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Swivel Bar Stools

Featuring the Sausalito bar stools by Wesley Allen

Swivel bar stools enable easy rotation from side to side while seated, facilitating conversations with others in the room or turning to view a TV, for instance. Their design also simplifies the process of getting on and off the stool. Hence, they are the preferred choice of stools in many kitchens. Learn more

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Swivel Styles Explained

Swivel bar stools come equipped with either 360-degree swivel plates or memory-return swivel plates.

360-Degree Swivel Plates

With a full 360-degree swivel capability, these stools offer unrestricted rotation. This means you can effortlessly turn left, right, or spin completely around without any hindrance.

Memory-Return Swivel Plates

Distinctive in their function, memory-return swivel stools automatically revert to their original “home” position once you rise from them.

So, if the frame is aligned forward, the seat will ensure it faces the counter once you stand. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining a tidy and uniform look.

However, a minor caveat is that if you wish for the stool to stay facing a particular direction, you’ll need to use your arms or legs to hold it in place, as its natural inclination will be to return to center.

Swiveling Backless Stools

For those with space constraints or a penchant for the minimalist aesthetic of backless stools, opting for a swiveling design can enhance comfort and functionality.

Ensure that the seat width and depth are sufficiently spacious to provide adequate comfort.

For extended seating durations, it’s advisable to choose padded seats over wooden ones to maximize comfort.

A few notable backless swivel bar stools include: Bryce, Misha, and Henry.

Swivel Bar Stools with Arms

Perfect for dining tables and kitchen countertops where space is ample, stools with arms offer an added layer of comfort, making every mealtime or gathering more enjoyable.

A few notable swivel bar stools with arms include: Cardin, Lance, and Classic.

Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools

With adjustable swivel bar stools, their height can be easily tailored to the user’s preference or to the height of the counter or table, ensuring optimal comfort for various seating scenarios.

Coupled with the swivel feature, these stools provide a seamless experience of rotating in any direction, enhancing the user’s mobility and interaction with their surroundings.

Whether used in kitchens, studios, or bars, their adjustable nature makes them a favored choice for spaces that require adaptable seating solutions, accommodating both the design aesthetics and the diverse needs of individuals. 

A few notable adjustable swivel bar stools include: Architect, Dodge, and #910.

Swivel Bar Stools with Backs

A swivel stool equipped with a backrest enhances comfort manifold. While the swivel feature allows unrestricted movement in all directions, the backrest provides essential support, particularly when sitting for extended durations.

A few notable swivel bar stools with backs include: 915, Ronny, and Catalina.

How to Care for Bar Stools with Backs

Sometimes the backs of swivel stools can hit the counter when people rotate back and forth. Here are a few tested remedies to protect your stools and counters:

  • Remedy #1: Place a clear stopper with a sticky back on the stool where it hits the counter. These are about the size of a dime and are made of clear plastic. You won’t see the stopper – it will blend in and protect your countertop and stool from damage. Clear plastic stoppers can be purchased at any hardware store.
  • Remedy #2: Purchase a length of clear plastic hose and cut off a one to two inch piece. Slit the piece up the center and snap it over the outer frame of the back of the stool where it meets the counter.
  • Remedy #3: Purchase transparent rubber stripping and glue it around the edge of your counter. This will protect the entire edge of your counter not only from stools, but from other bumps and dings. Transparent rubber stripping can be found at any hardware store.

Leg Styles

Swivel bar stools usually have legs that flair out, while stationary stools usually have legs that go straight down from the seat to the floor. Here are pictures that show the difference between flared legs and straight legs:

Barstools: Flared vs Straight Legs

^ Shown with the Bali and Hanson stools

Please keep in mind the extra width of flared legs when you measure for your stools.

Ask Us — We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us here. Our designer, Deborah, is happy to help you with any design or measurement questions.

FAQs

What style of bar stool is most comfortable?

When seeking a comfortable bar stool, several key traits stand out. Stools with backs, particularly those that swivel, provide enhanced flexibility and support, especially for prolonged sitting. Cushioned and adequately sized seats cater to varied body types. Deep, wide seats are especially favorable for taller individuals. Curved backrests are typically more comfortable, reducing lower back strain, and low backrests that wrap around the lower back are ideal unless you need upper back support. Padded or upholstered backs offer a softer touch compared to harder materials. Backless stools can still be comfortable if equipped with padded seats, and those designed wide ensure stability. Armrests on stools enhance comfort by providing a resting spot but require more space. In any selection, personal preferences and spatial considerations are paramount.

What are the benefits of swivel bar stools?

Swivel bar stools offer both practical and aesthetic advantages. Their rotating feature facilitates ease of access, especially in tight spaces, reducing the need to move the stool constantly. This rotation also promotes better social interactions, allowing you to turn towards different conversation points or work areas seamlessly. Additionally, the flexibility in movement can be ergonomically advantageous, minimizing overstretching or straining and encouraging better posture. From a longevity perspective, swivel bar stools tend to experience reduced wear and tear since there's less dragging or pushing, protecting both the stool and flooring. Beyond functionality, the dynamic design of swivel stools adds a modern touch to spaces, enhancing the overall ambiance and providing a fun seating experience for you.

Are swivel bar stools suitable for outdoor use?

Swivel bar stools can be suitable for outdoor use, but this largely hinges on their construction materials and the specific outdoor conditions they're exposed to. For outdoor durability, stools should be crafted from materials like treated wood, aluminum, or outdoor-grade stainless steel, complemented by rust-resistant hardware. Any associated cushioning or fabric should be both weather and fade-resistant to stand up against sunlight and moisture. All our outdoor bar stools are specially treated for weather resistance, ensuring they perform optimally when used outside.

How to choose the right height for a swivel bar stool?

Choosing the right height for a swivel bar stool is essential for both comfort and functionality. Start by measuring the height of your counter or bar from the floor to the top. For kitchen counters measuring a standard 36 inches, stool seat heights should range between 24 to 26 inches. For bars standing between 40 to 42 inches, stool seat heights should be 28 to 30 inches. If your bar measures between 46 to 48 inches, choose stools around 34 inches tall from top of seat to floor. Lastly, for bars with a height of 47 to 50 inches, stools should be 36 to 37 inches in seat height. Aim for a space of 9 to 12 inches between the stool seat and the counter's underside to ensure ample legroom.

Enjoy comfort daily. Inspired by you.

At Barstool Comforts, you can get the quality and durability that you desire and deserve. Whether it’s for your kitchen counter, a commercial bar, a home bar, an outdoor bar, or something else entirely, there’s something in our collection you'll absolutely chair-ish.