How To Fix A Broken Swivel Tilt Chair Mechanism? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
24 min read

Everyone knows how much we appreciate having a nice soft seat to work from. Because of the long periods of time spent in them while working, they inevitably become ordinary and habitual. But if something were to happen to that chair… What if the swivel tilt mechanism became broken?

Trying to solve a problem of this nature on your own can be very taxing. But, have no fear! When the swivel-tilt mechanism in your chair stops working, try one of these eight ingenious solutions.

All You Need To Know About Swivel Chairs

What is a swivel chair? Get the best answer to your query and discover everything you need to know about swivel chairs by reading this article.

Definition

You can change your chair’s orientation without getting up from a swivel chair by simply turning your seat around on its axis. Wheels attached to the base of swivel chairs make it easy to move the chair around the desk without having to get up.

Commonly referred to as “office chairs,” this design is ubiquitous in today’s workplaces. Most computer and office swivel chairs come equipped with a gas lift that allows the user to adjust the height of the chair’s seat.

Clever Ways On How to Fix A Broken Swivel Tilt Chair Mechanism - Krostrade

Where to use it?

Living room

There is a general consensus that a swivel chair in the living room is a fantastic addition to the space. A swivel chair is a great option for a living room chair since it can be rotated to create several different conversation areas, each with a silhouette that is as attractive and inviting as an armchair.

Traditional living rooms with a relaxed, rustic vibe will benefit from the addition of linen-skirted swivel chairs. Swivel leather armchairs are a staple of the man cave. Swivel chairs are convenient in open floor plans since you can easily pivot to face the action.

Bedroom

Bedrooms benefit from having a swivel chair as well. Put one in a cozy corner by the window for some quiet reading time.

The perfect late-night reading nook for a man and a woman is two swivel chairs placed next to each other in a spacious bedroom. Seating in the form of swivel slipper chairs is a chic addition to bedroom dressing tables and desks.

Workplace

It’s little wonder why swivel chairs are so commonplace in workplaces; they allow you to easily switch from one task to another.

Outdoor

These days, swivel chairs aren’t restricted to indoor use. To omit the beautiful swivels we’ve seen in outdoor settings would be negligent of us. Visualize yourself relaxing on a cushioned rattan swivel on your front porch with a cup of coffee in the morning (or a glass of wine in the evening).

Benefits Of Using Swivel Chairs

Work is easier with swivel chairs

Instead of using a fixed chair when meeting with clients or working at a desk all day, swivel chairs are a great alternative. The convenience of being able to easily pivot from left to right is a major selling point for swivel chairs.

Stay seated while talking to clients and patients on one side of the room if you’re a doctor or professional. A swivel chair is convenient because it allows you to easily turn and face other people in a small group conversation without having to get up from your seat.

Swivel chairs are convenient since you can easily get files from a nearby filing cabinet and return to your desk without having to get up from your chair. Without leaving the room, you can complete the task at hand.

Swivel chairs are a practical addition to any office since they encourage continuous movement and interaction.

Casual seating at its finest

Any area can benefit from the addition of an accent chair, but the relaxing vibe that a swivel chair provides is hard to beat. Swap out that stationary accent chair for a swivel chair in the living room.

Indulge in a movie or a marathon of your favorite show in the comfort of these luxurious seats. Chairs like this are great for lounging in comfort and sophistication because of their effortless motion and full 360-degree rotation.

You’ll find that there are several swivel chairs to choose from, each with its own unique shape, size, and upholstery options. These one-of-a-kind seats are a wonderful addition to any home, whether you’re going for a more traditional or contemporary aesthetic.

Ergonomic and efficient

When it comes to sitting for lengthy periods of time in the office, swivel chairs are the most comfortable and supportive option.

While swivel chairs may initially cost more than other types of office chairs, they really end up saving you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of health issues including cervical spondylosis, back pain, poor posture, and inadequate blood flow.

Ways to Fix A Broken Swivel Tilt Chair Mechanism

Remove the swivel tilt mechanism and replace it with the next step.

Step 2: Use the vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to remove any dirt or dust from the inside of the chair’s base. You might need to remove screws to get to them, so packing an Allen wrench or screwdriver won’t hurt when you try to replace a damaged seat on your own.

Third, lubricate the moving parts as needed (may need WD40)

Step 4: Tighten all bolts and nuts around the chair’s base, including the ones connecting the chair’s legs. If the bolts and nuts are too corroded or stripped to tighten, you should replace the entire leg. This entails unscrewing one leg, removing the rusty bolts and nuts, and replacing them with new ones.

