Good Questions: Advice for Chair Redo?

Melissia is thinking about a re-do: I just snagged this Shaw-Walker office chair for $50 on Craigslist.

It's actually in really good shape, but the upholstery needs to be cleaned and re-padded, as the foam feels crispy and thin.

Is it worth it to do this, and if so, would it diminish it's value, or add to it? I know nothing about restoring an old chair like this, so any insight/info that you or AT readers can offer is appreciated!

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
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Well, when we got this question we immediately thought of one of the January Jumpstart projects from earlier this year (shown above) - in it, Brandy redid a similar vintage office chair and it looks fabulous. Check out the post and all the details right here.

Readers, what advice can you share on a redo of this type and how it might effect the value of the chair? Let us know...

Comments (3)

Is Shaw-Walker a particularly sought after vintage company?

I bought a beautiful slate blue file cabinet on Craigslist for $10 and it says it is a Shaw-Walker cabinet.

posted by shlacking on December 11th 2008 at 2:30pm
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Since it's not a particularly sought-after or rare chair - and the OP's home is not a Museum - I'd recover/refoam and use it.

posted by bepsf on December 11th 2008 at 2:32pm
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I've seen examples where folks just leave the original upholstery in tact and recover on top. I plan on doing that with an Art Metal Construction chair 'project' of mine.

posted by wig3000 on December 11th 2008 at 2:57pm
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