Learn more about a number of different examples of leg styles developed in both Europe and the United States from the Renaissance period to the Empire period. Links within each description lead to more information on styles, periods, and types of antique furniture. When used with Chippendale furniture, the cabriole leg commonly terminates with a ball and claw foot. In Queen Anne examples, the pad foot was popular, but other foot styles were used with these legs as well. These are also referenced as double scroll legs and S-scroll leg (a variation is when the section between the scrolls is curved). It is similar to a reeded leg, except that fluted channels are concave (compared to convex or raised). These legs are typical of mid-18th century English and American furniture and are often featured in later Chippendale styles, especially chairs, tables (as shown here), sofas, and bedsteads. The popularity of reeded legs surpassed those of fluted legs as the 18th century gave way to the 19th century. Dating from antiquity—examples have been found on Greek klismos chairs—it underwent a revival among late 18th-century designers such as Sheraton and flourished in Regency and Empire furniture. They are sometimes referenced as sabre legs or splayed legs as well. Spider legs can also be slim, straight legs found on gatefold tables. The thin supports enabling swinging out to expand the table easily. This variation dates from the early 18th century and often ends in pad feet. Both types of spider legs remain enduringly popular to the present. These legs are especially characteristic of Restoration and William and Mary furniture, but they enjoyed a comeback 100 years later in late Empire and Federal pieces. It was revived yet again in the mid-19th century and used on many Victorian furniture pieces. Sprial legs are sometimes referenced as spiral-twist or barley-twist (especially in England). It is typical of Baroque styles, especially English Restoration and William and Mary, and usually appears in accent tables, highboys, and lowboys with the legs connected by a serpentine stretcher. These are also known as trumpet-turned legs.