Step 5: If the bolts and nuts connecting the two legs are rusty or can’t be tightened, replace them by unscrewing one leg, replacing the bolts and nuts, and reattaching the other leg.

Step 6: If you have an Allen wrench, remove the screws surrounding the back support of the chair (where your headrests are) so that the back may recline more easily into a comfortable position; tightening these screws could have caused the mechanism to break in the first place.

Step 7: Support the area you wish to lean over by placing a metal bar across it with loops on either side for the feet to rest in and a wooden plank underneath to keep the feet from sliding out.

Step 8: If you don’t have a metal bar, make do with an old towel or piece of fabric by tying it around your torso with the loops on either side of the chair’s back support.

How to Repair a Wooden Swivel Chair

Mishaps can occur despite our best efforts to prevent them. Perhaps the mechanism on your wooden swivel chair is broken and no longer turns freely and easily. Have no fear! Here are a few of the neat tactics we can pull out to solve your problem right away:

Step 1: Unscrew the chair seat and take it off the chair.

Second, take off the wooden plate that is supporting your bottom as you sit and rock back and forth. So, to sum up, this is how it should look:

Step 3: Cover the area with waxed paper or leather, and then use wood glue to seal any fractures in the wood plank.

Step It’s best to wait 24 hours after applying pressure to reassemble your chair.

Once again, the swivel mechanism will function without any hiccups.

How to Repair a Plastic Swivel Chair

We also frequently notice broken plastic chairs, especially older ones that have been left outside. There are several ingenious solutions to address this issue without incurring any more costs.

Before attempting any repairs, Step 1 is to ensure that the chair is entirely dry.

Second, get some dish soap, hot water, and a bucket (or another type if you prefer)

Third, set the seat on top of it and let it soak for at least 20 minutes in the solution to loosen any embedded dirt or grime. This should make short work of fixing your swivel tilt mechanism’s shattered plastic!

If the stain persists, put on some rubber gloves and rub it until it disappears; just be cautious not to scratch or ruin anything else! Last but not least, disassemble your chair and let it dry for a whole night before putting it back together. Everything is back to normal now that the procedure is through.

Office Chair Mechanism Won't Tilt! Troubleshooting Tips. - YouTube

How do you Raise an old Wooden Desk Chair?

How do you lift an old wooden desk chair? First, remove the seat and place it on a stack of thick books or blocks placed on either side of the chair. This will ensure that the chair is at a uniform height.

The second step is to remove the chair’s back, loosen a few screws, then reattach the chair to the desk at the desired height.

How to Prevent Wear and Tear on Swivel Tilt Chair Mechanism

First, to extend the life of the swivel tilt mechanism, you should not leave the chairs in one position for too long.

Step 2 is to routinely inspect them for wear and replace any components that are broken or otherwise compromised.

Best Swivel Chair Resources

1. Tobi Boucle Swivel Chair

This chic boucle swivel chair is perfect in every way. It is perfect for creating visual interest and depth in home design. The curved shape of the frame is ideal for making a bold fashion statement.

There’s a swivel chair to match any decor, and this one comes in six different colors. Orders placed after this time frame may experience delays of up to 22 weeks.

2. Hugger Curved Swivel Chair

Leanne Ford, a designer for Crate & Barrel, is known for her laid-back style, which is reflected in the hugger chair she created for the company. When you sit on this chair, it’ll be like someone is giving you a giant hug, making it ideal for cuddling.

Hugger’s sculpted contours strike the ideal blend between businesslike and relaxed. This ultra-contemporary accent chair will make a major style statement in your living space.

3. Comfy Swivel Chair

The Fresno swivel chair provides exceptional comfort and may be used singly or as part of a set with your choice of end or side table. A striking piece for any modern house, its rounded orb shape exudes a sense of warmth and welcome.

It has thick foam cushions, a sturdy hardwood frame, and a swivel that goes all the way around.

Nubby boucle upholstery is a great choice for giving a room depth and character. There’s a chair to match any aesthetic, with a choice of five modern hues.

4. Arhaus Swivel Chair

A lovely accent chair for either a traditional or modern setting. This chair, with its 31″ width, narrow sloped arms, and low profile cushions, is perfect for apartments and studios.

The chair’s sturdy wooden structure is strengthened with laminate, and it is topped with foam cushions and a Flexolator suspension mechanism made from recyclable steel. When placing your purchase, select from two different neutral fabric selections.

