Pros and Cons of Swivel Counter Stools
Adding seating along the kitchen island and counter is an important feature in designing your dream kitchen. From a quick breakfast before work to homework and meal prep, life happens at the kitchen island. At Dutch Craft, our quality, handcrafted counter stools encourage connection in the everyday moments. Check our our detailed guide to weigh the pros and cons of swivel counter height stools.
Pros of Swivel Counter Bar Stools
- Counter height swivel stools are easy to get in and out of. The smooth swivel motion rotates you away from the counter and makes it easy to get up. Older people and young children may especially appreciate the added convenience of smooth swivel bar stools.
- Swivel counter stools may prevent damage to your flooring. Most hardwood Amish swivel counter bar stools are heavy. They can be difficult to push backward depending on your flooring. Eliminate the need to scoot the bar stool in and out by adding a convenient swivel base.
- Swivel counter stools are perfect for open floor plans. Many modern homes feature open layouts to the connect the kitchen, dining room or family room. Having swivel stools around your island makes it easy to engage in conversations happening around you. Rotate easily between working at the island and chatting with family watching TV in the great room.
- Swivel stools are especially important for bar height islands. Standard kitchen counters are 36" high, requiring a 24" bar stool seat height. Raised bar height counters are 42" high, requiring a 30" seat for stools. This extra tall bar stool means most people cannot touch the floor while sitting, making a swivel seat even more convenient.
Cons of Counter Height Swivel Bar Stool Styles
- Some swivel counter height bar stools are bulky. All Amish dining chairs are available as bar chairs with a swivel base. Large hardwood chairs require a sturdy swivel base to keep the bar stool rock solid. Small spaces and narrow walkways may benefit from stationary stools that slide underneath the counter when not in use.
- Swivel counter stools with backs often bump into your countertop. The ease of swiveling in and out makes getting up easy. However, it also increases the chance of someone swiveling the back of the chair into your countertop. No matter what hardwood you choose for chairs, the wood will develop small dents from granite or marble countertops.
- Swivel bar stools are more expensive. The addition of the separate base with a swivel plate often has a higher price tag than the stationary bar stool version.
Standard Swivel vs Memory Swivel Bar Stool Bases
In addition to the standard swivel base available for all bar chairs, you may consider a memory swivel style. The memory swivel plate always rotates back to the starting position after you leave your chair. The memory swivel bases keep a row of bar chairs along your kitchen island looking neat and organized.
As you consider the pros and cons of swivel bar chairs for your space, explore some of the timeless designs featured in our gallery. Available in your choice of solid American hardwood, you will find narrow stools and deluxe Amish bar stools with arms. Many bar stools with backs feature lumbar support in the steam bent slats.
Shown with a variety of sofa table sets and small kitchen islands, the Urban stool is a great space saver. Our top selling narrow bar stool, this classic style stores underneath even the slimmest islands. Because of the narrow design, the Urban stool is not available with a swivel base.
Affordable Amish Bar Stool Options
Along with the narrow Urban stool, we offer several affordable classic bar stools for the island. Options including the Costa, Swivel Saddle, and Post Mission 2-Slat blend with a wide range of home styles. The Post Mission is a customer favorite with a swivel base and low profile design. Browse our gallery to find them in light, neutral wood tones and rich dark stains.
Modern Swivel Bar Stool Designs
Many Amish swivel bar stools have a traditional feel. However, there are modern options available as well. The Reno upholstered bar stool pairs a cozy upholstery with a contemporary metal base. The curved back style encourages lingering at the island, while the round metal base pairs well with modern home styles.
Other modern bar and counter stool styles include the Turnstone swivel bar stool, with a low profile back. This customer favorite features a short back, specifically designed to swivel underneath the countertop and avoid bumps. Turnstone bar stools are available stationary or with swivel and we recommend the swivel version on this style.
The Millcreek style bar chairs are another customer favorite for modern kitchen and dining rooms. A classic Windsor style, the Millcreek features solid wood spindles in a curved back design. Most common as a solid Maple wood bar stool, the Millcreek is available stationary or with a swivel base. The Millcreek is a perfect complement to a sleek, mid-century modern design.
