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4 Furniture Leg Styles to Know About

Furniture leg styles in all shapes and sizes. From antiques to retro to clean and modern, each design brings its own charm. Here's everything about the legs of the tables, chairs and sofas you pass by every day!

Furniture Leg Styles

Cabriole, saber, tapered, fluted, straight, antique. These are just six of dozens of designs and structres you'll see when shopping for tables, chairs and more. Furniture legs come in all different lengths, widths, and depths. Added on top of that is the silhouette - angled, paneled, or intricately designed. To help guide you through the best looks for your own home decor, here's exactly what you need to know about the styles and some fun facts about why they're so popular (or not) today.
furniture leg styles drawing

What Makes Tapered Legs Special?

The tapered leg is the pinnacle of mid-century modernism. If the style defined a generation, the tapered leg defined the style. With that said, its origins can be traced back to ancient times! Furniture makers for centuries have been carving designs out of wood, and, like artists of any kind, expressing flair through their craft. Although the tapered furniture leg – or a furniture leg that gradually thins out toward the bottom – has been around, it didn’t rise to iconic heights until the middle of the 20th century.
To identify “traditional” tapered legs from “mid-century modern” tapered legs, take note of length, width and shape. The shorter, the rounder and the more angled, the more the tapered leg says 'mid-century modern'!

The Tapered Leg and the Race to Space

While the literature on modern design will offer varying opinions on what events shaped the style evolution of mid-century modernism and the tapered leg, their inextricable connection to the space age is perhaps the most commonly held – and intriguing.
As America became more and more obsessed with developing advancements in technology and being the first to land in space, domestic life on the home front all but fueled the fire. Interiors saw a boom in “futuristic” aesthetics. The further away it looked from the intricate, traditional designs of the ‘20s and ‘30s, the better; the sleeker and savvier it felt, the more designers and homeowners just about ate it up!
Simple yet fresh and exciting, the tapered leg was one of the easiest ways for the average American to express an embracement of hope and possibility through interior decor. Who would have thought that something as simple as a little flare could represent such a world of feeling and ideas? Just goes to show why style isn’t just about looks – it’s deeply rooted within culture and society as a whole. So, the next time you’re out and about and happen to spot a tapered leg (or four), take a moment to appreciate its stunning design – and the wonder it represented for Americans in the mid-century!

Cabriole Legs - A Furniture Leg Style That Speaks to Antiques

Emerging from the era of Louis XV, these legs embody artistry. The distinctive S-shaped curve, often adorned with ornamentation, imparts a sense of fluidity and movement. Whether found on a stately antique chair or a modern reproduction, cabriole legs continue to captivate, evoking beauty that transforms any space into a showcase of refined taste.

Saber Legs - Sleek, Chic and Flared

Originating in the early 19th century and inspired by the elegant curve of a cavalry saber, these legs add a touch of refinement. Picture a regal armchair or an exquisite dining table, its legs sweeping downward. A tapering arc, these shapes speak to strength. Each curve of the saber leg is a testament to master craftsmanship. Whether anchoring a grandiose settee or elevating a simple side table, saber legs are more than just structural elements. Rather, they are a celebration of form, function, and classical design.

Spindle Legs: A Unique Furniture Base Style

Originating in the early furniture of the Renaissance, spindle legs are elegant and carved. Whether adorning an antique table, a vintage chair, or a modern piece with a nod to the past, spindle legs really do capture the eye. It's skilled woodworking at its finest, turning everyday furniture into works of art that transcend generations.

The Spindle Furniture Leg Style

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.