7 Furniture Legs Worth Showing Off

7 Furniture Legs Worth Showing Off

by: Gabrielle Di Stefano

Looking at the legs and feet on furniture can be a big help when you're shopping. Whether you are interested in antiques or contemporary pieces that use elements of the past, knowing a little about their design history may give you some extra confidence in your choice. A great place to start is at the bottom, as the shape of legs and feet on furniture can give you plenty of context. 

Here are seven common styles you may have admired already or have yet to discover.

by Chango & Co. »

The saber leg. Modeled after a cavalry saber (sword), this furniture leg was used by ancient Greeks and Romans. It was first seen on the klismos chair — much like the ones in this photo. The front legs of the saber curve forward; the rear legs curve behind the seat. These finely splayed legs became popular on early-19th-century regency and empire chairs, stools and sofas. The leather-upholstered, timber-framed klismos chairs in this shot have subtle saber legs, allowing them to work well with the other contemporary pieces in the room.

by Kaylovesvintage »

The reeded leg. Like the saber leg, the reeded leg has its origins in ancient Greek and Roman motifs. Around the turn of the 19th century, this style became more popular in regency and empire furniture, especially the Sheraton styles. 

The reeded leg has vertically carved rounded grooves, with narrow channels that separate each reed. These convex moldings stand out from the surface.

This desk, paired with a more modern Eames chair, shows us why the reeded leg's design has stood the test of time.

by Alexander Johnson Photography »

The fluted leg. Modeled on ancient Greek columns, the fluted leg has concave — rather than convex — vertical channels carved into the leg, unlike the reeded leg. Neoclassical furniture styles from the late 18th century used the fluted leg to great effect.

This hot-pink upholstered Louis XVI–style chair with its feminine fluted legs suits the mirrored dresser perfectly.

by Panageries »

The trumpet leg. The trumpet leg, as the name implies, resembles an upside-down trumpet. KingWilliam III — who ruled England during the late 1600s with Queen Mary II — often employed craftsmen from his native Holland, who created more decorative and elaborate designs than the previous Gothic styles.

This furniture leg is usually on the thick side, and can have many curves. Flaring upward and then outward from a narrow base, this leg is often capped with a dome. The foot may be a ball or a Spanish foot (a flared foot ending in a scroll).

This glorious highboy dresser shows off beautiful trumpet legs.

by House Dressing Interiors, LLC »

The cabriole leg.Originating in Italy in the early 18th century, the cabriole leg curves outward at the knee and inward at the ankle. Inspired by a leaping goat's rear leg, this elegant S shape provides great support to larger pieces of furniture. 

The cabriole leg may have a paw, scroll, club, or claw and ball foot, which you see on a lot on Chippendale furniture. The knee may also have an ornamental carving of a shell or lion.

by Debra Campbell Design »

The elephant trunk leg. The elephant trunk leg, also known as the banana leg, originated during the Ming Dynasty. It's often found on low pieces like the Chinese kang table. The elephant trunk leg tends to be quite thick; it curves out from the top and then curves back into the leg.  The Chinese kang table in this traditional sitting room shows off fine examples of the elephant truck leg.

by Tiffany Farha Design »

The Flemish scroll leg. This late-baroque-era style of furniture leg was developed in the second part of the 17th century. The Flemish scroll leg can be distinguished by either a carved S or C shape at the top. Furniture from this period tends to be heavy and dark, with elaborate carvings. These dining chairs, with their Flemish scroll legs and matching arm carvings, help to create a warm and inviting dining room.

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