Swivel and Bolt-Down Bar Stools: What to Specify

Pictured: Pyro, Phoenix, AZ

Swivel seats and bolt-down bases solve two different problems at a bar. A swivel makes it easier to get on and off a stool and to turn toward the room. A bolt-down base keeps stools exactly where the plan put them, which matters at casino bars, stadium and airport concourses, and anywhere stools get dragged out of line.

Swivel stools: 360° or auto-return

360° swivel turns freely and stays where the guest leaves it. Most of our backless swivel stools use a 360° swivel.
Auto-return swivel turns back to face the bar when the guest stands up, so the line of stools stays tidy between services. Our swivel stools with backs are typically auto-return.

Some of our stools come with a swivel as standard, and many others can be customized with one. Examples include the Heston Swivel Stool (upholstered seat, 30.25" seat height), the aluminum Omni Swivel Stool, and the aluminum Stringer Swivel Stool, 400 Series, both offered in bar and counter heights.

Bolt-down bar stools

A bolt-down stool is anchored to the floor through its base. It cannot tip, walk or be moved, and it keeps an exact spacing along the bar. Options in our range include:

Laverno Stool with Bolt Down Base: steel pedestal base with a swivel seat, in bar and counter heights.
Alessa Stool with Bolt Down Tulip Base: upholstered seat and back on a swivel.
Shell Stool with Bolt Down Base: upholstered seat on a polished stainless, brushed brass, black brass or black powder coated base. The Shell is also offered as a movable stool.

The Laverno bolt-down stools at Pyro in Phoenix are a good example of a fixed bar line.

When to choose bolt-down

Casino bars and gaming areas, where stools must stay put.
High-traffic concourses, food courts and stadium bars.
Bars where the spacing has to hold, such as tight runs planned at exactly 24" per seat.

Plan bolt-down locations with your contractor before the floor is finished. The anchors go into the slab, so the bar layout, stool spacing and any floor heating or conduit need to be settled first. For bolt-down tables, see the B900 Bolt Down Table Base.

Spacing swivel stools

Swivel stools need a little more room than fixed stools because guests turn on them. Plan 26" to 30" center to center rather than 24". Our bar stool spacing chart shows the counts for common bar lengths.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 360° and an auto-return swivel?
A 360° swivel stays where it is left; an auto-return swivel turns back to face the bar when the guest stands up.

Can any stool be made to swivel?
Many of our stools can be customized with a swivel. Ask your rep about the specific model.

Do bolt-down stools come in counter height?
Yes, several do, including the Laverno.