When the need arises to purchase furniture, few people pay due attention to the fittings - handles, fasteners, brackets and other types. Meanwhile, they largely influence the service life of products. For example, the load that a structure can withstand, its functionality and even safety depend on the supports. Standard models do not always cope with this task, but height-adjustable furniture legs are more reliable and practical mechanisms. They allow you not to adapt to the dimensions of a table, chest of drawers or closet, but, on the contrary, to make them as convenient as possible for all family members.
What are furniture supports, legs and bases for?
The key functions of these structures are:
Support. Thanks to the legs, the stability of the furniture increases, as well as the safety of its operation. At the same time, it becomes possible to change the height and slope of the interior item at your discretion. They also allow you to place furniture firmly and evenly on an uneven floor surface, for example, to level a kitchen set.
Protective function. Supports for tables, as well as various types of underframes, allow you to protect the lower part of the furniture from accidental mechanical damage, exposure to moisture and dust.
Comfort. This includes the ability to adjust the level of an item to suit you, choosing the most convenient one for your work. This function is especially important in the case of assembling a desk or dining table, the optimal height of which ensures comfortable use of the item and a good mood for its owner.
Aesthetic. No less important function than the previous ones. Decorative items can not only become part of the interior, but also add a special twist and even become key elements in the design.
Types of furniture legs and supports
Furniture legs differ in several important parameters regarding comfort, stability, practicality and aesthetics.
Adjustable. One of the most important characteristics is the ability to change the height. Adjustable designs allow you to set a table or set to the required level and compensate for imperfections in the floor surface. They are usually equipped with a screw fastening. In the manufacture of adjustable products, high-strength plastic or metal is used. The legs are suitable for assembling cabinet furniture, reception desks, cabinets and cabinets.
Thrust bearing. This is the simplest type of legs, used to raise furniture structures above the floor surface. Such products are made of plastic, they have a square shape, and can be used in the assembly of cabinet and upholstered furniture. The thrust bearings are small in height and therefore hidden.
Wheeled. They are also called roller bearings. Usually they are installed on the furniture that needs to be moved - coffee tables, armchairs, cabinets, as well as on pull-out furniture elements. Wheel structures are made of heavy-duty plastic and metal, they vary in diameter, and some models are equipped with a special stopper.
Square support. A device that demonstrates high reliability and includes several types of legs. For example, this is a thrust bearing combined with adjustable supports.
Swivel wheel system. Equipped with a regulating function. Best suited for heavy furniture structures such as cabinets. When the cabinet needs to be moved to another location, the adjustment parts are unscrewed and the item is placed on support wheels. After the cabinet takes its place, the wheels are removed and the adjustable supports are returned, setting the furniture to the required level.
Based on the type of fastening, supports are divided into regular and corner. Regular or universal legs can be attached to any part of the furniture, while corner legs are designed to be attached to the corner of furniture, respectively.
Based on the type of placement, a distinction is made between hidden and external legs.
Hidden ones hide behind the surface of the furniture base. To prevent damage to the floor covering, a thrust bearing is installed on the lower part of the plinth. As a rule, they are equipped with a height adjuster.
External ones are largely decorative and are designed to improve the appearance of furniture, introducing new details into the design of the product, or emphasizing the stylistic direction of the interior. When choosing decorative external supports, it is necessary to take into account the maximum weight of the load for which they are designed. They are forged, cast and wooden, decorated with carvings. Also, there is a type of decorative legs equipped with wheels.
Based on the material used, products are divided into several types:
Aluminum. Aluminum products are the most affordable. They have a long service life and are not afraid of exposure to household chemicals. In addition, aluminum supports can be repainted in any desired color or given a special texture, for example, imitating wood, marble pattern, shine of precious metal and other unusual options. The only disadvantage of aluminum products is the low load they can withstand, usually no more than 500 kg.
Legs made of polypropylene. Another inexpensive type of product, not inferior in quality and strength to other materials. Designed for lightweight structures, as they are designed for a weight of no more than 150 kg. Such models do not harm linoleum or parquet flooring. They are height adjustable and are well suited to compensate for uneven floors. It is also worth noting that the type of plastic in question is resistant to stains and does not require special care.
Wooden. Environmentally friendly, natural material, but at the same time the most expensive. Wooden models are mostly decorative and suitable for expensive upholstered furniture. It is not recommended to use wooden legs in the kitchen or in rooms with high humidity - the wood swells from moisture, loses its original strength, and deformation affects the attractiveness of the appearance.
