Design: Swivelling into fashion

It is a Seventies rerun. But this clunky chair is today geared as much for utility as it is for visual appeal.

Hear the words ‘swivel chair' and the images that come to mind are often —and understandably — less than stylish: clunky shapes and exposed mechanics best suited for an office; or maybe something low and tubby, swaddled in a floral fabric with a flouncy skirt to disguise the works.

Hold on to your seat cushions, because the dumpy 1970s staple has evolved to become vogue, and it is poised to make the rooms we live in much more adaptable.

"They are a throwback that's made a comeback,'' says Beth Aberg, a furniture store owner.

With the growing popularity of floor plans that open the kitchen to the family room, today's houses incorporate many focal points in one space — the television, a fireplace, an eating area, a view outside, a grouping of furniture for conversation. A swivel chair can instantly swing from one centre of interest to another.

New look, new roles

Imagine, for example, an avid football fan pivoting from the large-screen TV to the snack tray by the fireplace to the conversation of the crowd in the kitchen — without ever leaving his seat. The swivel design is equally helpful in tight spaces, such as narrow townhouses, allowing a single chair to fulfill many functions.

Furniture designers and manufacturers have recognised the eminent good sense of the swivel concept and are introducing new versions with cleaner silhouettes, more stylish fabrics and shorter skirts, an overall tailored look. The swivel mechanism likewise has been improved, offering a steadier, smoother ride while staying largely out of sight. Some chairs even re-centre themselves when the sitter gets up.

"Different styles have made (swivel chairs) more appealing to everybody,'' says Rob Pitt, director of upholstery at Crate and Barrel, where two swivel styles are offered. The swivel models "look like occasional chairs with added functionality, practicality and comfort''.

All in one

Connie Britell, one of three designing siblings from Sisters On Style in Bethesda, US, remains a swivel supporter.

"Swivels have arrived," declares Britell, who says she uses them in many of her projects. "I think the V in swivel stands for versatility. They are so versatile, so fun — they do everything without looking like they do. People who have them don't want to be without them."

Ask Paul and Faith Denault, who moved to Bethany Beach seven years ago and now own a property management group.

"We love them,'' says Paul. "They're comfortable. They make the room flexible. You look one way out into the water, turn another way to look at the TV, turn another way to read the newspaper.''

With the Denaults' 11 grandchildren visiting often, the chairs get lots of use.

"They love them. They get into the chairs and go round and round. It keeps them occupied,'' says Paul.