Generally, Barrel Chairs are designed as swivel chairs and tend to be more appropriate for casual décor.

Red Seat Barrel Chair Design

Barrel chairs are style of chair that is distinguished by smaller frame that is constructed to resemble the shape of an old-fashioned nail barrel. One side of the round construction is cut out to allow seating and back padding that forms comfortable nook that is surrounded with higher back and arms.

Chronicling the development of the Barrel Chairs can be somewhat difficult.

Exotic Barrel Chair Models

The exact origin of the barrel chair has been debated for number of years. Varying sources place the origin of the chair in such diverse locations as the United Kingdom, the Virgin Islands, Italy, and France. What is fairly well established is that the design was in use around the world by the middle to late 19th century, and enjoyed great deal of popularity in the United States during the middle of the 20th century.

barrel chair leather seat pad design

Some forms of the antique Barrel Chairs use leather upholstery paired with deep stain to bring out the natural beauty of the wooden body. Others are detailed with gilding to highlight some of the natural formations found in the wood grain.

Barrel Back Club Chair Mahogany with leather upholstery design

Over time, the barrel chairs evolved into the ideal seating for casual wood dining set. Scaled down slightly and matched with hardwood tables, the chairs proved to be especially popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In addition to the use of wood, colorful plastic versions also began to appear during that era. Today, the traditional barrel chairs remain favorites for people who wish to go with more natural and rustic feel to the dining space in their homes.