Inexpensive models of furniture legs are made from such types of wood as:
- pine;
- hornbeam;
- beech;
- poplar;
- ash;
- birch trees
Expensive, elite models are made from hard and dense types of wood, characterized by durability and reliability. This includes such valuable wood species as:
- larch;
- oak;
- ironwood;
- yew;
- wenge and others.
Products made of chrome steel. Best suited for modern interiors. They are distinguished by a stylish appearance due to their pronounced metallic luster. In addition, chrome-plated supports can withstand loads of up to 700 kg, so they are ideally suited for heavy furniture - kitchen sets, wardrobes, dishes or books. Chrome is resistant to mechanical damage, scratches and chemical cleaning agents. Such models can be used in the bathroom or kitchen.
With regard to external design, color and texture, the range of models offered to the buyer is very diverse. They are:
- matte;
- polished;
- nickel plated;
- glossy;
- chrome plated;
- gilded;
- silver plated;
- tinted bronze;
- painted with special enamel.
In addition to the listed materials, bamboo, willow and rattan rods, and glass are also used in the production of furniture supports.
Bamboo. Products made from this material will fill the interior with African or Asian notes, and will also emphasize the exotic style of the room. They are either woven from the stems of a young plant or made from a single bamboo trunk.
Willow twigs, rattan vine. Wicker supports are very light in weight. Typically, such products decorate the interiors of country houses and cottages, as they suit country or eco-style.
Glass. An exquisite material that can be either completely transparent or tinted. Products made from colored glass are also distinguished by their originality. Glass structures are suitable for spacious, bright rooms with a large number of decorative elements made of transparent or colored glass - dishes, vases, lamps and lamps.
Decoration methods
To make the workpiece look beautiful and unusual, many craftsmen use special decorative elements. And this is one of the main problems of some performers, especially those who are accustomed to working according to ready-made sketches, and not their own. Therefore, before ordering supports or legs, it is recommended to carefully study the catalog of completed work. This will help assess the level of professionalism of the master.
Carving (patterns) and inlay
Only an experienced person can create unique patterns using just a chisel. You can also decorate the blank with unique ornaments or antique designs. In some cases, people order patterns typical of the 17th and 18th centuries.
But carving is not the only option for wood processing; some craftsmen also inlay the workpiece. Precious stones, pearls or ivory are often used for such purposes. It all depends on the customer's requirements.
External covering
Once the workpiece has received an attractive ornament or similar pattern, the trimming process begins. Once it is completed, the master varnishes the workpiece, but copper, bronze or a special type of gold can also be used for these purposes. All this will give the legs a unique appearance. When applying varnish, professionals use various methods. Some antique versions may contain up to 150 layers of varnish.
Best Inexpensive Furniture Supports
Furniture support with adjustment Häfele
An inexpensive model from the family business Häfele, a leader in the construction and furniture fittings market. The adjustable base is made of steel, the surface of the structure is galvanized. The highly durable product can withstand a maximum weight of 300 kg. The model is equipped with a black protective plastic cap. The height is 76.7 mm. Average cost – 36 rubles.
Furniture support with adjustment Häfele
Advantages:
- increased strength and reliability;
- low cost;
- possibility of adjustment;
- versatility of use;
- high permissible load.
Flaws:
- not found.
Set of chrome furniture legs (4 pcs.)
Set of small furniture supports of standard type. The products are round in shape, diameter and height are 150 mm. They are characterized by increased strength and are suitable for mounting on upholstered furniture. Country of origin: China. The average cost is 425 rubles.
Set of chrome furniture legs (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- ease of fixation;
- affordable price;
- standard size;
- reliability and durability.
Flaws:
- not found.
Crosspiece for chair “Standard”
Crosspiece designed for installation on a computer chair. Made of durable plastic and designed for a maximum load weight of up to 80 kg. The size of the cross is 560x560 mm. Well suited for a standard office chair, as well as a gaming or executive chair. The average cost is 510 rubles.
Crosspiece for chair “Standard”
Advantages:
- stability, strength;
- reasonable price;
- fits tightly, without distortions or gaps.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Set of furniture legs (4 pcs.)
A set of four chrome-plated legs that are well suited for attaching to kitchen units. The height of the products is 150 mm, but if necessary, it can be adjusted and raised according to your preferences. The average cost is 785 rubles.
Set of furniture legs (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- comfortable height;
- durable, reliable design;
- easy to install.
Flaws:
- not found.
