A typical barstool swivels around 360 degrees for comfort, not to mention sociability. No wonder they're found in places where people gather to have fun, like bars, restaurants, game rooms and in kitchens, gardens, backyards.

When shopping for swivel bar stools demand comfort and durability. There are a lot to choose from: they come in a variety of materials, with or without back, hard seats on cushioned seats, and with or without armrests. The swivel barstools can be made into various styles, ranging from classic barstool look to modern criss-crossed shapes. They may also have self-leveling foot glides to adjust the height of the barstool.

The most important feature to look at is the swivel mechanism, which should be durable and of high quality so the stool rotates 360 degrees with ease. In some cases, where children are likely to misuse this feature, or where full rotation is not required, a memory return swivel could be fitted to the stool. This spring loaded mechanism allows the back to swivel about only 100 degrees in either direction, thus restricting the rotation. It also returns back to its original position facing the counter.

For the swivel bar stools with a back, check that swivel backs do not touch the counter when swiveled 180 degrees. This is a point generally missed since you tend to see the front side of the stool when shopping. Similarly if the stool has arms, ensure that they do not collide with the counter top when being swiveled. Shorter stools that fit easily under the counter top are preferred. Generally the height of the barstools seat is 10 to 13 inches lower than the counter top. The swivel barstools can be easily picked up from nearby marketplace or from the Internet outlets.