Good Questions: Are These Worth a Face-Lift?

Hello AT,

I have some barcelona-ish chairs that are in desperate need of some help. The question is: are these chairs worth the face-lift? They're neat, but they are just knock-offs. I inherited them from my parents, who have forgotten their origins. The label on the bottom reads Centrum Mobler, Denmark.

Thanks! Susanna

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Dear Susanna,

Our gut says yes, but you need to check and make sure that the metal is all really solid before going forward.

We like the shape, style and design and find them more interesting than Barcelona chairs because they are more unusual. We also love the orange leather.

If the structure of the chairs is good, YOU like them, and they are comfortable, we'd invest in giving them a new life.

Anyone else?

Comments (9)

I'm with Max. They could be fantastic. A little-known joy of armless chairs is they are much easier (and more ergonomic) for working on a laptop.

posted by Lucy Gazelle on 2007-03-12 10:38:20

I love their modern aura regardless of their pedigree.

posted by Brenda on 2007-03-12 10:58:30

Agreed! They're great looking chairs.

posted by Christina on 2007-03-12 11:57:32

Your chairs are exceptional examples of design from Ringstead, Denmark!

Please consider restoring the leather rather than re-upholstery.

posted by Aunt Honey on 2007-03-12 12:07:16

YES! My parents had a pair of those since before I was born - during my childhood in the 70s they were white leather (of course)... my mom hung onto them reinventing them over the years and they still look amazing.

posted by Virginia on 2007-03-12 13:05:30

I too, vote for giving these beauties the Shirley MacLaine treatment.

Depending on decor, I see them in camel/caramel colored leather.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2007-03-12 13:25:10

These are winners for sure. Stick with leather if you choose to re-upholster them.

posted by vinny on 2007-03-12 16:04:08

Agree with Aunt Honey that you should restore the leather rather than re-upholster. That leather makes the chair. Even if it's cracked and scuffed, several application of quality leather oil and cream should bring out some shine. To me, a weathered George Nelson Sling sofa has more character than a new shiny Barca chair. Good luck.

posted by anon on 2007-03-13 09:22:03

I second restoring these chairs but I'm curious about what the questioner means by "knock-offs." What are they knocking off? Barcelona chairs? They're absolutely nothing like Barcelona chairs! They're gorgeous in the own right. And if you don't want to bother with fixing them up, I'll take them off your hands.

posted by Evan on 2007-03-15 11:53:35