Exploring The World of Table Leg Styles: A Beginner’s Guide

Considered one of the most integral pieces of furniture in one’s home, tables can quickly become the focal point of a room. This is why it’s not surprising that homeowners tend to look at the tabletop for this furniture piece’s overall look, function and style.

However, not everyone knows that table leg styles also play a significant role in a table’s durability and design. They’re not just there to give the entire structure stable support but they can create a cohesive look and add a finishing touch to your space.

Because even if you have the most pleasing solid wood table in Singapore, choosing the wrong table leg can either make or break your interior.

So, whether you’re planning to buy dining tables, conference room tables or standing desks, learning what type of table leg to look for will help you set the tone for a room. You can finally give your furniture a unique sense of style, purpose and identity.

Continue reading below and take one step closer to a furnished home!

9 Popular Table Leg Styles You Should Know

To help you find a style that suits your home’s interior design, let’s start exploring your options. Here are the most popular types of table leg styles in the market:

Square Table Legs

Square table legs come with a square cross-section and a straight, vertical look. The width and thickness of the legs are normally the same from top to bottom, giving a crisp appearance that highlights the structure’s symmetry.

Due to their straightforward and clean-cut appearance, square table legs can be suitable for a wide range of interior styles—from contemporary to rustic and industrial. And in terms of strength, their geometric design and square profiles can evenly distribute weight. 

For example, Wood Capitol offers square powder coated legs to provide a layer of protection against corrosion.

Adjustable Table Legs

Adjustable table legs can increase a tabletop structure by up to 115cm and above. They are best suited for shared workstations, craft room tables, work tables and more.

They have a mechanism built into them that changes the table’s height based on your preference. While some adjustable legs have continuous flexibility for a customized height range, others may feature limited height settings.

Lots of features also come with this table leg style, including ergonomic comfort, adjustable positions, accessibility and space optimisation, among others. 

Keep in mind that even after several height adjustments, height-adjustable legs remain strong and able to withstand up to 120kg.

Wooden Slab Table Legs

Also referred to as slab-style legs, wooden slab legs are constructed from solid wood and have a simple, rustic appearance. They are created from a single, thick piece of wood to feature an unpolished look. You’d see their natural grain, knots and other distinctive features, making your table look more timeless than ever.

The legs can also be smoothed down using different finishing techniques like sanding. In some cases, the bottom part of the leg is equipped with protective slides, while the top is typically flat so a sturdy tabletop can be securely attached.

What makes wooden slab legs charming is that they offer a touch of warmth and organic beauty to any space. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in various furniture designs not limited to tables. This includes benches, kitchen islands and many more.

Cross Table Legs

Cross table legs are known for their artisanal appeal and a crossing structure that resembles the letter ‘X’ or a cross. They are typically made from metal, wood or a combination of the two.

One of the biggest advantages of this table leg style is its inherent stability and strength. Thanks to its crossing design which evenly distributes the weight between the legs, it gives tables a sturdy base. This structural stability can support heavy loads, prevents wobbling and improves stiffness. 

For example, if your coffee table will serve as a platform for heavy, hardbound books and ceramic vases, you’re better off with a cross-leg option.

What’s more, its overall form adds visual interest that can work with both traditional and modern interior designs. The clean lines combined with the geometric pattern of the legs give living spaces a sleek and modern appearance.

Hour Glass Table Legs

Also known as waist-shaped table legs, hour glass table legs feature a tapering curvature that resembles the shape of an hourglass. The legs are wider at the top and bottom portion and gradually get narrower towards the centre, creating a visual balance and graceful curves.

Their versatility is noteworthy. Whether the tabletop is square, round, rectangular or oval in shape, hourglass legs can be modified to match the size and design requirements. 

They also come in various heights to accommodate side tables, coffee tables or dining tables.

Despite their tapering appearance, hourglass legs are known for being structurally strong and stable. The wider parts at the top and bottom provide a solid base, while the narrowing middle section adds a sophisticated touch. They can provide dependable support and sustain the weight of a table when built and attached properly.

Moreover, they can be crafted from different materials like wood and metal. Often made of iron or steel, metal hourglass legs give a clean look perfect for contemporary interiors. 

Various coatings like chrome plating and powder coating are also applied to improve the durability and aesthetics of metal legs.

Slope Table Legs

Known for their inclined or slanted profile, slope table legs feature a gradual slope from top to bottom. The slope can either look subtle or more pronounced, depending on the desired functionality and style.

To amplify overall personality and aesthetic appeal, some slope legs have design features like grooves, fluting and ornamental accents.

