50's chair refinishing ideas  

I think
If it were mine I would not change it. It is a handsome chair and from what I can see, a good cleaning would be enough. It has the same tone as some Carlo Di Carli chairs I had. Rather than changing what appears t be a decent original. why not just sell it and get one you like better? I have had chairs that I loved the look, but hated the comfort or finish and vice versa. They all eventually went away in favor of ones that had everything I wanted in a chair.

to re-do or not to
I agree..I'd clean it up first. Also seems like the fabric might be kind of distracting with all the stripes. Wonder what it would look like if you found a piece of fabric that was less graphic. Might work magic with the existing cane.
Just a thought...
Karin

Thanks for the comments.
I need to change the cane anyway, as it is damaged.
The current cane style reminds me of Bergere furniture and I wanted to achieve more of a mid-century look. However, I still haven't decided which is why it's nice to get some opinions

I think changing the weave might help
to freshen the look. Your restoration person might need to color the new cane a bit to tone down the contrast. The overall coloration of the chair seems somewhat drab in your pics. Maybe just the lighting.

I guess
if I was being a bit more considered about it, I see a frame that has more in common with Thonet chairs than Danish pieces. I would expect that to be the thought behind the original weave pattern . If I picture it with the Danish style weave I see it is likely to be as awkward doing that same weave on a Thonet or Breuer chair.

Point well made
I agree about the Thonet comment.
I guess i'm just not overly excited about the original cane style, but it would obviously look much better once it's been replaced and has new fabric.
I'm going to ask my caner if he has any ideas too
I was also wondering if anyone thought that there should be a backrest cushion too? Or just the bare cane?

You
are probably on to something. It does look deep. Sit in it and you should know right away. If so, visual problem solved if it against a wall. You will never look at the caning. BTW I do really like this one and would guess IIalian.