If you sit in this chair for any length of time, you may never want to get up.

5. Outdoor Swivel Chair

The outdoor swivel chair from West Elm has weather-resistant cushions that are fabulous whether indoors or out. The rounded back shape is set off by a distinctive cording back.

West Elm’s outdoor swivel chair boasts fantastic, weather-resistant cushions that can be used either indoors or out. The rounded back shape is set off by a distinctive cording back.

The West Elm swivel chair with weatherproof cushions is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use. The circular silhouette is set apart by a distinctive cording at the back.

6. Oversized Chair

This large swivel chair from Crate and Barrel is just what you need to kick back and relax. This chair is perfect for cuddling up with a loved one or furry friend thanks to its roomy design and modern curves.

The swivel mechanism allows you to easily pivot to face the action no matter where it is in the room. Two throw pillows complement the snug barrel back chair’s seating comfort.

This extra-large accent chair is the perfect solution to the problem of guests who don’t want to leave.

7. Millie Modern Swivel Chair

The ink blue and mauve color options are currently stocked and ready to ship. For those who can wait, twelve additional fabrics are available for shipment in three to five weeks.

In addition to the five textiles that ship in 12 weeks, there are a further nine fabrics that need between 6 and 11 weeks to arrive. Order a free sample to help you visualize the final product in your home.

This cool accent chair has a cutout back, modern silhouette, and swivel base. No matter where the action is in your living room you can quickly turn to not miss out.

This swivel accent chair is stylish due to its cutout back, contemporary design, and caster wheels. You won’t miss a moment of the action no matter where you sit in the living room.

8. Velvet Barrel Upholstered Chair

This swivel chair’s spherical silhouette is reminiscent of that sold at West Elm, but its shiny brass base adds a glamorous twist. This low-priced swivel velvet chair is offered in no less than six different hues.

Incorporating it into your living room design is a surefire way to make it look more elegant. This classic shape will always make a bold statement.

9. Leather Swivel Chair

This accent chair from Arhaus is upholstered in leather, if that’s your preferred material. Its streamlined, contemporary form is meant to serve as a showpiece in your home’s decor.

The chair is reminiscent of the mid-century and would look fantastic in a variety of settings, including bachelor pads, starter apartments, and families with young children. Black or brown leather, both luxurious and versatile, are offered.

10. Tubular Arm Chair

This Bauhaus-style accent chair will make a strong statement in any room. Its soft seat and tubular arms make it a great addition to any contemporary space.

The chair’s base can rotate through a full circle, and it’s padded with high-density foam for comfort and support. The living area or home office might benefit from this accent chair. A lumbar pillow and a throw blanket will finish off the appearance.

11. Tufted Swivel Chair

This classic swivel chair will elevate any modern interior. The sumptuous velvet upholstery and classic tufting add a glamorous touch.

This trendy chair is perfect in every way. A bedroom, study, or even the living room would benefit from this. The price tag of slightly over a thousand dollars is well justified.

12. Channel Tufted Chair

This low-slung accent chair will provide a lot of character and flair to your decor for a price of just under $900. The dramatic ribbed pattern gives the traditional library chair a more modern appearance.

We now stock only the natural coloring, however if you have some more time, we highly recommend the sapphire navy version of the chair. Due of its stunning aesthetic, it has sold out.

If you’re worried about getting tired of a neutral color scheme, don’t be. If you want to change the feel of a room, all you have to do is provide a splash of color.

13. Leather Swivel Armchair

Fabric in the Chestnut aspen leather finish is available now. Choose one of the other twenty leather color options instead if you can wait the twelve weeks. If you’re having trouble deciding on a paint color for your new home, you can get FREE swatches to help you out.

If gold isn’t your thing, you can get the legs in antique bronze or polished nickel. The swivel design of the base allows you to easily join in on any discussion.

Put in a table and two chairs, or a chair and footstool. You can’t go wrong with either style when it comes to today’s homes.

14. Forest Green Velvet Chair

Target has this fantastic swivel chair for a very reasonable price. When placing an online order, select from four different hues.

It exudes a bygone era of glamour and refinement that is sure to complement any modern interior design. Velvet upholstery stands out against the sleek metal legs.

The swivel chair is built to relax in, thanks to its sturdy wooden construction and soft, cushioned seat.

15. Large Leather Barrel Chair

This modern leather chair is perfect for setting a cool, hip mood. The sleek, contemporary form is set off by the opulent brass legs and the channel-stitched, plush seat cushion.

