Outdoor entertaining has become increasingly popular, with homeowners investing in outdoor kitchens, bars, and dining areas to extend their living space. One simple yet impactful upgrade to make? Incorporating swivel bar stools into your outdoor seating. With their rotational seats and supportive backs, these functional stools provide the flexibility and comfort to effortlessly enjoy food, drinks, and conversation outdoors. Read on to discover how swivel bar stools can spice up your patio, porch, or deck.
Swivel bar stools lend your outdoor space a decidedly lively vibe. Their distinguishing feature – the swiveling seat – empowers you to pivot around and face any direction at will. Chat with guests to your right, admire the garden view behind you, or turn back towards the bartender or grill with zero fuss. The freedom of movement makes swivel stools a captivating addition to your outdoor bar or high-top table, facilitating relaxed mingling and interaction. And when you need a comfortable perch for supervision or simply lounging, the back support helps you sit and unwind in style.
What Are Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools?
Main Features and Benefits
Outdoor swivel bar stools are specifically designed for placement in outdoor areas exposed to the elements. Key features include:
- Durable materials like powder-coated steel or aluminum to resist corrosion and moisture
- Swiveling seats for flexibility to pivot freely in either direction
- Backrests for lumbar support lacking in standard backless stools
- Weather-resistant fabrics like mesh or sling for comfort and drainage
These stools provide the ideal seating solution for outdoor bars and kitchens, high-top tables, and any spot where you want to enjoy views from different angles. The combination of swivel functionality and back support makes them significantly more adaptable and relaxing than static backless stools.
Difference from Standard Bar Stools
While traditional bar stools have fixed seats, outdoor swivel bar stools incorporate a ball bearing swivel mechanism. This enables the seat to rotate a full 360 degrees. The swivel feature allows you to easily pivot left or right to chat with guests beside you, without having to strain your neck or back.
Outdoor swivel stools also tend to have backrests, while many standard indoor/outdoor bar stools are backless. The backrest provides critical lumbar support that lets you stay seated comfortably for hours. For relaxing outdoors, a stool with a back is vastly more comfortable than one without.
Ideal for Entertaining and Relaxing Outdoors
Swivel bar stools lend themselves seamlessly to outdoor living and entertainment. Their flexible swiveling seats let you pivot to face different directions as you converse with guests scattered around you. You can swivel towards the bartender for drink refills, or turn to gaze at the sunset behind you. The back support also lets you relax comfortably for as long as you want.
The stools enable effortless supervision from a fixed vantage point when hosting lively gatherings or keeping watch over the pool or yard. Friends and family will appreciate the casual yet comfortable perches for lingering outdoors and enjoying food, drinks and each other’s company.
Key Factors When Choosing Outdoor Swivel Bar Stools
Weight Capacity
Consider the total weight your outdoor swivel stools need to accommodate. Many models have a capacity of 300-500 lbs per stool. If hosting larger guests, look for stools with a higher weight rating for stability and durability.
Adjustable Height
Check that the stool height adjusts to properly fit your outdoor bar or table height. Standard seat height adjusts from 24 to 30 inches. If very tall or short, look for height ranges accommodating your needs.
Materials
Look for all-weather materials that withstand sun, rain, and moisture. Powder-coated steel and aluminum are common for frames. Seats often feature weather-resistant wicker, mesh, or sling fabric that drains well. Padded sling fabric or wood offer comfort and style.
Style
Select a style aligning with your outdoor decor – classic and elegant, modern, industrial, rustic, etc. Match the bar stool colors and finishes to your existing palette for a cohesive look.
Tips for Incorporating into Your Outdoor Space
Patio Bars and Kitchens
Flank both sides of an outdoor bar or kitchen countertop with swivel barstools for convenient casual dining and drinking. They create a relaxed atmosphere for meals and entertaining.
High-Top Tables
Cluster swivel barstools around high-top tables for easy mingling and dining. Guests can pivot in their seats to converse with those beside them.
Poolside
Locate swivel stools poolside for keeping comfortable watch over swimmers. The back support alleviates strain, while the swivel allows supervision from all angles.
Decks and Porches
Perch a couple of swivel bar chairs on your deck or porch to enjoy vistas of your garden or landscape. Rotate to take in 360deg views from the comfort of your seat.
With Fire Pits
Arrange a gathering of swivel stools around a fire pit to relax by the warmth together. Conveniently swivel your seat to chat or tend the fire.
High-end retailers like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn offer durable, well-designed outdoor swivel stool options in various styles. Also check brands known for quality patio and outdoor furniture, like O.W. Lee and Sunset West. Look for solid warranties, convenient home delivery, and any assembly services offered.
Quality swivel bar stools let you implement this hot seating trend to create a lively, flexible entertaining area outdoors. With their movable seats and supportive backs, the stools enhance comfort, conversation, and views from your outdoor perch. Simply put – they allow you to fully enjoy your patio, porch, deck, or outdoor kitchen in swiveling style.
