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What is Your Favorite Hairpin Coffee Table Leg Style?

diy coffee table with hairpin table legs

Hairpin legs are sometimes seen as a throwback to the turn of the century’s modern style. But what is your favorite style on coffee tables? Personal preference comes into play of course as well as the table’s intended use. Perhaps function, form, or simply matching the surroundings are the essentials that come to mind for you. Some prefer the classic style of the plain hairpin legs while others prefer changing things up. The square bar and rebar hairpin legs offer different shapes and texture to a coffee table. Square bar legs might add a more angular look while rebar can lend more texture and perhaps a more rugged or rough look.

For a added flare or structure, some prefer the Just the Tip legs or 3 rod hairpin legs. Both offer a more stabilizing style while maintaining that classic hairpin look. And for those that like to add a modern twist to the classic hairpin, the modern leg does just that. Each coffee table is unique and matching the tabletop, its unique function, and its relationship to its surroundings offer different opportunities to match the right leg style to the furniture. We know you’ll be happy with whatever style you choose for your next coffee table project. And knowing each set of legs is made custom for you from high quality steel right here in the USA is just icing on the cake!

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Modern Furniture Legs: How Much Should I Pay?

Modern furniture originated at the turn of the century as a functional and fashionable solution for much household furniture. Hairpin legs are a great option for affordable furniture legs. But how much should you pay? A beautiful piece of furniture with hairpin table legs can cost you a surprising range of dollars. Completed modern table leg furniture can cost into the thousands. But the great thing about metal hairpin legs is that they are so user friendly – you yourself can make custom furniture for a fraction of the cost – and you end up with your very own furniture worth just as much. Plus, you get the satisfaction of having build it yourself!

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First decide what piece of furniture you want. We make a variety of metal table legs as well as bench supports so you have lots of options. Once you know what piece of furniture you want, select the tabletop for your project. Then you get to choose what style of hairpin legs you want – or bench supports. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they are all made in the USA from high quality steel! Once you’ve put it all together don’t forget to send us a picture! We’d love to see what you came up with for a fraction of the cost. Just think, in not time at all you could have your own custom piece of furniture for less than one hundred dollars!

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Should I Order Custom Metal Table Legs, or a Standard Size?

Here at Modern Legs we strive to help each customer create their own best piece of furniture. One question we’re asked a lot is “Do I need custom metal table legs?” That’s the great thing about Modern Legs – each order is custom made so ordering a custom leg length is always an option! You determine the height you want your table and if it’s not a standard size we offer, no problem. Once you determine what tabletop you want to use and how high you want the overall height, it’s easy to determine the leg height. Measure the thickness of the tabletop and subtract that from the overall height you want the table. Then you know the height of the legs to order. We offer the classic Hairpin Table Legs in even inch sizes from 4” to 30”. Not the size you want? Just let us know and we’ll customize any size up to 30”.

finished bench with custom metal bench legs
Finished Bench with Metal Bench Legs by Wood Shed Productions

Maybe the look you want is achieved by one of the two Bench Supports we offer – or perhaps you’re building a matching bench as well. Our standard dimension bench supports are 8” wide on top, 12” wide on bottom, and 15” tall. But as we said, each order is custom made so we can customize those for you too. We recommend the top of the bench support being an inch or two inside the outside dimension of the bench top so measure the thickness of the top and subtract two inches (or four) and now you know the upper bench dimension you want. Have fun and send us a picture of your final project!

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Metal Coffee Table Legs: Are They Sturdy?

Is it time for a new coffee table or a facelift for an existing one? Choosing the right legs for the project is always an important step. You’ll want your  coffee table to be functional for a variety of uses and be attractive as well. Metal hairpin legs are always a great choice for a coffee table but sometimes customers ask us about their stability. Our hairpin legs are not just attractive – they are very sturdy too. Take a look at some of the beautiful (and very durable) furniture Jeff from NuModern just sent in using our classic hairpin legs and our 3 rod hairpin legs.

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To ensure their stability it is important to be sure they are properly attached to the tabletop surface. Check out our FAQ for more specifics on attaching the legs to the tabletop. You can feel confident that properly attached legs will hold hundreds of pounds. If you are worried about extra weight our bench legs, 3 rod hairpin legs, and Just the Tip hairpin legs are good options for added stability – all of which are good choices for coffee tables. And of course, if you’re using our metal cofee table legs for something unique, you can always contact us to speak about the specifics of your project. Every pair of legs we make is made custom for each order right here in the USA from high quality steel. Before you know it you’ll have a sturdy new coffee table getting compliments from your friends! Send us a pic of your creation when you’re done!

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Vintage Versus New Hairpin Legs

Vintage hairpin legs originated mid century as a stylish and functional means of supporting furniture. Using minimal material while being strong and stable these bent hairpin legs provided function as well as form. Tables, chairs, foot  and bar stools, bird cage stands, and even planters and table-top lamps were all made with hairpin legs.

Today these same sturdy and stylish principles apply and people are use hairpin legs on a multitude of furniture styles. Can these vintage legs still be used? Absolutely! If you find some on a piece of furniture in your grandmother’s attic or at an antique shop, you can certainly repurpose them onto your own piece of furniture. Or better yet, you can get your very own set new – and made just for you! Here at Modern Legs we make a variety of hairpin leg sizes and styles – or you can customize your order to suit your individual project. There’s nothing like completing your own furniture project with legs made just for you. Every set of hairpin legs is made to order, so you’ll know your legs are made in the USA from high quality steel. So go ahead and start thinking about that perfect table, chair, bench, or lamp…and let us know when you’re ready for hairpin shipped right to your door. They’ll be the perfect accent to your new modern piece.

