apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I bought something similar to this (except it was square and button-tufted) and I'm just going to reupholster the entire thing in a soft upholstery fabric. It's just something about vinyl that sticks to me.

Depends where you're using it & what else is in the room (colors, textures).

I'm on a red kick, so I immediately thought of it covered in red. But if your question is about whether the original fabric is worth saving - it's really a matter of what appeals to you and how it works with the rest of your design choices.

I don't quite know how to put this gently, but you don't have an Antiques Roadshow national treasure there - you won't be committing a sin if you reupholster. Pick an upholstery fabric that you love and that matches your room, and go with that. I wouldn't paint the legs, but beyond that go nutty.

Cover it -- there are SO many new, cute dec fabrics out there! Coordinate it with your room and watch that little stool get more attention! I bet there's a tute online somewhere to DIY.

Ta-dah! I should have KNOWN that Curbly would have something!
http://www.curbly.com/ModHomeEcTeacher/posts/3925-How-To-Reupholster-Your-Round-Bar-Stools

I think it would look cool in a natural canvas - same color scheme as is.

If you're not sure... why not repair the white vinyl, AND make some removable slipcovers (top and sides patterened after stool top and sides, bottom would have elastic, kind of like a shower cap)? You could have a whole wardrobe for you little stool.

as a reformed (well, trying to be) pattern junkie, I think it's most important to balance how to cover this guy with what the rest of the room looks like.

It's a cute shape and the color is nice and neutral. If you already have a good balance of neutrals to patterns, I would recover it in a fabric similar (but perhaps higher quality) to what is currently on it.

If most of your furniture and accessories are neutral, a pop of bold color or graphic pattern from this little guy would look great.

your little stool is not an island, it's a puzzle piece.
you'll love it best in the long run if it fits.

I had the exact same stool and had it redone in black vinyl with off-white vinyl trim. It still looks retro, but nicer. I have photos somewhere if you'd like to see!