This type of leg style can be used for different kinds of tables such as desks, console tables, dining tables and coffee tables. And whether you’re going for a Scandinavian-inspired design or minimalist interior, slope legs complement several interior styles.

Spider Table Legs

Resembling the legs of a spider, spider table legs usually consist of two or three metal rods that come together to form a V-shaped structure. You’ll see that the rods are bent at acute angles to produce the desired shape. 

Spider legs are commonly made of metal to support the weight and use of a table and ensure durability. The converging prongs also help in distributing the weight evenly and providing a solid base. 

What sets spider legs from other table leg styles is that they are not placed at the corners of a dining table. Meaning, you can add a few more guests without people accidentally hitting their knees on the table legs.

You can slot in an extra seat or two, making it ideal for huge family celebrations!

Triangle Table Legs

As the name implies, triangle table legs are characterised by their triangular shape. They form a triangular base that supports and stabilises larger or heavier tabletops.

In some cases, triangle leg designs may also include crossbars for better stability and support.

Their artistic and asymmetrical appearance is favoured by homeowners looking for a more contemporary, geometric aesthetic. Thanks to their one-of-a-kind shape and clean lines, they can effortlessly be the centre of attention in any room. Besides, triangle legs can give the table’s overall design a sense of modernity and movement.

Pole Table Legs

Pole table legs mimic upright poles or columns, extending straight down without sloping or swirling at the bottom. They have a constant diameter from top to bottom that gives off a neat and symmetrical appearance.

One benefit of pole legs is their space-saving design. Since they lack elaborate embellishments and bulky designs, they don’t occupy so much visual space. This creates a more spacious atmosphere in your room and a sense of simplicity for people who’d like to keep things modest.

Common Materials Used For Creating Table Leg Styles

When it comes to choosing the right table leg type, the materials used in creating it also play a huge role. Of course, it will all boil down to the aesthetic you’re going for, functionality and the budget you’re willing to spend.

Take a look at the two most common materials used in table leg construction:

Metal

Metal comes in different finishes such as chrome and black powder-coated, making them a strong and long-lasting option for table legs. This material can also be sleek and modern with ornate and decorative designs.

Metal table legs also come in a wide range of styles including geometric shapes, straight lines and curved lines. They go hand in hand with industrial-inspired designs and contemporary pieces.

Wood

Considered the most common material you’ll find in table legs, wood gives your space a natural touch that makes your home feel more warm and inviting. Its versatility is also unparalleled, offering homeowners a range of options in finishes, styles and wood species.

Popular wood choices include Mahogany, Walnut, Oak and Suar wood.

Wooden table legs can also be carved, twisted and moulded into different shapes that suit your individual style. And when you choose something that’s high quality and well-made, it can preserve your decor’s appeal for a long time. 

How To Choose The Perfect Table Leg Style: Tips To Consider

With a lot of table leg styles and materials in the market, how do you exactly choose the perfect type of table leg to complete a room’s interior look? You don’t want to end up regretting your decision, especially since upgrading your furniture pieces requires time and money.

Don’t fret! Here are a few tips you should consider when choosing the perfect table leg style:

Choose Your Leg Height

One of the first things you have to do is to determine the best leg height. Of course, it will vary depending on the specific type of table you’re looking for. 

For example, chairs and bench height are usually 45cm tall, while dining table height are about 75cm tall. The thickness of your tabletop is also a significant factor to consider since it affects the overall height of the table.

Pick Your Preferred Style, Material And Colour

When choosing the right table leg style, don’t forget to consider the style and material. Ask yourself: If I pick this certain leg type, will it start a conversation with my visitors? Can the overall design command attention and fit right into your interior?

For instance, if you have an modern style home, black metal table legs can upgrade your dining room. Or if you’re going for a woody interior or a modest Scandinavian look, wooden table legs are worth considering. 

Final Thoughts

Buying the right type of table leg is important in ensuring support, style and stability for your tabletops. Because once you make the mistake of choosing the wrong table leg style, it can stick out like a sore thumb and ruin the overall look of your interior. 

Whether you’re planning to establish a rustic, contemporary or Mediterranean style, always consider a table leg’s style, material and height. 

Remember, making the correct choice will allow you to transform a solid wood table—from suar wood, black walnut and mahogany—into an elegant and functional piece of furniture!

Thanks to our extensive craftsmanship and experience working with various materials, we’re ready to assist you in creating the table of your dreams. Visit us today—let’s create the best table leg style, hand in hand.