Have you ever glanced at a basic table in your home and realized it needs some character? Maybe just painting the whole thing isn’t the answer. (Not every furniture problem can be solved with paint, it’s true!) Creative DIY table legs can bring your old table or new woodworking project the “something special” it deserves. By embracing different materials and styles, you can transform a plain table into a statement piece full of personality.
From charming wooden table legs that bring a touch of nature indoors to sleek metal table legs that exude a modern flair, the possibilities are endless. Hairpin legs, for instance, can infuse a retro vibe into your space, while x-shaped legs might offer that farmhouse charm you’ve been dreaming of. The right table legs do more than just support your table; they elevate it into a conversation piece that reflects your unique style.
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Whether building a new piece like a rustic coffee table or updating a vintage keepsake, the right table legs can make quite an impact on the overall design. Every DIY project requires a decision of aesthetics and function. Will rugged wooden table legs anchor a classic design, or will industrial metal legs define the piece? As you consider the options, let the style of your room and the personality of your table top guide you.
Let’s take a look at some traditional and also some very unique table leg and table base ideas.
Wooden Table Legs
Wooden table legs have held a classic appeal for ages, available in many durable species – but most commonly oak and pine. You should consider both the aesthetic and functional demands of your furniture. For instance, oak, known for its toughness, serves well for dining tables and farmhouse tables that face daily wear and tear. Pine, though softer, offers a lighter, more adaptable look for side tables, adding a warm touch to any room. You can also find and use reclaimed wood pieces like barn beams or balusters to use for your one-of-a-kind table.
DIY rustic farmhouse console table with antique baluster legs – tutorial via Picklee.
DIY fluted table legs + coffee table top = an upcycled dining table for a small space, via XOXO Jackie.
Upcycled old barstools to DIY wooden desk – via Shanty 2 Chic.
DIY dining table with x-shaped base built from reclaimed barn wood – via The Created Home.
Metal card catalog drawers repurposed to side table with DIY wooden base – via Not Just a Housewife.
Repurposed footboard spindle into base for double pedestal table – via My Repurposed Life.
DIY farmhouse style round dining table with pedestal base – building plans via Her Tool Belt.
Wooden hangers used as table legs on a side table – via Pinterest here (original source unknown).
Modern industrial adjustable sawhorse desk to coffee table – building plans via Ana White.
Metal Table Legs
Whether vintage or modern, metal table legs can elevate your furniture to another place in time. Hairpin legs are an easy addition to a chic card catalog or upcycled bench. Repurposed items spark the imagination – imagine hardware store industrial pipes fashioned into X-shaped legs, a bold choice for dining tables or even farmhouse tables. This mix of modern appeal with a touch of rustic charm is unexpected yet welcome. The journey from a conventional piece to an extraordinary creation involves basic tools and a liberal dose of creativity, proving that sometimes, the most outstanding designs spring from the simplest ideas.
Upcycled wood card catalog with added metal hairpin table legs – via Girl in the Garage.
DIY coffee table with welded steel legs for a modern look – via Erin Spain.
Upcycle a plain top with metal table legs for your DIY table project – via Finnish Design Shop.
DIY table legs (2 ways) made from steel tubes – via Big Living Little Footprint.
DIY Pipe Leg Table via Kaleidoscope Living.
DIY Pedestal table made from a lamp base – via Lovely Etc.
Side table with DIY copper legs – by HomeMade Modern via Hunker.
Repurpose old lampshades into a small side table or plant stand – via Craft Invaders.
Reclaimed wood coffee table with DIY metal pipe legs – via Instructables.
DIY side table from a wire basket – via The Shabby Creek Cottage.
Other Creative Ideas for Table Legs
DIY Table legs from old books – via Instructables.
Sewing machine base upcycled into a desk or foyer table – via Girl in the Garage, from the book Amazing Furniture Makeovers.
Sculptural table project (Anthro dupe) using pottery bowls – via Collective Gen.
Updated curio cabinet with added legs for height – via Girl in the Garage.
Change the look of your table legs without actually changing the legs – do a fun paint treatment like stripes. via Girl in the Garage
Advice for Choosing the Right Table Legs
- Whether you’re working on a coffee table, side table, or dining table, you want to make sure the height is correct for your piece. Remember to add the thickness of the table top to the leg length to determine what the overall height of your table will be, and place a chair nearby to make you’ll have enough leg room under a desk or dining-height table.
- Along with the height, the thickness of the legs is also an important factor. Tall skinny legs would look strange with a big chunky table top, and it probably wouldn’t be very sturdy either.
- Choose table legs that have a similar style to the table top. Midcentury tapered legs wouldn’t look right with a rustic farmhouse top, just as a white chippy pedestal base wouldn’t look quite right with an art deco top.
- Wondering if it’s hard to change or add table legs? No way! Most table legs are really easy to remove by just unscrewing them, and new ones can be attached just as easily by twisting them into place or with furniture leg mounting plates.
Highly-Rated Table Legs to Buy
Short on time or DIY skills? I’ve found some great, fast options for you to update your table or add some flair to a new build. Most are available in different colors and sizes – just click the links for all the details and to see the most current prices. You can also run over to your local hardware store or Hobby Lobby and find some table leg options, but you’ll find the most variety online.
1. Hairpin Legs
2. Diamond Legs
3. Trapezoid Table Legs
4. Wood Table Legs
5. Industrial Pipe Table Legs
6. Midcentury Tapered Legs with Metal Feet
Diving into creative furniture legs opens up so many possibilities. These legs become more than just supports; they turn into markers of your creativity. The satisfaction you get when you finish a DIY project is unbeatable – it’s not just about putting furniture in a room, it’s about making your space truly yours. The table you update or build serves as a sign of your unique taste. It encourages others to try their hand at DIY. By mixing different materials and designs, like simple X-shaped legs or coffee table legs, you can create something truly special. Remember, the beauty of DIY projects lies in the personal touch they add to our homes.
