Types of Cabinet Legs: Our Favourite Cabinet Leg Styles at The Hairpin Leg Co.

Choosing the right custom furniture legs can transform a simple cabinet into a statement piece. But with numerous types of cabinet legs at your disposal, selecting the style can be challenging.

We’re here to simplify the process and present our favourite styles, showing you where each has an edge and offering insights to help you pick the right set.

At The Hairpin Leg Co., we champion the sleek, versatile appeal of hairpin legs for cabinets. They’re a unique addition to any home or office, and we always recommend these cabinet legs. That being said, we acknowledge the allure of other types like tapered, square, or wooden legs.

Each style brings a unique character to your furniture. Our commitment at The Hairpin Leg Co. is to help you find that perfect match, combining exceptional design with unmatched quality, to create a piece that's uniquely yours.

The Appeal of Adding Custom Legs to a Cabinet

Maybe your cabinet doesn’t have legs right now and is just sitting on the floor. Or, perhaps it came with legs but you want to add your own personal touch on the furniture. Either way, adding custom legs to a cabinet elevates its design, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal.

The style of the legs can significantly affect the cabinet's functionality. For instance, taller legs can make cabinets more accessible and easier to clean underneath, while broader legs can offer more stability and support for heavier items.

Aesthetically, custom legs can dramatically alter the appearance of a cabinet, from elegant and classic to modern and minimalistic. The only question is, which of the various types of cabinet legs is right for your home or office? Let’s find out below!

Our Favourite Types of Cabinet Legs at The Hairpin Leg Co.

Each of these styles has its place, but only one is right for your specific cabinet. It’s important to consider the style not just as it relates to your cabinet, but the rest of your home to ensure a cohesive look.

We’ll talk about choosing the right legs after breaking down 10 of the most popular styles below. We’ll get started with what we believe to be the most stylish, practical choice for any cabinet: hairpin legs.

Hairpin Legs

What are hairpin legs, you ask? These are celebrated for their sleek, elegant design, offering a blend of minimalism and mid-century modern appeal. Their slim profile makes them ideal for lighter cabinets, lending an airy, uncluttered look to the space.

These legs are particularly suitable for spaces where a touch of elegance is desired without overpowering the room's aesthetic.

We’ll talk more about this later, but our legs at The Hairpin Leg Co. are second to none. They’re crafted from durable, long-lasting materials and offer an ode to the classic hairpin leg style. For now, let’s look at another cabinet leg style.

Tapered Legs

Tapered legs, narrowing down towards the bottom, provide a refined and classic appearance. They are versatile, fitting well with both contemporary and traditional styles. These legs can elevate the elegance of a cabinet, making it appear more polished and sophisticated.

However, their reduced width at the base might limit their stability and load-bearing capacity, making them less suitable for very heavy cabinetry.

Square Legs

Square legs are synonymous with sturdiness and stability. They offer a clean, straightforward design that can complement a range of styles, from modern to rustic. These legs are ideal for heavier cabinets, providing robust support.

But, their block-like appearance may be too simplistic for those seeking ornate or decorative leg styles, and they might not blend seamlessly into more delicate or intricate design schemes.

Turned Legs

Turned legs are known for their intricate detailing, often featuring unique shapes and patterns. They add a classic and sometimes antique charm to cabinets, perfect for traditional or vintage-inspired spaces.

While they provide a distinct aesthetic, their elaborate design might not align with minimalist or ultra-modern interiors. Also, the complexity of their design can sometimes overshadow other design elements of the cabinet.

Metal Legs

Metal legs, other than hairpin styles, offer a contemporary and industrial edge to cabinets. They are highly durable and can support considerable weight, making them suitable for a variety of cabinet types. The industrial look of metal legs can be a standout feature in modern or minimalist decor.

That being said, these legs might not be the best choice for traditional or rustic environments, and their industrial feel could be too stark for some design preferences.

Wood Legs

On the other hand, we have wood legs. These bring a timeless, natural aesthetic to furniture. They're versatile, blending well with both traditional and modern designs. Wood offers warmth and character, with each piece having unique grain patterns.

However, they may not be as durable as metal in supporting heavy loads and can be prone to scratches and dents.

Bun Feet

Bun feet are short, rounded legs often used for a classic or vintage look. They're ideal for adding a subtle decorative touch without overwhelming the design.

Their low height might limit storage space under the cabinet and may not suit modern, minimalist aesthetics.

Saber Legs

Saber legs, known for their curved shape, add an elegant flair reminiscent of classical furniture. They're perfect for sophisticated designs but might not align with contemporary, angular furniture styles. Their unique shape can also limit their stability for heavier cabinets.

Straight Legs

Straight legs offer a clean, uncluttered look, suitable for a wide range of designs from minimalist to industrial. They provide excellent stability but might lack the decorative appeal of more intricately designed legs. They can be a bit boring, but if you’re into the minimalist look that’s probably not an issue!

Cabriole Legs

Cabriole legs are distinguished by their curved shape, often with ornamental carvings. They bring a luxurious, antique feel to furniture but may not fit into ultra-modern or simplistic decor schemes.

Their elaborate design can also distract from other elements of the cabinet. They are known for “stealing the show” in some cases.

Fluted Legs

Fluted legs feature vertical grooves along their length, adding texture and depth to the furniture design. While they offer a unique decorative element, they may not resonate with preferences for plain or minimalist styles. The detailing on fluted legs also requires careful maintenance to preserve their appearance.

