatever you choose to do, you have a great piece.

Thank you all for your great suggestions! Very, very helpful.

I'm going to start on it today. Will post pics when I'm done.

Katie

I love it! Great find!

I completely agree with dcaries...I envisioned a beautiful blue right off the bat for the seat.

what a great find....personally i would paint it(dark gray/blue or white)and reupholster with an interesting print a la Thomas Paul or a trellis design. Might be fun to do a glossy black with a menswear fabric as well...

I'm jealous! I can't believe you got that for ten bucks! Can't wait to see pics!

I love it- haven't seen anything like it. Very cute.