I would reupholster them. I have done sofas, recliners,chairs, made cornices,curtains, cushions, etc. It isn't so hard to do..Just need to follow pattern of pieces on the original for patterns and reverse what you remove to redo them. I live in Waterbury, Vt and do this kind of work often. Have photos

I would reupholster them in a vertical stripe that brings out the colors of your cabinets, couch and some of the other neutral tones in that area.

@Laura G. Fabric painting? What is that? I mean, it's obvious what is but will you share how it's done?

If they are "good pieces" and you adore them, definitely reupholster. If the initial pieces are high quality, the benefits of reupholstering are: 1. It is more cost effective than replacing entirely. 2. You can select a fabric that matches your aesthetic. 3. You can select a fabric that is already treated for stain and water resistance or have state of the art treatment applied to the fabric of your choice. 4. Reworking existing pieces means less refuse in the waste stream. 5. If the ...»

You can do them yourself. Take off the old fabric, one chair at a time, so you don't get it mixed with another chair & use it as a pattern. Then, put it back together the same as you took it off. You may wish to take pictures as you go so you can remember how to reassemble.

The chairs at the small kitchen bar are more appropriate in style to the kitchen. Because the chairs are totally upholstered, with no exposed wood, they seem very out of place - more appropriate for a well-defined dining space.. The table is too small to support them. Best idea would be to replace them unless the fabric can be removed from legs and skirt area, and some paint used on that part, then new upholstery in a a small contemporary, basically neutral pattern might work.

I wouldn't go to the expense of reupholstering the chairs, but slipcovers would look fabulous and are just a fraction of the cost! More than a few of my clients have done this and they love the result. When you want to change the look...new slipcovers. (They're easy to have dry cleaned, so that helps too.)

how about slip covers designed for parson chairs?http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Parsons_Side_Chair_Classic_Slipcover/

skirted to cover the legs: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Parsons_Side...

Parson chair slipcovers are a great, cost-effective idea! If you decide to reupholster, check local independents. Many of them are very reasonable compared to a high-end design firm. Either way, think about your current style preferences when choosing the fabric rather than what's "trendy". Your home should reflect your tastes since you are the one who lives there!

Yamini is wonderful, they will look great.

A way to be versatile is to make slipcovers that cover only down to where the present upholstery ends at the seat frame painted white herei. Finishi off with a border of fringes and tassels at the back legs but not the front ones. Look at your photo showing your kitchen and decide on 1, 2 or 3 colours that stand out and look to combine those you decide on in a small repetitive print. The medium to dark clours is what I would focus on. Thus pulling it all together in a seamless style. Well ...»

Recovering chairs is easy, tho the fan-shape is more difficult. Make a paper pattern by tracing the material, then sew the seams for the fabric, then tack it on & voila... done! The white needs to go!

I agree with several of the previous posts. Seems that you made up your mind to recover the chairs. Microsuede would be a good choice and easy to clean. It looks very contemporary especially in a bright coral color to complement the purple eggplant sofa. I agree that the Barstool seems more pleasing with your decor, but the upholstered chairs do make the small dining area a bit more formal with the open floor plan concept. Please do post the after photos for us to see.

change the fabric

i'd use a new fabric to bring some color into the room. As well as complimentary colors make sure you stick with the same shades and tones that you already have in that room. If the chairs are good quality it's worth upholstering them. Also think about the style and whether you want a modern or more traditional look. If you wanted your upholsterer maybe able to give advice and work with the piece to update it.

I would keep them and re-upholster. many good ideas here for them.

I'm glad you're going to reupholster the chairs, for all the reasons Sheri C pointed out, and I know that in Yamini's hands they are going to turn out terrific.

Reupholster!! Best way to go! Reduce recycle recover

I reupholster and I would cover them for you for $300

There are so many beautiful fabrics out there. Reupholster! UNLESS they are not comfortable or broken, wiggly or your mother in law gave them to you and you really deep down hate them.......

@ShabbyDaze, yes I was inspired from seeing this very cool studio stool, which was done with fabric markers in a "day of dead" style. You can basically make fabric paint out of acrylic paint mixed with textile medium. I've started the process by purchasing the paint and medium and created templates for the cushions. The chairs are black iron with ivory fabric on the seats and a small panel for the back, 2 sides. I'll be ready to start once I finish a mosaic piece I'm working on for a gift. ...»

I would reupholster keeping the colors in your kitchen in mind

Sounds like a fun project Laura. I'll have to try it. Don't forget to post your pictures.