Set of furniture legs (45x45)
Universal adjustable cone-shaped model made of stainless steel. The diameter is 45 mm, height is 80 mm. The maximum load for which the supports are designed is 15 kg. Average price – 808 rub.
Set of furniture legs (45x45)
Advantages:
- ability to adjust the lift level;
- graceful shape;
- pleasant appearance;
- reliability, strength;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Best mid-priced supports
Steel adjustable support (70-110 cm)
Telescopic furniture support, available in three colors - black, silver-gray and nickel-plated. Ensures a stable position of the piece of furniture on uneven surfaces and allows you to select the optimal height of the tabletop. The model is made of stainless steel, in the shape of a cylinder. Withstands loads up to 30 kg. Mounted to the table top using screws. The weight of the structure is 2.5 kg. Average cost – 1,053 rubles.
Steel adjustable support (70-110 cm)
Advantages:
- telescopic design;
- little weight;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of regulation.
Flaws:
- instability.
Set of bed legs (51x250mm)
Set of adjustable furniture supports. The set includes 5 products, as well as special plugs. The diameter of each leg is 51 mm, the height is 250 mm. Average cost – 1,300 rubles.
Set of bed legs (51x250mm)
Advantages:
- high build quality;
- durable, thick-walled products;
- bolts included;
- reliable fixation.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Square table support (46x46 mm.)
Aluminum furniture legs from a Chinese manufacturer with height adjustment (from 71 to 74 cm). Suitable for assembling bar counters and tables. The average cost is 1,149 rubles.
Square table support (46x46 mm.)
Advantages:
- pleasant appearance;
- comfortable height;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- overpriced.
Steel furniture leg (10 mm) “ZvezdaMebeli”
Furniture supports made of steel are adjustable. Equipped with a twist-out thrust bearing with a diameter of 37 mm. The height of the model is 130 mm. The design is designed to be fixed to the base of the bed. The model has a shiny gold finish. The average cost is 1,159 rubles.
Steel furniture leg (10 mm) “ZvezdaMebeli”
Advantages:
- light and durable;
- adjustable by level;
- attractive design.
Advantages:
- not found.
Chrome table legs (60x710mm)
Elegant and functional supports for tables, sofas, beds. Equipped with plastic plugs that can be adjusted in height. At the same time, despite the load, the structure does not change the selected level of elevation. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor furniture, and is also used for bar countertops. The supports are made of silumin - a silicon-aluminum alloy. The height of the products is 710 mm. The average cost is 1,990 rubles.
Chrome table legs (60x710mm)
Advantages:
- reliability;
- high-quality fastenings;
- lightweight and durable design.
Flaws:
- not found.
Steel crosspiece for office chair
Metal support for a computer, gamer or office chair. The chrome design gives the furniture a stylish look. The steel frame can withstand a load of 120 kg. The hole for the roller has a diameter of 11 mm. The average cost is 2,000 rubles.
Steel crosspiece for office chair
Advantages:
- strong, reliable cross;
- easy to install;
- the price corresponds to the quality;
- high quality material.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Set of chrome supports (4 pcs.)
Furniture tube legs made of steel. Suitable for installation on tables, as well as kitchen, cabinet and upholstered furniture. The height of the products is 820 cm, the packaged weight is 4,205 g. A reliable solid plate with 6 holes is provided for fastening to the base. The average cost is 2,042 rubles.
Set of chrome supports (4 pcs.)
Advantages:
- reliable fixation;
- adjustable by level;
- high quality material;
- attractive price.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Bar base Duck&Dog (110x40x10 cm)
A loft-style bar table from the family factory Duck&Dog. If a regular table requires two supports, then for a bar tabletop one is enough if part of the tabletop is attached to the wall. The base of the table has a rectangular shape and is made of high-quality profile pipe, the wall thickness of which is 1.5 mm. The height is adjustable up to 112 cm. The surface is matte and powder coated. The tabletop mounting plate is equipped with four mounting holes (diameter 5 mm). The weight of the structure is 4,800 g. Dimensions – 1100x550x100 mm. The average cost is 2,400 rubles.
