An Industrial Swivel Stool, Circa 1950

A genuine piece of mid-20th-century industrial workplace furniture, this industrial swivel stool, dating from circa 1950, captures the robust, utilitarian spirit of the post-war industrial era. Rich in original patina and engineered for practical use, it remains a timeless example of honest industrial design.

Crafted with a solid elm round seat, the stool features a threaded screw adjustment mechanism that allows the seat height to be raised or lowered smoothly. This mechanism is housed within a tubular metal support column, designed to withstand the demands of factories, workshops, and factories, workshops, and technical environments.

The structure is reinforced by lower X-cross stretchers, providing excellent stability and strength while clearly expressing the functional design language typical of industrial furniture. The stool stands firmly on four metal legs, each terminating in shaped keg supports, ensuring a stable and grounded stance.

The metal frame retains remnants of its original industrial paint finish, with traces of old military green visible beneath layers of wear. The surface displays chipped, worn, and softened paint developed through decades of use, resulting in a deep, honest patina that cannot be replicated. The elm seat shows corresponding age-related wear, with natural surface marks and tonal variation that reflect its industrial past.

Fully functional and visually striking, the stool works equally well today as a workshop or artist’s stool, or as a statement piece within an industrial, loft, or contemporary interior. It is a strong and characterful survivor from the industrial age, offering both practical utility and historical presence.

Beyond its original function, the stool also lends itself beautifully to use as an artist’s display stand or sculptural plinth. The adjustable height, solid elm seat, and stable four-legged base allow it to present sculpture, ceramics, or objets d’art at varying levels, making it particularly appealing for studios, galleries, and design-led interiors. The combination of honest industrial patina and purposeful engineering creates a striking contrast when paired with contemporary or fine art.

Learn More About This Piece

To explore the wider design context and historical significance of mid-20th-century industrial seating, read our editorial feature on this circa 1950 industrial swivel stool. The article examines its workshop origins, material choices, and how pieces like this continue to influence contemporary interiors.

👉 Read the full journal article

Key Features

• Authentic industrial swivel stool

• Circa 1950

• Solid elm round seat

• Threaded screw height adjustment mechanism

• Tubular metal support column

• Lower X-cross stretchers for stability

• Four metal legs with shaped keg supports

• Original industrial paint remnants

• Traces of military green with worn patina

• Fully functional swivel and adjustment

Dimensions

• Height: Adjustable Highest 72cm - Lowest 50cm

• Seat Diameter: 30cm

• Base Width: 34 x 34cm

(approximate dimensions)

Materials & Construction

• Solid elm

• Steel and tubular metal frame

• Threaded steel adjustment mechanism

• Original industrial paint finish

Condition

Good vintage condition consistent with age and industrial use. The metal frame shows chipped and worn original paint with visible patination and light surface oxidation. The elm seat displays surface wear, marks, timber cracks and tonal variation. All wear is authentic and contributes positively to the stool’s character. Structurally sound with a fully working swivel and height adjustment mechanism. There is minor play in the threaded adjustment consistent with age and use; the stool remains structurally sound and fully usable.

Period & Origin

Mid-20th century, circa 1950. Likely British or Northern European in origin, reflecting the utilitarian design and robust construction associated with post-war industrial workshops, technical schools, and military or government environments.

Styling Suggestions

Ideal for an industrial kitchen, artist’s studio, or home workshop, and equally effective as an accent piece in loft apartments, architect-led interiors, or modern spaces seeking contrast and authenticity. Pairs particularly well with reclaimed wood, concrete, steel, and minimalist interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the swivel and height adjustment fully functional?
Yes. The stool swivels smoothly and the threaded screw mechanism allows the seat height to be adjusted as intended.

Why We Love It

• A genuine circa 1950 industrial piece — not a reproduction

• Retains original military green industrial paint

• Strong utilitarian engineering with X-cross stretchers

• Usable as everyday seating or a statement object

• Deep, unrepeatable patina developed over decades