I think if you find a great upholstery shop that can do the work, I would strip it down and simplify it. The overstuffed, strapped down look needs to go.

Depending on how the arms and back are constructed, a great upholstery shop may be able to add some lovely 'scoops'. I had the arms and back of a sofa altered quite a bit when I had it re-upholstered.

Of course, that may make the final price not such a bargain.

I agree with the last poster. Chair's got great bones, no reason to hide them under unsightly padding and buckles.

Definitely get an experienced upholsterer to deal with this one. The curves and seemingly simple lines can make it a real challenge to get a smooth cover.

I do like the grey suede idea.

It's vinyl, not leather.

this thing is like an egg chair on a mcdonalds diet

I think the extra padding is what makes this chair 70's and unexpected. I also think it's a shame to lose the leather strap detailing that holds the pads down and is repeated on the ottoman. If you strip it down it's going to look like an egg chair knock off, which is less awesome.

I'm kind of digging how it looks with the extra padding and straps. I would rather have an original looking piece of furniture than something that looks like everything else out there. It is an unusual piece that I would try to preserve.

Thanks for feedback.

The vinyl may look good in the photo, but in person it looks and feels and *sounds* like plastic! And it's got several small blemishes so out it goes. Vinyl has come a long way since 1970, but I think we have our hearts set on leather. We'll have to see what our wallet says.

Here's a Selig chair that I think approximates what it would look like without the tricked out detailing. It makes me wonder if my chair actually is a Selig, but I don't think I'll ever know the answer to that.

UPDATE: holy loungechairs, Batman!

I found our chair:

Overman Egg Form Swiveling Lounge Chair & Ottoman

Sweden,Circa 1970s

Overman of Sweden, swiveling pedestal lounge chair with matching ottoman. Pumpkin leather-like strapped, buckled and tufted cushions over a vinyl clad egg shaped chair. Leather-like strap-tufted ottoman measures 17" H x 26" W x 19.5" D. Both chair and ottoman are surmounted on polished steel and black lacquer X legged pedestals. Side arm of chair is for adjustable swiveling mechanism. $2500.

I think both looks if done well could work. If you're just using as an occasional chair then simplify, but if it's going to be a well loved reading/napping chair I would leave it cushy.