Bar base Duck&Dog (110x40x10 cm)
Advantages:
- good quality of materials and coloring;
- pleasant, laconic design;
- neat seams;
- adjustable height;
- attractive price;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Design finds in the interior
Here are the most striking design ideas:
| Photo | Model of furniture supports |
| Metal legs in the form of wheels. | |
| Thin steel posts, sharply curved towards the outer edges of the tabletop. They look like the limbs of a huge insect. | |
| Making dining tables, coffee tables, work tables and desks in the loft style makes them comfortable and original. Most often, their lid is made of wood, and the rough and simple frame with legs is made of metal. For example, a very interesting table is made of slab, equipped with high supports made of steel reinforcement. | |
| Italian designers have designed a table that looks like a folded piece of paper (origami). Although it is sheet aluminum, coated with powder paint. | |
| The legs made from steel pipes for water supply look very original. |
The best expensive support models
Underframe Duck&Dog (71x55 cm)
Metal structure with which you can easily assemble the table yourself. The underframe is made in a loft style and has a rectangular shape that ensures stability. Additional reliability is provided by the screw fastening, which allows you to firmly fix the tabletop. The structure is made of steel and can withstand a maximum load of 120 kg. The height is adjustable up to 73 cm. The weight of the underframe is 6,200 g. The average cost is 3,085 rubles.
Underframe Duck&Dog (71x55 cm
Advantages:
- quality of painting;
- attractive, stylish design;
- maximum load weight;
- lightweight and durable design;
- adjustable level.
Flaws:
- unreliable welding spots;
- overpriced.
X-shaped base Duck&Dog (71x55 cm)
X-shaped metal table support for high stability. In addition, the screw type fastening is responsible for the durability and strength of fixation. The design is made in loft style, painted with matte black paint. The steel frame of the underframe can withstand a load of up to 120 kg, so it is suitable for attaching heavy tabletops made of stone or solid wood. The base is height adjustable (up to 73 cm). The average cost is 3,085 rubles.
X-shaped base Duck&Dog (71x55 cm)
Advantages:
- well painted;
- high quality product;
- pleasant appearance;
- stable, strong base;
- smooth and neat.
Flaws:
- price.
White Duck&Dog table base (71x55 cm)
Stylish table support made of metal. Covered with white matte paint. The rectangular shape ensures stability. The model is equipped with four screw-type fastenings, which are distinguished by their reliability and long-term fixation of the tabletop. The steel base can withstand a load of 120 kg. The height of the structure can be adjusted up to 73 cm. The average cost is RUB 3,085.
White Duck&Dog table base (71x55 cm)
Advantages:
- high quality;
- sustainability;
- affordable price;
- suitable for loft-style interiors;
- stylish white matte surface;
- ease of installation.
Flaws:
- The fasteners are slightly bent.
Table legs Duck&Dog 71 cm
Table supports with a gracefully curved shape. Such hairpin legs not only perform their main function, but can also decorate the interior. This unusual shape allows you to assemble exclusive furniture. Despite their sophistication, stud supports are able to withstand the impressive weight of different types of tabletops, so they are suitable for writing and dining tables made of stone or wood. As for the style, the structure is made in a loft style, the surface of the frame is covered with protective paint. The average cost is RUB 3,326.
Table legs Duck&Dog 71 cm
Advantages:
- stylish triangular shape;
- can be repainted;
- high-quality steel frame;
- robust construction;
- suitable for any tabletop;
- easy to attach.
Flaws:
- it is impossible to install a thrust bearing.
Table base SHT-TU25 Sheffilton
Metal base with black moiré color. The style of the external design is reminiscent of products from the 18th century, repeating the design of forged fireplace grates. The base is suitable for use in residential premises and will also decorate the elegant interior of a restaurant, bar or cafe. The base is made of a pipe with a diameter of 51 cm. It can be used for round and square tabletops. The base is equipped with height-adjustable supports, making it convenient to install the structure on uneven surfaces. Maximum load weight – 50 kg. The weight of the product itself is 4.7 kg. The average cost is 4,811 rubles.
Table base SHT-TU25 Sheffilton
Advantages:
- beautiful antique style design;
- reliability and strength of the material;
- coloring quality;
- the optimal value of the permissible load.
Flaws:
- high price.
Table base SHT-TU9-2 Sheffilton
White wooden base. It is characterized by high strength, additionally reinforced by a rigid structure made of metal sheets and ties. Rectangular and oval shaped tabletops can be attached to the base. The design emphasizes the comfort of the room, suitable for living rooms, the interior of public institutions - cafes, bars and restaurants. The maximum permissible load is 50 kg. Product weight – 5.60 kg. The average cost is RUB 5,621.
Table base SHT-TU9-2 Sheffilton
Advantages:
- nice design;
- natural wood texture;
- increased strength due to metal construction;
- light weight of the product.
Flaws:
- overcharge.
