I just read something about licensed fabric the other day...let me see if I remember how it goes. I think the law really is that once you buy the fabric, you can make whatever you want with it in most cases. You can ask the company, though to be on the safe side, unless they have it marked as not allowed, you are okay. I mean, it's kind of ludacris for them to think you're going to buy their fabric and not do ANYTHING with it. Copyright laws only go so far.... But there seems to be a LOT of discrepancy in the law!

I agree about keeping it the same working better with a less patterned fabric. I would go with a very subtle pattern such as a tone on tone because I am always afraid that a wide field of a solid color will look ruined by the slightest blemish. I like the idea of keeping my decorating options open with accessories and paint. If one gets too specific with more permanent features, it locks you in and can look more dated. I find the same true with clothes.

They look like they once had something attached to the left side. There is a hole on the seat back and the top of the front left leg is flat on all of them. Maybe a desk top or armrest? I can't find a picture of anything like them on the internet.

Crate and Barrel and West Elm both have some similar, MCM swivel chairs/armchairs. Harvey Black Swivel Armchair