Selecting the right table legs is key to ensuring style and function. Knowing how to choose table legs will let you achieve a cohesive design and meet the specific needs of your application. There are many factors to consider when choosing table legs, including style, material, height, and thickness.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Table Legs

If you want a table that suits your specific application and the style of your home, carefully consider these factors before making your decision on how to choose table legs.

Style

One of the first things to consider when determining how to choose table legs is the specific style.

Bamboo Table Legs: Offer a natural aesthetic that resembles the natural texture of bamboo and work perfectly in relaxed or island-inspired environments
Basket Weave Table Legs: Intricately carved with a stunning woven pattern that adds elegance and depth to any design and are at home in any classic space
Classical Table Legs: Draw from Greek and Roman influences with ornate carvings and details, bringing a timeless elegance that’s just right for formal tables
Contemporary Table Legs: Slim and minimalist, with smooth lines and subtle details, to perfect a modern kitchen
Craftsman Table Legs: Defined by their solid construction and minimal detail, they’re well-suited to a mission-style home and other wooden furniture pieces
Farmhouse Table Legs: Thick and typically squared or turned, providing a unique rustic charm and traditional feel for any space
Mid-Century Modern Table Legs: Have the unique angled and tapered aesthetic of this era, with a streamlined design that suits any vintage-inspired piece
Mission Table Legs: Rely on straight lines and understated details to achieve a robust and practical appearance with a key focus on craftsmanship
Reeded and Fluted Table Legs: Have unique vertical grooves and ridges that lend a certain air of sophistication, fitting well with both traditional and classical styles
Rope and Spiral Table Legs: Feature intricate spirals that mimic the patterns of rope for a stylish touch, often used to achieve a nautical style
Tapered Table Legs: Gradually decrease in width from top to bottom to deliver a modern and sleek look that makes them suitable for many different applications
Traditional Table Legs: Feature detailed profiles that evoke a timeless feel, which is just right for formal dining tables and other furniture
Vineyard Table Legs: Carved with intricate details that suit luxurious interiors and elevate the style of your tables or islands

There are many different options available to suit the aesthetics of your home, and certain choices are better suited for various applications.

Design

Design is another key factor in how to choose table legs. There are many different methods used to craft table legs, each creating a unique combination of style and function.

One important design element to consider is the inclusion of top, middle, and bottom blocks, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits for assembly and stability. These blocks make it easier to attach the legs securely to your table or structure and can accommodate customization options like mortises, shelf notches, or receptacle notches.

When it comes to shape and style, there are a variety of options to suit any design preference. Turned legs have rounded profiles that can feature intricate designs. They are highly decorative and can be featured in many different types of homes. Simple round legs are another excellent choice.

For a more structured and sturdy appearance, square legs are pragmatic and sturdy, offering a clean, bold look for both modern and rustic designs. On the other hand, cabriole legs that feature distinctive curves are suitable for luxurious and elaborate furniture.

Wood Type Options

You’ll also need to consider the specific wood type when evaluating how to choose table legs. There are countless options available, including oak, maple, walnut, and many more. Choosing the right wood type plays a key role in determining the style, strength, and durability of your table legs.

Height

Choosing the right height depends on the specific application for your table. Here are some common height ranges for different types of tables you might find in your home:

Coffee Tables: 16 to 18 inches (also work for bench seats)
End Tables: 18 to 24 inches
Dining Tables: 28 to 30 inches (also work for desks)
Kitchen Islands: 34 to 36 inches
Bars: 40 to 42 inches

Various styles are available throughout these height ranges, making it easy to find a solution for your project.

Thickness

Thicker legs between 3.5 to 5 inches are necessary for larger tables and heavier tabletops. Medium legs from 2.5 to 3 inches are typically suited for average table builds. Thin legs from 1.5 to 2 inches can support tables while maintaining a sleek appearance. We offer legs in all heights and thicknesses, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect combination of durability and style to match your project's aesthetic and functional needs.

Check out these dining legs with various thicknesses!

Weight Capacity and Stability

The weight that table legs must support can vary widely, so there are many options available to ensure adequate weight capacity and stability. Features such as cross-bracing, metal inserts, or apron attachments can reinforce stability. For even greater support and a cohesive design, consider our custom table base kits, which are expertly crafted to provide both durability and style, tailored to your specific needs.

Popular Table Leg Types for Different Projects

There are countless options available when deciding how to choose table legs. You can achieve the proper style and function for your project by carefully considering the specific application you’re handling.

Dining Table & Desk Legs

Dining room tables require both ample legroom and adequate support. Common choices include turned, tapered, and mission-style legs to suit your specific style.

Coffee Table Legs

Coffee table legs must deliver both style and stability. You can choose from options such as tapered, round, and cabriole to achieve the specific look you’re going for.

Kitchen Island Legs

Kitchen islands require taller legs and must also meet strength and durability requirements. Farmhouse, reeded, and basket weave legs can deliver on all fronts.

End Table Legs

End table legs must be both practical and stylish. Square, round, and cabriole legs can meet the ergonomic requirements while also suiting a wide range of styles.

Top Tips for Customizing Your Table Legs

Along with the specific choice of leg designs, you can make your next project your own by customizing your table legs through these methods.

Painting and Staining

Staining table legs can bring out natural wood grain and richness, while painting offers a wide range of bold options. Carefully consider the style you’re going for and whether your finish will have to stand up to heavy wear.

End table legs finished with white paint

End table legs with light natural stain — End table legs finished with light, natural stain

Adding Decorative Elements

Table legs can feature a wide range of carving, engravings, and other unique designs to achieve a stunning style. When incorporating decorative accents, make sure not to go too deep and disrupt the stability of the table legs.

Customization Options
At Osborne Wood Products, we understand that every project is unique, and we offer a wide range of customization options to help you achieve the perfect look and functionality. Whether you need adjustments to height, thickness, or specific design features, we can accommodate your vision.

Quarter Notch: Removes 1/4 of the leg to achieve a distinct profile.
Rectangular Split: The leg is split in half from top to bottom, with both halves shipped to you.
Diagonal Split: The leg is split diagonally, with both pieces shipped.
Trim Leg: Shorten your leg by making cuts at the top, bottom, or both.
Chamfer: Adds an angled cut to the top square of the leg for a refined finish.
Receptacle Notch: Creates space to accommodate electrical outlets, ideal for kitchen islands and workstations.
Horizontal Keyhole: A single horizontal keyhole for easy mounting, typically applied to corbels.
Drill Hole: Drill a hole (less than 3 ¾” deep) for hardware on the top or bottom of the item.
Shelf Notch: Add a notch to the bottom square of a leg to accommodate shelving.
Mortise: Mill mortises on one or more sides of the leg for assembly purposes.
Through Hole: Drill a 1" hole through the center of the leg, ideal for wiring or other uses.
Custom Milling: If your project requires a unique modification not listed here, our skilled team can create custom solutions to meet your needs.

Which Table Leg Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing the right table legs requires careful consideration of style, function, and durability. Luckily, there are countless options to suit any style. Browse the full selection at Osborne Wood Products to find the perfect choice for your next project.