Mid-century chairs are timeless classics that can bring a touch of elegance to any living space. One feature commonly found on these chairs is the wooden plugs or buttons that cover the screws on the armrests. These plugs not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the aesthetic appeal of the chair. However, if you need to remove them for any reason, it can be a daunting task.
In this guide, we will show you how to remove wooden plugs from mid-century chairs without damaging the wood around the plug. Damage to the outside wood will happen if you attempt to salvage the the buttons by prying them off. We will be using a narrow flat head screwdriver and a mallet.Â
Gather your tools
You will need a narrow flat head screwdriver, mallet, and long nose pliers. Make sure the screwdriver is narrow enough to fit into the plug.
Split apart the plug
Hold the screwdriver at a 45-degree angle and gently tap it with the mallet to cut the plug in half. Make sure to keep the screwdriver straight and centered to avoid damaging the surrounding wood.
Remove the plug
Keep your screwdriver inside the cut in the plug. Carefully twist the screwdriver around and pull the plug out. You can now access the internal screw to remove the arms.
Replace the plug
After restoring your chair, screw the arms back on and replace the wooden plugs, which you can purchase from Mollies. Once you have the new plugs, you can stain or paint them to match the existing finish of your chair.