Comparing Height of Swivel vs Stationary Bar Stools
Standard stools and counter chairs have either a 24" or 30" seat height. For some swivel bar chairs, you may notice an extra inch or so to the standard height, especially when paired with an upholstered seat. The general recommendation is to have an approximate 12" drop from the counter to your chair seat.
Standard kitchen counters are 36" high, so the bar stool seats should range from 24 to 26 inches high. A raised eating bar is traditionally 42" high, requiring 30" seats on the bar stools. Like all Amish furniture, our collection of bar stools is custom made to order. If your kitchen counter is not a standard size, we are happy to build the perfect height swivel stools to match.
Choosing the Best Bar Chairs for a Home Bar
In addition to kitchen islands, another popular space for bar chairs is a home bar area. For most spaces, we recommend bar stools with backs, encouraging your friends to sit and relax. Bar chairs with arms and swivel bases double as extra seating while watching a game or hosting holiday dinners.
Classic bar stools with arms like the Austin, Urbana, Kowan or Eagle styles feature lumbar support. The backs feature steamed and bent wooden slats that form to the natural curve of your spine. The combo of steam bent backs, arms on the chairs and rungs in the base for a footrest creates a comfortable wooden bar chair.
Another popular option for home bar chairs are large, fully upholstered styles including the Parson, Cortland and Emerson. Available as stationary or swivel style, these fabric or leather bar stools feature durable, high density foam. With hundreds of fabric and leather options available, you are sure to find the perfect color and texture for your space.
Bar Stools to Complement Your Dining Set
As you shop for stationary or swivel bar stools, consider the look of your dining chairs. For open floor plans or eat-in kitchens, a bar stool that complements your dining chairs creates a cohesive feel. All Amish dining chairs are available as matching bar chairs, stationary or swivel. We shorten the backs slightly to keep the bar chairs from tipping easily.
Another way to create a space that feels unified is to use complementary wood textures and colors. Many wood colors look beautiful in the same space, provided they all have warm undertones. We often recommend adding bar chairs darker than your dining set rather than trying to exactly match older furniture.
Amish made bar chairs are available in your choice of solid American hardwood. Wood options include Red and White Oak, Maple, Cherry, Hickory, Elm and Walnut wood. Each wood type has a unique natural character and grain texture. Create contrast in your kitchen with wooden bar stools that add character different than your cabinets.
Oak and Hickory wood has a prominent grain texture with a slightly rustic appeal. If your kitchen features a large span of Oak cabinets, consider adding Maple wood stools at your island. The smooth grain of Maple wood gives rest to your eye, especially when featuring a dark stain like Ebony or Rich Tobacco. Maple wood also has a smooth finish when painted white, featured on many of our classic styles.
Two-tone bar stools are an excellent way to complement existing cabinets and furniture. Choose any stationary or swivel bar stool in Maple wood and opt for black Ebony stain or a classic white painted frame. Wood stained chair seats add visual connection to your other furniture. Amish furniture makers offer 2-tone bar stools with Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Hickory or Elm seats.
A black or white chair frame also creates seperation from wood floors. Many homes feature hardwood flooring or laminates with a wood grain texture. Bar stools with little to no visible wood texture adds breathing space in a kitchen filled with wooden cabinets, floors and trimwork.
On the other hand, if you have a modern kitchen featuring white painted cabinets, consider adding Hickory bar stools. With a light stain like Willowbend or Cocoa Light, Hickory wood bar stools infuse warmth into modern kitchens. Another favorite for modern wooden bar stools is Walnut wood, with a clear natural finish.
As you consider the pros and cons of swivel or stationary bar stools, shop our gallery online for inspiration. With options ranging from simple wooden stools to luxury upholstered versions, you are sure to find the best custom bar stools for your space. Visit our showroom in downtown Berlin to experience Amish dining room furniture in Ohio. Our team at Dutch Craft Furniture is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
