Oh, also I'd like to paint the metal of the lamp. It's a little gross and rusted looking. I'd like to bring it back to a shinier metal...maybe silver. Any suggestions on how to do this? Spray paint?

With a prettier metal finish on the lamp and new upholstery on the seat cushion, I might leave the wood unpainted. The veneer has seen better days, though. Can you use wood polish on wood veneer? Would that be a good option? Or should I sand and paint?

Thanks guys!

Oh cute cute!!
I would upholster but not change the finish....and I wouldn't paint the lamp....leave it as authentic as possible.
If you paint it you make it look like something you bought at a thrift shop to make do until you can find something else....by leaving it authentic in color and finish, that makes it a real collector's item.
Where is the switch to turn on when you sit?
It's really nice...
Linda C

That's great!

I feel bad but I must admit the first thing that occurred to me was "how can you hook up an electric whoopie cushion to that" which of course is silly since whoopie cushions don't need electricity.

Can you sand off the rust at all? And I agree--don't paint it. Even with scruffy veneer, it'll look better than painted. I just can't picture it looking good in any color!

Could you wipe some Ospho on it to kill the rust? Might not be as invasive as sanding.

I am interested in a vintage gossip or telephone bench. Please contact me and do you have a picture of the item.
Thanks
Kathleen