Table legs with electrical height adjustment
A metal base for a computer or desk that allows you to create your ideal workplace, changing the height depending on your needs. With the help of such a table, you can work comfortably while sitting or standing, alternating body positions and thereby reducing the load and level of fatigue. The model is equipped with a URM stand, which automatically rises to the desired level when a special button is pressed. Thus, the height of the underframe varies from 68 to 91 cm. The average cost is 24,000 rubles.
Table legs with electrical height adjustment
Advantages:
- automatic adjustment;
- wide range of heights;
- stability, strength;
- comfortable use;
- Ideal for desktop assembly;
- minimalistic design.
Flaws:
- high price.
Varieties
Various shapes of height-adjustable furniture legs provide specific performance characteristics. They complement the product aesthetically and functionally, creating a harmonious design. Single models are divided into straight, curved, figured and roller supports:
- Straight legs are considered the standard and at the same time the most durable option for adjustable furniture legs.
- Roller ones are shaped like a wheel and were previously often used in the medical field. Now they have occupied a household niche, used in coffee tables and computer chairs.
- Curly ones serve rather decorative purposes and are not intended for heavy loads.
- Curved ones combine strength and beauty, but if the furniture weighs heavily, it is also better to avoid them.
Types of furniture casters, their design features
Another variety is folding legs. When folded, they take up virtually no extra space. Because of this, they are often used for transforming tables. The design is especially relevant if the furniture is placed in a cramped apartment, where every centimeter matters.
While aesthetics are certainly important, it is better to focus on the quality and functionality of the product. If you were unable to choose an original model that harmonizes with the interior, you can hide the legs under decorative covers.
Direct
Roller
Curly
Curved
Main selection criteria
When choosing a furniture support, you should pay special attention to the following parameters and characteristics:
Availability of soft pads. It is advisable that the legs be equipped with soft fabric pads, usually felt or felt. On the one hand, they protect the bottom of the product from external damage, on the other hand, they maintain the integrity of the floor covering, preventing it from scratching when moving furniture.
Product material. The selection of material occurs, first of all, taking into account the total weight of the furniture structure, and also takes into account the layout of the room and the stylistic orientation of the interior. Metal models are the most durable, followed by wooden and plastic ones. Properly selected material guarantees a long service life of the product, without loss of quality and attractive appearance.
Flooring. If you have a delicate coating that is easily exposed to mechanical stress (for example, parquet), you should opt for products that have a large area of contact with the floor. It is also recommended to purchase soft silicone mats to maintain the integrity of the flooring.
Interior Design. In appearance, the legs should match the style of the furniture and the room as a whole. Some models of decorative products can favorably emphasize the style of the room.
Why is this necessary?
Not everyone fully understands why to use supports for a cabinet, kitchen or table. The main task of these components is to give the furniture elements the necessary stability.
We are talking about modern fittings, for the production of which advanced technologies and specially selected materials are used. All this allows you to perform several tasks at once. Namely:
- The load-carrying capacity of the furniture element along with all its contents increases;
- The issue of rearranging furniture is simplified, since the material and special shape of the support minimize damage to the floor covering;
- If the floor is uneven, you can adjust the position of the furniture;
- An aesthetic component, since the legs can play a decorative role, complementing the appearance of the furniture.
Yet the main goal is to create the necessary stability on the floor, as well as the ability to change the position of the furniture relative to the floor covering in height.
Methods for attaching supports and legs when making a table at home
With even basic carpentry skills, you can attach the supports to the table without any help.
There are several ways to fasten furniture legs:
- Using surface plates (if the legs are not equipped with additional fittings).
- Fixed with T-nuts.
- Using Z-shaped fasteners (inexpensive, simple and reliable method).
- Fastening with screws (classic method without the use of additional fittings).
- Using homemade wooden clamps (a simple and reliable method).
- Using metal figure-eight holders (an inexpensive type of auxiliary fittings).
- Using spacers (these can be 2-3 spacers with grooves that are attached to the sides of the piece of furniture).
As for the ready-made supports, you can use them to adjust the height of the table, and the fastening is quite simple and is done using screws. Some models come complete with screws, additional fittings, and reinforcing structures.
You can select and purchase ready-made furniture supports in any hardware store, as well as in online stores such as Ozon, Leroy Merlin, Sheffilton and others. The assortment is quite rich, providing a wide variety of options to choose from. Based on the design of the room, the shape and material of the countertop, you can choose the appropriate model of any type, style and quality. Thanks to the well-thought-out design of ready-made supports, they can be easily installed independently, which provides comfort when assembling furniture at home.
