Adding legs to furniture is a simple and practical way to enhance its functionality, style, and height. Whether you’re upgrading a table, a couch, or a storage piece, this task allows you to customize your furniture to suit your preferences and needs.
With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can transform your furniture into a more versatile and aesthetically pleasing piece in no time. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to add legs to furniture
Common Reasons for Adding Legs to Furniture
There are several reasons why you might want to add legs to your furniture. One common motivation is to increase the height of a piece, making it more ergonomic and comfortable to use.
For example, raising a coffee table or couch can make it easier to sit or work at. Another reason is to update the style of furniture, as adding sleek or modern legs can instantly refresh the look of an older or outdated piece. Additionally, legs can improve the functionality of furniture by creating space underneath for storage or easier cleaning.
Whatever the reason, adding legs is a straightforward way to enhance both the form and function of almost any furniture item.
Types of Furniture That Can Benefit
A wide variety of furniture pieces can benefit from the addition of legs, depending on your needs and design preferences. Tables, for instance, are a common choice as adding legs can transform a low coffee table into a higher dining or work surface.
Sofas and chairs can also benefit due to improved ergonomics; raising them can make sitting down and getting up easier, especially for individuals with mobility issues. Storage units such as dressers, shelves, and cabinets gain not only visual appeal but also practicality, as legs create space underneath for cleaning or storing smaller items.
Even unconventional pieces like ottomans or low beds can take on new functionality and style with the right set of legs. Essentially, any furniture piece can be enhanced by carefully chosen legs, giving it a refreshed appearance and improved usability.
10 Methods How to Add Legs to Furniture
1. Assess the Furniture’s Structure and Choose the Right Legs
Before adding legs to furniture, it’s crucial to assess the piece’s structure to determine the best way to attach the legs. Consider the furniture’s weight, size, and existing design. Furniture such as sofas, tables, or cabinets might require different types of legs, so choosing legs that are both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing is essential.
There are many options available, such as tapered wooden legs, metal hairpin legs, or traditional straight legs, which can complement the overall style of the piece.
Measure the dimensions of the furniture to ensure the legs will provide the right amount of height and support.
2. Choose the Right Tools and Materials
To add legs to furniture, you’ll need a few essential tools: a drill, screws, a screwdriver, a measuring tape, and a level to ensure everything is straight. In addition to these tools, you’ll need the legs, which can be purchased from furniture stores, online retailers, or repurposed from other furniture.
For added stability, you might also need mounting plates, furniture glides, or heavy-duty brackets, depending on the type of furniture and the legs you’re using.
3. Use a Mounting Plate for a Secure Attachment
For many types of furniture, especially heavy or upholstered pieces like sofas or armchairs, attaching the legs with a mounting plate provides a sturdy and secure method. Mounting plates are metal or wooden devices that allow you to attach the legs with screws, providing additional support for the piece.
To begin, measure the distance between the legs’ attachment points and mark these on the underside of the furniture. Drill pilot holes into the marked spots, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Once the holes are prepared, attach the mounting plate to the underside of the furniture using screws.
Afterward, screw the legs into the mounting plate to ensure a tight and secure connection.
4. Install Screw-In Legs
Screw-in legs are a straightforward and practical option for adding legs to furniture, especially for lightweight pieces such as chairs or small tables. To use this method, begin by marking the spots where the legs will attach to the underside of the furniture. Drill small pilot holes at these marks to ensure the screws fit securely.
Next, screw the legs into the pre-drilled holes, ensuring they are tight and level. If your furniture is particularly light, consider using longer screws for extra support.
Screw-in legs are ideal for projects where you want an easy, removable option, as they can be replaced or swapped out without much hassle.
5. Use L-Brackets for Additional Support
If you want to add extra support or stability when attaching legs to heavy furniture, L-brackets can be an effective solution. L-brackets are metal connectors that provide additional reinforcement at the joints where the legs meet the furniture.
First, measure and mark the spots where the legs will attach. Then, attach the L-brackets to the underside of the furniture using screws. Afterward, attach the legs to the other side of the L-brackets, ensuring they are securely in place.
This method works well for heavy furniture, such as bookshelves, dressers, or entertainment centers, as the brackets ensure that the legs can support the weight evenly.
6. Repurpose Existing Furniture Legs
Sometimes, you may want to give an old piece of furniture a fresh look by repurposing legs from other furniture. This can be a great way to reuse existing materials while adding a unique touch to your design.
To do this, carefully remove the legs from another piece of furniture, ensuring that the legs and their attachment mechanisms are in good condition. Then, measure the correct leg height for the piece of furniture you’re working on and mark the spots where the legs will attach.
Depending on the design, you might need to drill pilot holes, use mounting plates, or attach brackets to make the repurposed legs fit securely.
7. Attach Wooden Blocks for Added Height
If you’re working with furniture that lacks a sturdy base or if you need to add extra height, attaching wooden blocks can provide a strong foundation for the legs. Begin by cutting wooden blocks to the desired height and shape, then attach them to the underside of the furniture using screws.
Once the blocks are in place, drill holes into the wooden blocks to accommodate the legs. Attach the legs by screwing them into the blocks, ensuring they are level and secure. This method is particularly useful for vintage furniture or pieces with a low profile that need a bit of extra height for functionality or style.
8. Install Hairpin Legs for a Modern Look
For a more contemporary or mid-century modern aesthetic, hairpin legs are a popular choice. These metal legs feature a sleek, minimalist design that can give furniture a fresh, modern appearance. Installing hairpin legs is a relatively simple process. First, mark where the legs will attach to the underside of the furniture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Drill pilot holes for the screws, then attach the hairpin legs using the provided hardware. Hairpin legs are versatile and can be used on various types of furniture, including coffee tables, side tables, and desks. This installation method adds an industrial yet elegant vibe to any piece of furniture.
9. Use Adjustable Furniture Legs
If you want the option to customize the height of your furniture, adjustable furniture legs are an excellent choice. These legs feature a threaded base that can be raised or lowered, allowing you to easily adjust the height according to your needs. To install adjustable legs, mark the spots where the legs will be attached to the underside of the furniture.
Drill holes for the threaded bases and screw them in place. Once the bases are secure, screw the adjustable legs into the threaded bases, ensuring they are tightly attached. This method provides flexibility and can be particularly useful for pieces that need to adapt to different environments or conditions.
10. Attach Legs with Epoxy for a Clean, Seamless Look
For a sleek and seamless appearance, some furniture enthusiasts choose to use epoxy adhesive to attach legs to their furniture. This method eliminates the need for screws or brackets, resulting in a clean and modern look.
Begin by cleaning both the underside of the furniture and the legs to ensure proper adhesion. Apply a generous amount of epoxy adhesive to the top of the legs, then carefully position them where you want them on the furniture. Hold the legs in place for several minutes to allow the epoxy to set, and then leave the piece to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This technique is particularly effective for lightweight furniture and decorative pieces where you want to avoid visible hardware.
Conclusion
Adding legs to furniture is a fantastic way to revamp a piece while improving its functionality and style. By carefully selecting the right type of legs and following these detailed methods, you can create a customized look that suits your taste and needs.
Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to add legs to furniture, and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.