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Picking the right table legs is like choosing the shoes for your furniture — they can make or break the whole look. A clever set of legs can lift a budget tabletop into something that looks boutique, while the wrong ones can wobble, sag, or simply clash. In this guide I’ll walk you through the top stores to check out in the UK, including Nordic Nest and Design House Stockholm, explain the styles and materials that work best, and give practical tips for measuring, installing, and styling. Whether you’re upcycling a thrift-store top or building a bespoke dining table, the right leg choice matters more than you might think.
When shopping for table legs in the UK, a mix of specialised boutiques and big-name retailers will give you the widest selection. Below I highlight the notable names — starting with those mentioned in the source material — and add UK favourites you’ll want to check.
Nordic Nest is known for clean, minimal lines and Nordic aesthetics. If you love light woods, pale finishes, and engineered pieces that feel airy, this is a go-to. Their choices frequently include stylish pedestal or tapered legs that pair beautifully with slim table tops and contemporary interiors.
Design House Stockholm offers design-forward options, including pedestal tables. For example, one of their pedestal tables measures roughly 12.2 inches across for the top and about 26.6 inches tall, a good example of compact yet sculptural design that works well in small dining nooks or as a side table. Their pieces lean toward statement shapes, so if you want a leg that doubles as art, look here.
IKEA remains a reliable stop when you want functional, modular legs that won’t break the bank. From metal hairpin styles to adjustable steel legs, IKEA’s offerings are ideal for DIY projects and quick swaps. You’ll find easy-to-follow instructions and compatibility with common table tops, which is excellent if you’re DIY-inclined.
Dunelm and John Lewis offer a broad range of styles from classic turned wooden legs to modern metal options. If you want to touch and test before buying, their showrooms give a good sense of weight and finish. They also stock replacement feet and mounting plates, which makes the installation process smoother.
Online marketplaces are fantastic when you need a specific leg style or a large quantity for multiple tables. Wayfair and Amazon carry an enormous range — hairpin, cast iron, steel trapezoid, and customisable wooden legs. Etsy is great for artisan and bespoke turned legs if you’re after something unique or handmade.
For heavy tables or industrial projects, B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes stock heavy-duty steel legs, adjustable metal legs, and commercial-grade mounting plates. These outlets are perfect for workbenches, kitchen islands, or outdoor table projects where strength and durability are priorities.
Table legs are not one-size-fits-all. Styles affect the table’s aesthetic, stability, and how much under-table legroom you’ll have. Here’s a quick tour of popular looks and why you might pick each one.
Hairpin legs are slim, mid-century modern, and great for coffee tables or lightweight desks. They create a floating look and are usually made from steel, which gives a nice contrast to wooden tops. Expect about 12 to 28 inches in typical heights for different table types.
Tapered wooden legs suit dining tables and side tables where you want warmth and tradition. They pair well with hardwood tops and can be sanded or stained to match. These legs often come in standard heights around 28 to 30 inches for dining use.
Pedestal legs, like those from Design House Stockholm, centralise support and free up knee room. They’re great for round or small square tables. A pedestal can be compact — around a foot across for small models — yet still provide plenty of stability.
Industrial legs, often square or A-frame, are used in heavy-duty dining tables and worktops. They sit low and broad, distributing weight effectively. If you’re aiming for an urban, loft-style look, these are your best bet.
Adjustable legs are lifesavers on slightly uneven floors. They commonly feature a screw foot to tweak height by a few inches, helping keep the table steady without needing shims.
Material choice affects durability, look, maintenance, and cost. Here’s a quick breakdown to match your project to the right material.
Solid wood feels warm and ages beautifully. It’s perfect for traditional and rustic looks but can be heavier and pricier. Wood is also easier to repair or refinish later on.
Steel and iron are rock-solid choices for strength. Powder-coated finishes resist scratches and rust, making them suitable for indoor and covered outdoor settings. These metals give a modern or industrial vibe.
Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant — handy for occasional outdoor use or when you need to move tables often. It’s not as heavy-duty as steel, so it suits slimmer top surfaces.
Composite materials and MDF can mimic wood at lower cost. They’re often used in economical sets but might not stand up to very heavy loads or moisture as well as real wood or metal.
Measure twice, cut once. Getting the height right is crucial to comfort and proportion. Here’s a straightforward approach to sizing using imperial units only.
Dining tables commonly sit around 28 to 30 inches tall. Desk heights are usually about 28 to 30 inches as well, while coffee tables are closer to 16 to 18 inches. For bar tops you’re looking at roughly 40 to 42 inches. Choose legs that add up with your tabletop thickness to reach these target heights.
If your tabletop is 1 inch thick versus 2 inches, that changes the leg length you need. Subtract the tabletop thickness from your target height to find the leg length. For instance, for a 30-inch dining height with a 1.5-inch top, aim for legs around 28.5 inches.
Not every leg can hold the same load. Consider how you’ll use the table: occasional dining, heavy workshop use, or multiple monitors and books on a desk. Heavy-duty steel legs and wide-flanged mounting plates increase capacity and stability.
A wide or reinforced mounting plate spreads the load and reduces wobble. If you’re making a large tabletop, opt for larger plates, and consider additional crossbars or braces for extra rigidity.
Positioning legs too close to the corners increases sturdiness; placing them inset might look elegant but can reduce stability unless braced properly. Cross-braces or support aprons make a surprisingly big difference for longer tables.
Installing table legs is usually straightforward, but the right tools make it quicker and more secure. Here’s a basic list and a few pro tips.
You’ll typically need a drill, screws sized for your mounting plates, a tape measure (inches), a spirit level, and possibly a countersink bit for neat screw heads. For heavy legs, have a friend help lift the tabletop into place.
Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting wood, use a countersink for flush screw heads, and test the height on upside-down tables before final tightening. If you’re painting or staining legs, do this before mounting to avoid mess on the tabletop.
Costs vary widely depending on material, finish, and brand. Here’s a practical breakdown so you can budget smartly.
Simple steel hairpin legs and basic metal legs typically start low and are perfect for DIY projects or light tables. Expect to pay a small fraction of designer pieces for these options.
Designer legs from brands like Design House Stockholm or premium wooden sets from Nordic Nest fall into the mid-to-high range. These prioritize form and finish and are worthwhile if you want a statement piece or a longer-lasting finish.
Custom turned legs or artist-made metalwork will cost more, but they produce unique furniture. If your table is a focal point in a room, investing a little extra here can be worth it.
Upcycling a tabletop with new legs is one of the quickest ways to refresh a space. You don’t need to be a pro to get great results—just a clear plan and the right legs.
Try a reclaimed wooden top with slim black metal hairpin legs for an industrial-meets-warm look. Or use a glossy lacquer top with sculptural pedestal legs for a playful contrast that reads modern-chic.
Paint or patina can make inexpensive legs feel custom. Use metallic spray paints for steel legs, or chalk paint for wooden legs that you plan to distress. A little sanding and antiquing wax goes a long way.
Shopping online gives access to more styles, while in-store lets you test feel and finish. If you’re matching an existing tabletop, take a photo or sample to compare finishes. For large or heavy legs, check the retailer’s specifications for weight capacity and mounting hardware compatibility.
Choosing the right table legs is both a practical and creative decision. From Nordic Nest minimalist Nordic lines to Design House Stockholm’s sculptural pedestal pieces, the UK market offers everything from economical hairpin legs to bespoke designer bases. Remember to measure using inches, think about weight and stability, and pick a material and style that matches how you’ll use the table. With a little planning and the right suppliers, you can transform an ordinary top into a standout piece without breaking the bank.
| Table Legs | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Design House Stockholm Pedestal Table Ø31x67.5 Cm Red | £ 240,- |
