Exploring the Fascinating World of Furniture Legs: A Guide to the Different Types and Their History

Antique furniture is known for its intricate design and beautiful craftsmanship, and a crucial aspect of this is the furniture legs. From cabriole legs to claw and ball feet, there are many different types of furniture legs used in antique furniture, each with its own unique shape, history, and purpose. In this blog post, we will explore every type of antique furniture leg, giving you a comprehensive guide to the different shapes, histories, and uses of these legs. We will also delve into the English eras in which these legs were popular, helping you to better understand the context in which they were used. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this blog post will give you a better understanding of the importance of furniture legs in antique furniture. So join us as we delve into the rich history and significance of furniture legs in the world of antiques.

Cabriole Legs

These are perhaps the most iconic and recognisable type of furniture legs in English antique furniture. They are characterised by their S-shaped curves and are typically found on chairs, sofas, and tables. Cabriole legs were first introduced in the early 18th century and were popularised by Thomas Chippendale, a famous English furniture designer. The purpose of these legs is to provide stability and support, while also adding a decorative touch to the piece of furniture. Cabriole legs were popular during the Rococo and Neoclassical eras in England.

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Ball and Claw Feet

These furniture legs are characterised by a decorative claw or talon at the bottom, which is typically accompanied by a carved ball or sphere. They were commonly used on chairs, tables, and chests, and were particularly popular during the Rococo period in the mid-18th century. Claw and ball feet serve the same purpose as cabriole legs, providing stability and support while also adding a decorative element to the piece of furniture. Claw and ball feet were popular during the Rococo era in England.

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Tapered Legs

These legs are characterised by their narrow shape, which tapers towards the bottom. They were commonly used on tables, chairs, and desks, and were popular during the mid-18th century. The purpose of tapered legs is to provide stability and support, while also adding a sleek and modern touch to the piece of furniture. Tapered legs were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras in England.

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Fluted legs:

These legs are characterised by their grooved or fluted design, which adds a decorative touch to the piece of furniture. They were commonly used on tables, chairs, and desks, and were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The purpose of fluted legs is to add a decorative element to the piece of furniture, while also providing stability and support. Fluted legs were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras in England.

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Reeded legs:

 

These legs are similar to fluted legs, but have a more subtle and refined design. They are characterised by their vertical grooves or reeds, which run up and down the length of the leg. Reeded legs were commonly used on tables, chairs, and desks, and were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The purpose of reeded legs is to add a decorative touch to the piece of furniture, while also providing stability and support. Reeded legs were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras in England.

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Turned and carved legs:

 

These legs are characterised by their turned or carved design, which can include a variety of patterns and shapes. They were commonly used on tables, chairs, and desks, and were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The purpose of turned and carved legs is to add a decorative element to the piece of furniture, while also providing stability and support. Turned and carved legs were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras in England.

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Splayed legs:

These legs are characterised by their flared or splayed design, which gives them a bold and dramatic appearance. They were commonly used on tables, chairs, and desks, and were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The purpose of splayed legs is to provide stability and support, while also adding a decorative touch to the piece of furniture. Splayed legs were popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras in England.

 

 

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Trumpet legs:

A distinctive and highly decorative type of furniture leg that has a rich history and a unique purpose. Often associated with the Baroque style, the trumpet leg is characterised by its flared or trumpet-shaped design, which gives it a bold and dramatic appearance. This type of leg was commonly used on tables, chairs, and cabinets, and was popular during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The purpose of the trumpet leg was to add a decorative element to the piece of furniture, while also providing stability and support. The trumpet leg was particularly popular during the Baroque era in England.

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Spiral legs:

Also known as the "Barley Twist Leg," is a unique and decorative type of furniture leg with a rich history. Characterised by its twisted or turned design, the spiral leg adds a touch of whimsy and visual interest to the piece of furniture. This type of leg was originally popular during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, particularly during the Baroque and Rococo eras in England. However, it made a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era, when it was used on a variety of furniture pieces. Whether used on a traditional antique piece or a more modern design, the spiral leg adds a unique and decorative touch to any piece of furniture.

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Spider legs:

A delicate and slender type of furniture leg with a rich history. Characterised by its thin, curved design, the spider leg is often found in groups of three or four extending below a round table top. This type of leg was particularly popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was commonly used on candle-stands, tea tables, and other light, portable pieces of furniture. The spider leg can also refer to slim, straight legs found on gatefold tables, which allow the table to be easily expanded by swinging out. This variation dates back to the early 18th century and is often found on tables, ending in pad feet. Whether used on a traditional antique piece or a more modern design, the spider leg adds a delicate and graceful touch to any piece of furniture.

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Saber legs:

A unique and decorative type of furniture leg with a rich history. Characterised by its curved, saber-like shape, the saber leg adds a touch of drama and visual interest to the piece of furniture. This type of leg was particularly popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and was commonly used on chairs, sofas, and tables. The saber leg was often found on pieces of furniture in the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, and was known for its ability to add a decorative element to the piece, while also providing stability and support. Whether used on a traditional antique piece or a more modern design, the saber leg adds a bold and elegant touch to any piece of furniture.

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Flemish scroll legs:

Highly decorative and ornate type of furniture leg with a rich history. Characterised by its scroll-like or S-shaped design, the Flemish scroll leg adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the piece of furniture. This type of leg was particularly popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, and was commonly used on chairs, sofas, and tables. The Flemish scroll leg was often found on pieces of furniture in the Baroque and Rococo styles, and was known for its ability to add a decorative element to the piece, while also providing stability and support. The Flemish scroll leg was named after the Flemish region in Belgium, where it was first popularised and was used in the work of Gerrit Jensen who designed pieces for King Charles II.

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Marlborough legs:

A substantial and sturdy type of furniture leg with a straight, square shape and minimal decoration. While it is often plain, some variations may feature fluted grooves and detailed carvings. This leg typically ends in a block foot, but some versions may lack feet altogether. Some variants of the Marlborough leg gently taper towards the bottom. This type of leg was frequently used by mid-18th century English and American cabinetmakers, and is particularly common in Chippendale style chairs, tables, sofas, and bedsteads. Whether used on a traditional antique piece or a more modern design, the Marlborough leg adds a strong and durable touch to any piece of furniture. 

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