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David’s Custom Chest with Short Hairpin Legs

We shipped  a few sets of legs to David a few weeks ago, and we’re blown away by both the unique design and the quality of the pieces he turned out. He built both a table and a chest with two very different looks, and both of they are worth sharing. The table uses small width slats for the top, mounted into a custom frame. They are the type of small slats used for beach fencing or as the ribbing in old Roman plaster walls, which are still common in older houses around Denver and other US cities. We love the look and since the slats are rough cut, you can still see the pattern made by the saw blade.

Custom Hardwood Chest with Hairpin Legs DIY Small Slat Table with Tapered Angle Iron Table Legs

The chest is a beautiful use of some well-loved (and well finished) hardwood. He did a great job of showing off the distressed look of the wood, while still providing a great level surface for everyday use, which also shows off the wonderful color and character of the wood. Excellent work David, we’re proud our hairpin legs and tapered angle iron legs could help you finish the pieces!

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Do I Need Custom Metal Bench Legs?

We know how rewarding making your own custom furniture can be. Knowing you designed and completed a piece of furniture for yourself (or a loved one) is always satisfying. One of the most used pieces of furniture in today’s multi-functional houses is a custom made bench. As part of a dining room set, a bench provides ample sitting room; in an entryway it is a place to take footwear on and off or to place heavy items upon entering the house. In an office setting benches provide a waiting area for clients or simply an attractive and welcoming furnishing.

Knowing you built this piece yourself provides the ultimate satisfaction. Creating your own piece is as easy as determining what top to use and then picking out what style of legs you want. Do your metal bench legs need to be custom? Not necessarily. We offer standard sized bench legs but we can customize bench legs for a perfect fit. Once you’ve determined the bench top to use (and its thickness) you can determine the bench height. Measure how tall you want the bench and subtract the width of the top. Now you have the height of the legs you want. Is it a height other than our standard offering? If yes, it is a custom leg height. Let us know what you want and we’ll make it – all of our table and bench legs are handmade right here in the United States!

diy bench with custom bench legs

As always, send us a picture when you’re done…we love seeing our customer’s creations!

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Amazing Pencil Bench with Hairpin Bench Legs

Wow! Just when we think we’ve seen it all, an email like this one comes through. Designer / carpenter / DIY furniture maker Kim sent us a link to her post about an amazing bench she designed and created using our rebar hairpin legs as bench legs. She started with a beautiful thick slab of walnut and brought an amazing idea to the design…making the bench comfortable and custom-fit for each sitter. Not only do the pencils add a unique look and an eye-catching visual quality, but each one is spring-loaded to give the sitter a form-fitting experience!

kim ho's walnut pencil bench with hairpin bench legs

Amazing work Kim! We hope to help you create more pieces in the future…you’ve broken the mold! To see all the details on Kim’s process and check out other projects, check out the full post about Kim’s unique pencil bench on her blog.

kim ho sitting on her walnut pencil bench with hairpin bench legs

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Modern Legs + Modern in Denver

As of last Friday, Modern Legs is on the newsstand! A great Denver design magazine did an excellent write-up on us. Modern in Denver has been around for just over five years and we’re excited to be in the fall edition of the magazine. The photos were shot in the workshop a few weeks back, and ever since the shoot we’ve been eagerly awaiting the article. When the magazine hit the shelves last Friday we held a little launch party for our first long form magazine article and it was great to see some of our hairpin legs and a great article about our designs in print!

friends and family read modern legs articlearticle about hairpin legs from modern legs modern legs founder reads article in modern in denver

 

Here are a few candid shots from the party and of course, if you want to read the article or just keep up with the world of design in the Denver metro area, pick up the fall edition of Modern in Denver, on newsstands now! Thanks to pro photographer Mary for taking some shots during the party on short notice!

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DIY Furniture Project: Custom Plant Table

It’s the time of year when it’s getting colder and the weather is threatening frost. Many folks are bringing plants indoors. Perhaps it’s houseplants that have enjoyed the outdoor weather of summer or tender plants you’ve started this year and want to continue enjoying. Where should these plants go now that colder weather is approaching? How about making a custom table or bench for the flora migrating inside?

How should you go about this? First determine the amount of space the plants will take up and then determine where the respective table will reside. This will give you a good idea of the tabletop size and leg height you’ll need. Finding a tabletop can be as easy as checking for old boards in the garage or finding appropriately sized lumber at the local hardware store or lumber yard. The height of the table will be determined by how high you want your plants. Perhaps you want them up against a windowsill or at a height that’s easy for watering and other maintenance. Measure the height you want the table and subtract the width of the tabletop. That will tell you what leg height you’ll need.

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Now comes the fun part! Head over to the shop and check out the leg styles in stock from our classic hairpin legs to our updated version of the the classic, the Modern Leg, which is a hairpin leg with a twist! If you looking for more weight-bearing duty, check out 3 rod hairpin legs or our “Just the Tip” Legs, which have feet. Perhaps something along the lines of bench legs better fits this project – we offer two styles of bench legs and can make them in custom sizes. Make sure to consider an appropriate coating for the tabletop if damage from watering is a concern. Enjoy bringing a bit of green life into your living space and send us pics of your creations!