Hairpin legs on tables. They look slender and super chic, plus they’re ideal for all sorts of DIY projects. You can make a quirky piece of furniture just by quickly attaching them to a piece of wood.

Wondering what are some things that you could do with hairpin legs? Well, choosing a wood slab table would be a great start. The top is a big slice of wood from a large log. The base is just three legs evenly spaced that you can spray-paint for black hairpin legs.

Another is a contemporary desk similar to this one. Or, coffee tables look great with this style of table leg. To build one yourself, try using reclaimed wood. You could have a pallet table with hairpin legs and lots of character.

Hairpin leg history

Henry P. Glass first created the hairpin leg in 1941 during the war when metal was in short supply. This style requires less material than traditional ones.

Since their invention, these types of legs have been incorporated into countless designs, accessories and more. DIY makers often use them to refresh a table or chair when they want a change.

How to Choose Hairpin Table Legs

To find the besthairpin table legs for your next DIY project, keep a few considerations in mind.

Style

Consider the style and details of the room in your home. This slim leg complements a lot of industrial or mid-century modern furniture.

While it might work with rustic designs, hairpin styles will be more than a bit out of place in formal decor.

Materials

Different sellers manufacture their products in a variety of ways and at different prices.

Avoid companies that manufacture their products using hot rolled steel, which frequently has pits and an irregular shape. Cold-rolled steel is the best choice because it helps create precise, thick table legs.

Height

Consider the general height of the piece.

Let’s say you want to build a dining table with hairpin legs. To figure out the ideal leg height, decide how tall you want the table to be. A dining table for example is usually 30’’ high. If you choose a 2’’ top that leaves you with 28’’ legs. A 1’’ top means you need 29’’ legs and so on.

Rods

Another consideration is the rod count. Traditionally, this type of leg has two rods attached to a mounting plate.

But, the more rods, the stronger the piece is and the more weight it can hold. =

Weight capacity

The weight capacity you need will influence the number of rods used and their diameter.

The more rods a leg has, the greater the weight capacity. Most three- and four-rod sets can hold up to 550 lbs. Choosing these is best for large pieces like desks or dining tables.

Top 10 Best Hairpin Legs Available on The Market

These are just three ideas for choosing the next DIY project for your home.

While all these products are essentially the same, there are still some features to consider, along with their prices. Check out our top ten hairpin products.

SMARTSTANDARD Hairpin Furniture Legs

Combine these 16-inch hairpin table legs with any tabletop to make a piece that has industrial modernism. These are heavy-duty, powder-coated black satin and can support up to 300 pounds. Attached rubber feet will also protect your floor.

These are available in a range of different sizes to customize any piece.

Happybuy Hairpin Table Legs

This is a set of four hairpin table legs for a table and desk, or another DIY project. It incorporates traditional hairpin rods and an industrial style. They offer simple installation and are ideal for DIY enthusiasts, makers, and experts.

Made of upgraded carbon steel, they are strong and durable. Each hairpin desk leg is capable of supporting a maximum load of 220 lbs, resulting in a sturdy table.

Signstek Hairpin Table Legs

These hairpin table legs from Signstek are excellent for coffee tables, contemporary workstations, nightstands, benches, stools, and console tables, among others.

Made using cold-rolled iron and powder coated in a black finish, they can hold up to 500 lbs. The mounting bracket is pre-drilled with five holes to facilitate assembly.

ZEKOO 4 PCS Hairpin

This set of four hairpin pieces is high-quality steel. They’re resistant to corrosion and have a smooth satin finish. The black color makes them versatile with a timeless look. They’re also strong with a weight capacity of 350 lbs.

SMARTSTANDARD 14″ Heavy Duty Hairpin

The Smartstandard table legs also offer bonus floor protectors made of rubber. They protect the floor from damage plus they add stability.

The mounting bracket has pre-drilled holes for easy installation. They are cold-rolled steel with a satin black powder-coated finish.

Satin Black Hairpin Coffee Table Leg

This particular set includes four table legs that measure 3/8” in diameter, M6 screws (3.4”) and four floor protectors. If you have a tabletop that’s thinner than 3/4”, you should buy shorter screws.

They have industrial strength quality and pre-drilled holes in the mounting plate for quick and easy installation. They are ideal for a table refresh.

Elicit 16″ Heavy Duty Hairpin Coffee Table Legs

The Elicit set includes four hairpin legs and 20 screws (1 1/4”), suitable for tabletops thicker than 1 3/8”. You can install these on both indoor and outdoor items as they’re able to withstand the usual conditions in either case. They’re made of 3/8” steel with heavy-duty strength and a sleek mid-century modern look.

12 Inch Hairpin Legs – 4 Easy to Install Metal Legs for Furniture

You can use the hairpin legs from Interesting Home to customize all sorts of furniture pieces.

These particular hairpin legs offer a simple mid-century modern vibe and come with extra rubber feet for added floor protection for the times it’s needed.

Industrial by Design 12″ Metal Hairpin Legs

The 12” hairpin legs by Design are perfect for coffee tables and other low pieces. They’re made of cold-rolled steel and can support up to 350 lb (almost 160 kg). The flat mounting plates have pre-drilled holes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Are hairpin legs more sturdy?

While this tyle may look thin, they can be strong enough to support a sofa, large size chair or bench.

Are Hairpin Legs Out of Style?

Hairpin table legs are ubiquitous and are here to stay. Moreover, as long as mid-century modern design is prevalent home decor, this beautiful leg style will grow in popularity.

Are Hairpin Legs Sturdy for a Desk?

They are, but you’re going to need a high-quality leg opttion. Be sure to check the weight capacity of the leg product you intend to buy.

How long should hairpin legs be for desk?

For desks, use legs that are 28 inches tall.

What era are hairpin legs?

Designer Henry P. Glass invented them in theearly 1940s as a way to use less material in making furniture.

Hairpin Legs: Conclusion

The hairpin style of leg for furniture is popular and will likely remain so for quite some time. No matter what kind of piece you’re making, you can find a nice style and colors that you will love. These leg styles are also great for a table that needs a refresh, giving you a beautiful modern furniture piece that will be much appreciated.