To counteract this opinion, we strive to bring some of that character and charm back into our designs. Below, we have picked out some of the most renowned antique chair leg designs, discussing their history and how their influence is making its way into our modern-day chairs.

Straight Square Leg

The original and most basic chair designs of the 16th and 17th century had straight square legs with a plain design, but carved, grooved, and moulded designs became common as chairs increased in popularity in domestic homes. Prior to the 18th century they were found on both the front and rear of the chair, with an upright backrest following the straightness of the frame. The front legs were usually decorated with ornate detail, whilst the rear had little embellishment.

This style went out of fashion when more intricate designs and shapes were introduced, but it became popular again by Thomas Chippendale in the 1700’s. In his designs, Chippendale gave it the name Marlborough leg and often added block feet to the design, it was seen as the alternative to the distinguished cabriole style.

Chicago Oak Dining Chair Cream

Today, simple and plain straight designs are the most common on modern chairs, forming a solid frame without distracting from the seat. Find it on the front legs of our classics, like the Chicago Oak Dining Chair Cream (pictured above).

Cabriole Leg

The cabriole leg is a renowned characteristic of Queen Anne Style furniture, which began in 1702 when Queen Anne took to the throne, and is thought to continue into the second half of the century. Encouraging its development, the cabriole also became a staple feature within Chippendale’s chair designs throughout the late 18th century.

Intended to resemble the shape of an animal leg when leaping or jumping, the classic shape has an outcurve knee and incurved ankle. Hence the name cabriole – derived from the French word ‘cabrioler’, meaning light leap!

There are many variations on the cabriole depending on the origin and year of the design. Smooth weighty legs with pad feet were common on popular wing back chairs of the early Queen Anne Style. Whilst elaborate carved designs with ball and claw feet could be found on decorative side chairs later on. Chippendale produced more slender versions, often with subtle carving and slipper feet, which were generally more delicate than Queen Anne furniture.

Fleur Dining Chair

Present-day cabriole designs tend to be simplified, plain, and without carved detail, in order to follow popular minimalist style. So, in an effort to bring classic antique style into the 21st century we have introduced the sophisticated Fleur Chair (pictured above), which incorporates sleek black satin finished cabriole legs – our own contemporary version.

Fluted & Reeded Legs

Generally found on variations of round tapered or square tapered legs, fluting and reeding are styles of carving added to chairs for decoration.

Fluted Legs - Popular in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, fluted legs have vertical concave grooves carved into them. Chair designer George Heppelwhite embraced the square tapered style in many of his chairs, which were often plain but many were carved with a fluted design.

Reeded Legs - Similar to fluted, reeded legs have carved detail but instead of concave grooves, they have rounded convex ridges. Also used by Heppelwhite in the late 18th century, Thomas Sheraton adopted the design and encouraged its popularity throughout the 1800’s, making it the preferred choice over fluted.

In today’s chairs carved designs are uncommon, but the basic round tapered and square tapered shape is becoming more fashionable, which is a simple smooth version. We are using it more in our modern wooden pieces, for example, the Albany has a sleek round tapered design.

(September 2018 - Please note, the Albany has now been discontinued, but the Tate is another great example.)

Sabre Leg

Made popular in England by furniture designer, Thomas Sheraton, who designed much of the finest furniture in the late 18th century, the sabre leg went on to flourish in the 19th century within Regency Period furniture.

A gracefully curved design, it is fashioned to mimic the shape of a sabre sword, which is where the name originates. Often tapering as it meets the floor, the leg flares out at the bottom and can be used on both the front and rear of the chair. A rear sabre leg follows the curve of the backrest, increasing the stability of the chair. Up until the late 1600’s chair makers would use a sloped backrest with a straight frame, before realising a raked design would improve balance.

Barrington Dining Chair

Depending on the date and origin, it may have some carved detail, but generally the sabre is a plain and smooth design, which can be found on the rear of many of our wooden dining chairs, like the Barrington. Some of our chrome dining chairs, also have slightly flared rear legs, putting a real contemporary twist on the design and proving that 18th century chairs are still an influence today.

Modern adaptations of these designs are a great way to bring a hint of traditional style to your interior. Plus, with a wider range of resources and technology available today, there is huge potential to bring back carved designs or even plain designs in new materials. For example, a chrome cabriole leg could be seen in the not-so-distant future!