AI6YR BenSnagged a random possible chair restoration project (free) down the block. Tough one, no existing cushions. But I still have foam and vinyl for a chair or two here. #furniturerestoration
This apparently was the last owner's only photo before he had torn them apart. #furniture
Google says these are either Chiswell dining chairs, Finn Juhl dining chairs, Mid Century Matchstick, or similar. #furniture
Closest match is a Finn Juhl dining chair. But, unclear if this is the original or what. This one is definitely appropriate era, but not leather. Also unmarked. Could be something of similar era/styling, I am not a furniture person. Will be a challenge for me as there is no cushion and no fabric to copy. #furniture #restoration
Shirley Eugest@ai6yr
Then, as now, manufacturers copied each others styles. My guess is John Keal dining chairs for Brown Saltman. Curved back bar. Stretcher bars between legs for stabilization. Mild curve to the taper of the legs. The back cushion has a smile on top and bottom, like a happy calzone.
This should be an easy reupholstery job. mostly glued solid wood frame. If yours has knobs on the back, those may cover screws.
Do any wood restoration first.
@EugestShirley $3800 for six? $633?!?! Yeesh. I wonder if I should go for a cloth pattern instead, since that is their styling.
myrmepropagandistI think a solid cloth with that vintage texture (with the perpendicular lines where the weaving is just a bit uneven) would be the most classic.
To take it up a notch go for a bright pea green or orange based on what fits with the decor.
Similar era with different back, same manufacturer in red. So textured with some solid would work too I suspect. ($1547.00 each lol)
These chairs make me think of one of my favorite libraries.
@futurebird @EugestShirley Well, I'll take suggestions for fabric then, since I do not have any appropriate upholstery fabric for sure! I also will have to figure out the backs -- they were apparently wrapped both front and back, with fabric on the back (but not padded, I assume). That will be new (I assume stapled along the edge as well and taut somehow... or shaped cardboard wrapped in fabric and stapled? Dunno,
https://www.kovifabrics.com/search/product-detail/20632?
https://www.foliofabrics.com/products/briggs-vermilion
https://fabricbistro.com/products/mid-century-modern-mcm-faux-linen-glazed-textured-froth-neutral-greige-beige-linen-chino-sand-upholstery-drapery-fabric-rmc-smii-1?variant=32385279131708
https://www.modern-fabrics.com/hbf-textiles-denim-wash-popsicle-basketweave-texture-performance-fabric.html
These are all a little tame IMO. But also I think "can't go wrong" tame?
@futurebird @ai6yr
That burnt orange was my mom's choice 👀
The burnt orange went well with the avocado green, harvest gold and sad brown of the era.
That burnt orange was my mom's choice 👀
The burnt orange went well with the avocado green, harvest gold and sad brown of the era.
JimmyI love orange.
zl2todLe Creuset are the good ones. Hell expensive here.
knowuh@EugestShirley did any other decade have such palette compliance? Everything was one of those four colors. Everything.
@knowuh
1950s. Soft pastels were favored. One exception was bright red, which was thrown in with the soft colors.
Turquoise with white, pale yellow, pale green, or warm pink or red.
Most kitchen appliances were still white; refrigerators, stoves, washers.
One exception Red with white/black floor, yellow or aqua.
Tile-work was creative.
Everybody had a metal tube kitchen table and chairs. Top was Formica, upholstery was slick like vinyl. Floors were linoleum.
epicdemiologist
Jocelynephiliac 
@futurebird @ai6yr
The most practical choice for upholstery is a plainer one. Textured wool tweeds like those you linked were the one's that didn't wear out their welcome. They added interest without overpowering your senses. Wool is also very durable, resists soiling and can be spot cleaned.
These two are the wool tweeds on my mom's furniture. Still okay after all my childhood trampoline efforts.
@EugestShirley @futurebird Fabric Warehouse has a bunch of similar home decor fabric at a bargain price... thoughts? (aim would be for some snazz, boring is not my style... )
@ai6yr @futurebird
These are all attractive. They appear to be clothing fabric. You want a firmer, tighter weave to stand up to the wear of years of butt traffic. Look for upholstery fabric. The kind used for furniture. Lighter fabrics are great for pillows and drapes that don't get stressed and abraded as much.
These are all attractive. They appear to be clothing fabric. You want a firmer, tighter weave to stand up to the wear of years of butt traffic. Look for upholstery fabric. The kind used for furniture. Lighter fabrics are great for pillows and drapes that don't get stressed and abraded as much.
This one claims heavyweight ulholstery, blend canvas.
Red Canvas Basketweave Upholstery Fabric | By The Yard | 54
A blood red canvas basketweave fabric that is extremely durable This heavy duty fabric would be wonderful for everyday use when used to upholster sofas and chairs It would bring a beautiful pop of color to any room by using it for throw pillows a duvet or a blanket It would also be suitable for sewing tote bags and other crafts Be sure to check out the video below for a more detailed look at this fabric . Product Classification: Closeout. Sold By:: Sold by the linear yard swatch and by the piece when available Our swatches are the size
bjb 
@ai6yr @EugestShirley @futurebird
Whatever you get, make sure it won't stain if liquid is spilled on it.
Believe it or not, there are very expensive upholstery fabrics that can be ruined if they get wet.
Thankfully, I was informed of this before I had my furniture reupholstered a few years ago and was able to select robust fabrics. I remember the selection being considerably reduced after eliminating non-water-tolerant fabrics.
@ai6yr @futurebird
Yes, fabric wrapped cardboard for the back. If you can get some that is less acidic, it will last longer.
Yes, fabric wrapped cardboard for the back. If you can get some that is less acidic, it will last longer.