Quick Fixes for Squeaking Round Arm Chairs

Round arm chairs bring comfort and style into any space, but nothing breaks that cosy feeling quite like an annoying squeak every time you sit or shift. Whether it's a faint creak or a loud groan, the sound can make the whole chair seem older and wobblier than it really is. These little noises tend to sneak up over time. You might not notice right away, but one day you'll sit down, and there it is — a sharp squeak that wasn't there before.

Getting on top of that early can make all the difference. Addressing a squeaking round arm chair doesn't just make things quieter, it actually helps extend the life of the chair too. Loose joints and dry hardware can lead to bigger problems if ignored, and regular movement only makes it worse. Sorting it quickly keeps your chair comfortable, safe, and looking well cared for.

Identifying The Source Of The Squeak

The first thing to do is figure out exactly where the squeak is coming from. That sound might be coming from one tiny spot, or it could be the result of multiple parts rubbing or shifting more than they should. Joints and screw points are usually the main culprits, especially where the arms meet the frame or where the seat joins the base. If your chair has any built-in springs under the cushion, those can also cause squeaks when they wear or dry out.

To help narrow it down, follow this simple routine:

1. Sit on the chair and move as you normally would. Rock slightly from side to side and listen closely.

2. Stand it upright and press down firmly on different areas using your hand. Listen for any creaking sounds in the arms, backrest or legs.

3. Flip the chair gently if possible, and inspect the joining points underneath. Look for loose or slightly shifted parts.

4. Use a small torch and a clean, dry cloth to wipe away dust so you can see the joints clearly.

You don’t need anything fancy to carry this out. A torch to check darker corners, a screwdriver for testing tightness, and a hand mirror can help you inspect areas tucked underneath. A rubber mallet is also useful if you want to apply gentle pressure to wooden joints, but take care not to mark the surface.

If you find the squeak is where the arm meets the leg, chances are the joint has worked itself loose and is rubbing slightly when pressure is applied. That bit of extra movement can cause more stress over time, so finding this early means a quick fix is more likely to stick.

Simple Lubrication Techniques

Once you’ve found where the noise is coming from, lubrication might be all it takes to solve the problem. This is especially true if the sound is from wood-on-wood friction or dry metal joints. A little oil or a silicone-based spray can reduce the rubbing where parts meet.

Choose a lubricant that won’t smell strong or drip excessively. You don’t want to leave marks on fabric or cause any build-up that’s hard to clean. Avoid anything sticky or greasy that might collect dust.

Here’s a basic process to apply it safely:

1. Clear out the area around the squeaky joint.

2. Put down a towel or sheet to keep surfaces or carpets protected.

3. Spray or gently dab lubricant into the joint. One or two small squirts is usually enough.

4. Move the part back and forth slowly to help spread the lubricant.

5. Wipe off any extra with a dry cloth to avoid messy residue.

Be mindful of the type of chair you have. If it’s made from unfinished wood or a delicate finish, test a small patch first. Some products could alter the colour slightly or cause staining if overapplied.

It might be tempting to use a lot, especially for a persistent squeak, but too much can make parts slippery or even increase the gap between joints. Start light and see how the chair responds. If the noise carries on, you might be dealing with loose fittings instead.

Tightening Loose Hardware

When lubricating doesn’t solve the issue, it’s time to check for loosened hardware. Screws, bolts and connections can work themselves loose with daily use. Even slight leaning or repeated movement puts pressure on the same joints, slowly shaking them out of position.

Using a screwdriver or spanner that matches your fittings, check each joint point carefully. Focus on areas where the arms meet the main frame, or where the legs join the base. Test to see if each screw is secure, but don’t overtighten.

Follow these steps:

- Place the chair on a flat surface for stability.

- Test each visible screw or bolt by hand to spot the loose ones.

- Tighten only until the connection feels secure. Overtightening can damage the wood or strip the thread.

- If you notice any rust or damaged fixings, it may be time to call someone in to replace or refit them.

- For hardware that sinks into the material, washers can help distribute pressure and support the part.

- If a screw hole looks widened or cracked, avoid forcing anything into it. This may risk weakening the structure. It’s best addressed by a professional.

If things sound slightly better after tightening but not perfect, go back and combine with lubrication or padding. Quite often, reducing a squeak takes more than one fix.

Using Padding To Dampen Sound

Some squeaks come from parts rubbing together, but aren’t linked to loose or dry joints. That’s where cushioning can help. Padding helps soften the contact between surfaces and stops friction before it starts. It’s effective and doesn’t require changing how the chair looks.

Padding can help particularly with chairs that rest on hard floors. Even if the main squeak comes from the base or legs, placing soft rubber feet or felt pads underneath can absorb extra movement.

Options for quieting things down include:

- Self-adhesive felt pads under the legs

- Slim foam inserts inside loose joins

- Small rubber washers for metal-on-metal contact points

- A fitted cushion that adds pressure over an old spring

Stick to options that blend easily with the chair’s style. If colours or designs matter, go for neutral tones or fabric that complements what’s already there. You can easily find covers or seat pads that look good and do the job.

Once you’ve added anything, test the chair again. Move around to hear if the sound has stopped. If not, it might need another look at the base structure or joint tightness.

How To Prevent Squeaks From Coming Back

After you’ve sorted out the squeaking, it's worth building a few habits to keep things that way. Gradual movement and long-term use are what lead to weak points forming. With just a little upkeep now and then, your chair will feel sturdy and quiet for years.

Here’s how to prevent those noises creeping back:

- Do a quick inspection every couple of months. Give each joint a little check.

- Apply a small splash of lubricant once or twice a year where needed.

- Swap chairs around the room now and then so one seat isn’t always doing all the work.

- Avoid dragging the chair across hardwood or tiled floors.

- When moving the chair to clean or rearrange, lift from underneath rather than tugging it sideways.

These small habits make a big difference over time. Even loud squeaks often start out as light rubbing, so any small sound might be your early warning that something is going out of place.

Keep Your Chairs Comfortable And Quiet

A creaky chair might not seem like a serious issue at first, but it can quickly turn a relaxing moment into a small frustration. Ignoring even little sounds makes things worse bit by bit. Over time, those tiny movements wear down the joints, loosen the bolts, and stress the structure.

Addressing a squeak when it first appears is one of the simplest ways to care for your chair. Whether it’s a dab of oil, a cushion, or a tightened screw, every fix adds to the life of the piece.

Keeping an ear out for changes and responding early means you get to keep enjoying your round arm chair without the extra noise. A bit of care goes a long way when it comes to comfort.

If you're ready to enjoy the peace of a squeak-free chair, explore the comfort and charm of a round arm chair from Love Decors. Keep your furniture in great shape and your home pleasantly quiet.