This post will tell you everything you need to know about the rich history of these pieces of furniture. We’ll also take a look at how they’re made, and what makes them so desirable in homes and bars around the world. Plus, we’ll also explore some popular modern versions that are available for sale on our website. Get ready to start swiveling!
Counter height wood swivel bar stools have been a staple in restaurants for decades. This post will tell you everything you need to know about their rich history, from their beginnings as silverware holders to their modern popularity as seating in bars and restaurants across America.
How Did They Get Their Name?
These pieces of furniture have been called many things over the course of their long history. Some, like “swivel stools,” are dated back to the 1940s. There are also some explanations for their name that have much more recent origins, such as this one given by famed art director and design historian Bob Chambers in his book New Ideas in Furniture Design: “Apparently a customer at a diner wanted a stool that would swivel, but didn’t want it too low because he was afraid it might be hard to climb up—hence swivel stools. Or so the story goes.”
Regardless, these days it’s widely accepted that “counter height wood swivel bar stools” is the most accurate description for these pieces of furniture. They’re just like normal stools (which are also typically referred to as barstools), but they have legs that can be raised or lowered to accommodate people who are seated. Often, a swivel feature is added so the stool can also rotate 360 degrees—making it easier for the stoker to lean back and look out over their new friend’s head in a crowded bar, for example.
One nice thing about counter height wood swivel bar stools is that they’re compatible with almost any style of room.