The sleek, uncluttered lines are perfect for making a statement and injecting some character. The pricing, at $900 or less, is great as well.

I can’t get enough of this chic leather chair for my living room.

16. Pleated Swivel Chair

West Elm is the place to go if you want a unique armchair. This chair comes in a variety of color options, allowing you to pick the one that best complements your home’s decor.

Two different fabrics, a golden oak distressed velvet and a sand twill, are currently available. If you need an accent chair quickly, either option is fine.

The pleated form, tailored look, and swivel base of this chair evoke an image of refined sophistication. Position this chair in a quiet nook and accessorize it with a lamp and side table for a carefully crafted setting.

The potential is enormous.

How to Adjust an Office Chair with a Swivel/Tilt Mechanism - YouTube

17. Tufted Glider Chair

That’s right, all you glamorous trend setters, this chair is for you! When placing an order, you can select from a wide variety of colors and materials.

The tufted back barrel chair features nailheads in four different finishes that give it a sophisticated look. This design’s sleek look and versatile swivel base make it a great option for making a statement in any environment.

18. Green Velvet Accent Chair

The channel-tufted, art deco-inspired chair is available in your choice of green or rust orange velvet. It doesn’t matter where in your home you put this piece, the retro aesthetic will be a talking point.

From whatever vantage point, this chair will be a show-stopper. Featuring a swivel base, sinuous wire spring suspension, and a hardwood frame, this chair is very flexible.

19. Anthropologie Swivel Chair

This vibrant swivel chair is sure to be a conversation starter in any room of the house. The velvet in a vibrant chartreuse is a terrific way to liven up a room.

Ivory boucle and blush leather are in stock and ready to ship immediately, however this hue is manufactured to order. You can’t even begin to fathom how amazing your living area will look with just two of these chic chairs.

This swivel barrel chair is a modern take on a traditional design, and it’s the perfect way to inject a little glitz into your decor.

20. Teal Green Chair

This chair can be yours for less than $450. It boasts a rounded back, plush cushions, and a simple swivel mechanism for maximum comfort. When you want to feel like you’re a part of the action, it works great in both big and small settings.

The luxurious dark teal velvet upholstery will be a showpiece in any room. This is a versatile chair that works well in any space of the house.

21. Blue Velvet Armchair

At this point, it should come as no surprise that Jonathan Adler is one of my favorite designers. His work is a lot of fun and can serve as a conversation piece in any room.

The tapering form and round hardwood base of this type are modern updates on the traditional club chair. There are some big, bold cushions on it, perfect for lounging with a good book or a drink in hand.

The Sebastian swivel chair is a long-lasting and worthwhile investment. This contemporary swivel chair will be a great addition to your home’s decor.

22. Snow Velvet Chair

This chair, which retails for slightly over $2,000, is the perfect finishing touch for any ultra-modern space. Two of these chic chairs would be perfect for your living room, if money were no object. It’s worth mentioning.

Its cocoon-like form radiates relaxation and will elevate your decor to new heights. Snow-velvet upholstery and a brass, recessed base are a winning combination.

If you want to impress your guests, set this chair in the middle of the room. After taking a seat, your guests won’t want to get up!

You can’t go wrong with this chair in a room with a monochromatic color scheme.

23. Swivel Club Chair

This round swivel chair is quite similar in form to the West Elm leather barrel chair shown above. Order quickly if you need this in the charcoal colorway; there are only two left.

If blue or olive green better suit the mood you want to create, you can choose those colors instead. This chair is a terrific low-cost alternative for sprucing up your decor, coming in at about $500.

24. Champagne Velvet Chair

As they say, “Save the best for last.” My boyfriend Jonathan Adler just bought me another one of his beautiful swivel chairs. This reminds me of Halston and the fashion of Studio 54.

The gorgeous reef teal velvet complements the exhibited champagne tone. Both will give your home a touch of class and glamor.

The fabric determines whether the base is brass or stainless steel. Having this swivel chair around the table is a great way to spark conversation and show off your unique style.

I really hope you found these modern swivel chair materials helpful in creating the home of your dreams.

Conclusion

Swivel chairs, often seen only in offices and cheesy 1970s hangouts, have made a resurgence in interior design and are now a hot commodity on the internet. Nobody can resist wanting one, and we can’t pretend we don’t like them either.

Swivel chairs, which can be used in a variety of ways and are both comfortable and stylish, are quickly becoming a consumer favorite in the realm of interior design. The more you learn about swivel chairs, the more you’ll realize that you need one of your own.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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