Which of the Cabinet Leg Styles is Right For Your Furniture?

There you have it - all the different types of cabinet leg styles you may come across. The question now is, which is best for you? We’ll dive into key considerations below and help you pick the right style.

Matching Leg Styles to Your Interior Design Theme

Selecting the perfect leg style for your cabinet involves harmonizing with your room's theme. If your space exudes a modern vibe, minimalist designs like hairpin or straight metal legs can complement it.

For a classic or rustic theme, ornate legs such as cabriole or turned styles add elegance. It's about creating a cohesive look - the legs should echo the design language of your space, be it minimalist, industrial, traditional, or eclectic.

Considering Function and Form

Functionality is only half the battle - your cabinet legs should marry practicality with style.

So, assess the cabinet's purpose and weight. Heavy-duty use cases demand sturdy legs like square or thick wood legs for enhanced support. For decorative, lighter cabinets, you can explore more artistic options like saber or tapered legs.

The height and shape of the legs also impact the cabinet's ergonomics and accessibility. It's a balance between the leg's visual appeal and its ability to fulfill the cabinet's functional requirements.

Figuring Out Where to Buy Cabinet Legs

When sourcing cabinet legs, consider both variety and quality. Specialty furniture leg suppliers often offer a broad range of styles, including unique or custom options. Online retailers provide customer reviews and a wide selection, giving insights into quality and user experiences.

Don't overlook local craftsmen or furniture stores, as they can offer custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Prioritize suppliers known for quality craftsmanship, like The Hairpin Leg Co. for our acclaimed hairpin legs, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

That being said, here’s why you can rest assured you’re getting the beautiful, durable, robust cabinet legs you deserve when you shop with us…

Why Source Cabinet Legs From The Hairpin Leg Co.?

At The Hairpin Leg Co., we're passionate about providing the highest quality legs for your cabinet projects. Inspired by the classic designs of the 1940s, our range includes sizes from 10cm to 102cm, suitable for everything from small dressers to large bars.

We offer both twin and triple rod styles to suit your design preferences. Our finishes range from sleek powder-coated paints, adding a pop of color or a smooth finish, to raw steel for an industrial touch.

For outdoor projects, our bright zinc option is perfect.

We're committed to your satisfaction, offering free 60-day returns in the UK, free UK shipping, and a 5-year guarantee.

From metal furniture legs to wooden furniture legs, we offer an array of styles to choose from. Beyond our cabinet legs, you can browse other furniture legs and table tops available in our catalog:

Plus, we sell hardware like our knobs and handles to put on your cabinets to round out the new look!

Whichever style you go with, you can rest assured you’re investing in lasting quality that will elevate your home or office. Not sure which is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful customer support team. We’re on standby ready to offer a personalised recommendation.

That being said, we can also offer tips on bringing your cabinet to life to help you enjoy a seamless building process. Find advice below before we wrap up or guide to the different types of cabinet legs.

Advice on Bringing Your Cabinet to Life

Installing your legs and bringing your new cabinet to life can be daunting, but it’s actually fairly straightforward. Anyone can do it.

You are given a PDF build guide when you order the various cabinet leg styles at The Hairpin Leg Co, and we encourage you to follow that as it's intended. However, we’ll offer a general overview of the process below:

Gather Your Tools: Essential tools include a drill and screws suitable for your cabinet legs’ base plates. Additionally, have a pencil for precise marking, a level for ensuring balance, and a ruler or measuring tape for accurate alignment. These tools are crucial for a successful installation, ensuring both accuracy and safety.
Plan Your Layout: Before drilling, take time to visualize where the legs will go. Consider not just aesthetics but also the load distribution. This step is crucial for maintaining the cabinet's balance and overall look.
Measure Twice, Drill Once: Accuracy is key. Use your measuring tape and level to mark exactly where the screws should go. This precision will pay off in the long run, ensuring your cabinet stands evenly and looks professional.
Pre-Drilling Holes: Carefully pre-drill holes at your marked spots. This not only makes the installation easier but also prevents potential damage to the wood, like splitting.
Attaching the Legs: When screwing the legs on, don't rush. Tighten the screws firmly for stability, but be cautious not to strip the screw heads or over-tighten, which can cause damage.
Leveling and Adjusting: After installation, check that the cabinet sits level. If not, make necessary adjustments. This might involve slightly loosening or tightening the screws.
Protect Your Floors: Consider the type of floor your cabinet will sit on. Adding protective pads to the legs can prevent scratches and damage to both the legs and the flooring. Our legs come equipped with floor protectors, so you won't have to worry about this if you shop with us.

Learn more about how to attach table legs in our blog, or consult your build guide that comes with the legs you purchase. Again, our support staff is a click or call away ready to offer one-on-one assistance as well. But without any further ado, it’s time to leave you with a few final thoughts on the different cabinet leg styles…

Final Thoughts on the Different Types of Cabinet Legs

In the world of cabinet design, leg style is key. From the elegance of hairpin legs to the sturdiness of square and tapered styles, each of the different cabinet leg styles offers unique advantages.

Of all the different types of cabinet legs, though, hairpin legs stand out for their sleek design and versatility, making them an ideal choice for a range of projects.

For the perfect blend of style and stability, explore The Hairpin Leg Co.'s selection and bring a touch of mid-century modern flair to your furniture. Shop now - with our satisfaction guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose!