No one knows for sure how barrel swivel chairs came to be. What's certain, however, is that the unique design of this comfortable seating option has made its wave into many decorating styles.

A frame constructed to resemble an old-fashioned nail barrel distinguishes a barrel chair. One side of the round body is cut open so that pads or cushions can be added, leaving the higher back and arms intact. As a rule, barrel chairs are most often created to be swivel chairs. While popular in casual décor, barrel swivel chairs also have made their way into modern and contemporary styles.

The precise origin of the barrel chair has been a topic of debate among decorators and furniture makers for years. The chair designed has been attributed to inventors in the Virgin Islands, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. No matter whence it came, the barrel chair was in widespread use around the world by the middle of the 19th century. In fact, some antique barrel chairs have been found made from genuine barrels.

Enterprising furniture makers, perhaps lacking for materials, would cut barrels used to transport nails, or pickle barrels from old-style general stores, in half, using the top and bottom of the barrel as the seat base. These half-barrels were mounted on a swiveling device, sort of like a larger-scale "lazy Susan" turntable," and then given legs. Many of these antique chairs are found with leather upholstery, while the wood has been given a deep-colored stain to bring out the wood's natural beauty. Sometimes the wood is painted and gilded, a style popular with the gentry who purchased them during era of the 1890s.

By the middle of the 20th century, barrel swivel chairs had become immensely popular in the United States for both indoor and outdoor seating. Many casual dining sets from the 1960s and '70s pair scaled-down versions of the barrel swivel chair with hardwood tables. Plastic versions also began to be use.

The benefits of barrel swivel chairs in social situations have long been noted. Once again in versions scaled down from the original dimensions of a barrel, this type of swivel chair often is seen in bars and restaurants. They've also been a mainstay of the type of gentlemen's clubs found in the United Kingdom, and in plush corporate offices in the United States, where the finest leather and quality brass fittings are used in the upholstery.

Barrel swivel chairs are noted especially for their comfort, which explains their appeal in social settings. The back-and-forth swiveling motion can prove to be an irresistible draw for children, who probably should be monitored while sitting in a barrel swivel chair lest their motion become so vigorous as to tip the chair over.

Modern and contemporary versions of barrel swivel chairs are also found in sleek, sophisticated home décor, often in leather or brightly colored vinyl. Modern and contemporary styles frequently stand on pedestals rather than on four legs, which emphasizes the minimalism look of these types of décor. Many famous designers in both styles have taken their turn at crafting a version of the barrel swivel chair.

Whatever their style, barrel swivel chairs are often chosen for the way they cradle the occupant in all-around comfort.