When it comes to revamping old furniture, sometimes a little change is all it takes to breathe new life into a piece. One of the easiest and most effective ways to transform outdated furniture is by adding or upgrading the legs. Whether it’s a coffee table, sofa, china cabinet or dresser, new legs can elevate the entire look of a piece, making it feel fresh, modern, and stylish. Let's see how you can make furniture look new by adding legs.

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Why Add Legs to Old Furniture?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the why. Adding or upgrading furniture legs offers several benefits:

• Increased Height: Furniture, especially older pieces, tends to be lower to the ground. Adding taller legs can give your furniture a more contemporary feel.
• Sleek Look: Furniture with legs has a more streamlined, modern appearance. The legs create a sense of openness underneath the piece, making the room feel less crowded and more airy.
• Customization: With the vast variety of leg styles available—mid-century modern, Scandinavian, industrial, and more—you can tailor your furniture to your taste.
• Ease of Maintenance: Raising furniture off the ground makes it easier to clean underneath, keeping dust and debris from accumulating.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Legs to Furniture

1. Choose the Right Legs

The first step is choosing the right legs for your piece of furniture. Consider these factors:

• Height: Measure the existing height of your furniture and think about how much you want to raise it. Standard furniture legs are typically 4–8 inches tall, but you can find taller options for a more dramatic effect.
• Material: Furniture legs come in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Choose a material that complements the style and finish of your furniture. For example, sleek metal legs work well with modern designs, while wooden legs add warmth and charm to vintage pieces.
• Style: Choose legs that suit the style of your furniture and room. Mid-century modern legs are great for giving a vintage piece a contemporary look, while rustic wood legs can lend a more cozy, farmhouse feel.

You can find furniture legs at local hardware stores, some thrift stores, online retailers or specialty stores. Some even offer adjustable legs, which can be a great option if you’re unsure about the height.

2. Gather Your Tools and Supplies

To successfully add legs to your furniture, you'll need a few basic tools and supplies:

• Furniture legs (make sure they have mounting plates or screws if needed)
• Screwdriver or drill
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Level (to ensure the legs are evenly installed)
• Wood glue (if needed for extra security)
• Mounting plates or screws (some legs come with these, but you may need to buy them separately)

3. Measure and Mark the Placement

To ensure your legs are evenly spaced and aligned, take precise measurements:

• Start by flipping the furniture upside down on a soft surface, such as a blanket or towel, to prevent scratches.
• Measure the distance between the corners of the piece to determine where the legs should be placed. If the legs are more decorative, consider placing them near the edges. If the legs are structural, you might want them placed closer to the center.
• Mark the spot for each leg using a pencil or masking tape.

4. Attach the Mounting Plates (if necessary)

If your legs don’t come with pre-installed mounting plates, you may need to attach them first. Mounting plates are small metal brackets that help stabilize the legs.

• Position the mounting plate where you’ve marked and use a drill or screwdriver to secure it in place with screws.
• If your furniture has a solid base (like wood), you can use screws directly. For other materials, you might need anchors to provide additional support.

5. Attach the Legs

Once the mounting plates are in place, attach the legs:

• Screw the legs into the mounting plates. Ensure the legs are straight and aligned with the marks you made earlier.
• Tighten the screws securely, but don’t overtighten, as this could cause damage to the wood or material.

If your legs come with adjustable height features, you may want to adjust them at this point for optimal balance.

6. Check Stability and Adjust

After attaching the legs, flip the furniture right side up and check for stability:

• Use a level to ensure the furniture is sitting evenly. If the legs are uneven, adjust them or tighten the screws accordingly.
• If necessary, use wood glue around the base of each leg for extra stability. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the furniture.

7. Enjoy Your Transformed Furniture

Once the legs are securely attached and the piece is stable, your furniture will have a whole new look! Whether it’s a modern, airy vibe from sleek metal legs or a cozy, rustic charm with wooden accents, your piece will feel like new.

Additional Tips for Personalizing Your Furniture Legs

• Paint or Stain: If you want to further customize your legs, consider painting or staining them to match your interior décor. Gold, black, or even bright colors can add a unique touch to the overall look.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different leg styles or materials. For instance, combining wooden legs with a metal base on a table can create an interesting, eclectic style.
• Adjustable Legs: Consider adding adjustable legs to accommodate different floor types or adjust for better ergonomics.

Adding legs to furniture is a simple and budget-friendly way to give your furniture a new lease on life. Not only does this update improve the look of your piece, but it can also add functionality, making your furniture more comfortable, easy to maintain and visually appealing. You’ll be amazed at the transformation!

Happy DIYing, Finders!

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