Installing new furniture legs is an easy, economical way to refresh your interior design. But when you start looking, you’ll find many different types of furniture finishes available. How do you choose the right one?
The Hairpin Leg Company is the UK’s top choice for all types of furniture legs. That’s because we use the best materials and impeccable craftsmanship. You can count on friendly service, a great selection, and friendly assistance.
Learn about the different types of furniture finishes below so you can make an informed choice. We’ve helped over 100,000 happy customers and counting, and can do the same for you!
What Does a Furniture Finish Do?
Furniture finishes not only make your table legs look better. They also protect the wood or metal against everyday wear and tear. Here’s a more detailed look at the different furniture finish types and why they are so important.
Protective Properties
A proper finish seals wood against outside moisture. This protects it against outside humidity and liquid spills. See our guide to how to protect table legs outdoors for more information.
Metal legs absolutely must have a finish against seaside air, water, or dampness. Otherwise, you will soon see spots of rust and corrosion.
Look and Feel of the Final Product
A clear finish deepens the wood’s natural colour and makes the grain pattern pop. You can also use other types of wood furniture finishes for a colour that matches your other furniture or your living space decor.
You’ll find wood and metal furniture finish types in a vast array of colours and textures. You can choose whether you’re looking for a bold statement colour or a more subtle and refined look.
The Different Types of Furniture Finishes for Wood and Metal Legs
You’ll find a broad selection of furniture finish types at The Hairpin Leg Company. Here’s a quick rundown of our most popular options, including types of wood furniture finishes and types of metal finishes for furniture.
Raw Steel
All steel table legs start out as raw steel. Most buyers purchase them coated with one of the several types of metal finishes for furniture legs. But some want to start with raw steel and prepare it to their personal specifications.
We cover our raw steel legs with a protective oil before shipping. But some buyers find that a bit of rust adds character and works well in their decor. They strip away the oil with a degreaser and then stop the rusting process with an application of Owatrol Oil Paint Conditioner.
Others choose to paint their raw steel legs as this gives them more control over their colour choices. Our guide to how to paint furniture legs provides you with pointers on how to properly paint metal table legs.
We have full guidance on finishing raw steel here.
Clear Powder Coat
Like the look of raw steel but don’t want to be troubled with rust? A clear powder coat gives you the best of both worlds. You get the durability and beauty of raw steel with a clear coating that keeps out moisture and wards off corrosion.
Do you want to finish or paint your furniture legs yourself? Are you looking for a rusty look? If the answer to those questions is “no,” we suggest you purchase clear coat legs. While clear coat legs have a bit of extra sheen over raw steel legs, very few people could distinguish between the two with a glance.
Check out clear coat vs. raw steel.
Coloured Powder Coat
Coloured powder coating is one of the most popular types of metal finishes for furniture. It lasts much longer than paint and offers superior protection for the metal. Hairpin Leg Company can coat your new metal legs in a number of different colours:
- Black (RAL 9017)
- Yellow (RAL 1003)
- Red (RAL 3001)
- Pastel Green (RAL 6019)
- Duck Egg Blue (RAL 6027)
- White (RAL 9003)
- Orange (RAL 2004)
- Forest Green (RAL 6003)
- Graphite Gray (RAL 7024)
- Dusty Pink (RAL 010 80 10)
Not sure which colour best suits your needs? Drop us a line for friendly design advice. With our assistance, you'll get legs that fit perfectly in your living area or workspace.
Electro-Plated
Electro-plating runs an electric current through a steel leg soaked in a solution of solvent and metal. The current bonds the metal to the base on a molecular level, so it has excellent resistance to scuffing, scratches, and corrosion.
Electro-plated legs have a reflective lustre and warm sheen. They look luxurious on any type of furniture. It’s one of the best types of metal finishes for furniture if you want a combination of beauty and durability. Electro-plating is one of the most popular modern furniture leg styles.
Hard Wax Oil (Wooden Legs)
Hard wax oil has become popular for its durable and attractive finish. It is made with a combination of natural waxes and oils. The oils sink into the wood to keep it supple. The waxes form a hard but micro-porous layer on the wood’s outside.
Unlike polyurethane and other synthetic sealants, hard wax oil is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and food-safe. It’s frequently applied to kitchen tables and countertops. And if your legs get scratched or scuffed, you can simply sand away the damage with fine sandpaper and reapply a dab of hard wax oil to bring it back to form.
Which of These is Right For Your Furniture Legs?
Your choice of finish will not only complete the look of your furniture item. It will also determine the placement and use of your piece. Here are some pointers for choosing between the different types of furniture finishes.
Matching Finish to Interior Style
Does your space have a modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian decor? Choose finishes that complement clean lines and an uncluttered aesthetic. White or Graphite Grey powder-coated legs create an understated look. Our Duck Egg Blue or Forest Green coloured coatings give you a dash of subtle colour.
The warm golden glow of brass is a natural fit for mid-century modern and traditional designs. And our wooden table legs use hard wax oil, one of the best types of wood furniture finishes for a warm traditional look.
Industrial or eclectic designs need finishes that can hold their own against raw materials like concrete, reclaimed wood, and exposed brick. Black powder coating is a classic look that works well in these situations. You can also use a pop of colour with a Yellow or Orange coating.
Where Is the Furniture Going?
Furniture in bustling kitchens and dining rooms must be durable and easy to clean. We recommend powdered clear or coloured finishes. Powder coating resists scuffs, spills, and chipping even in difficult conditions.
You have more options for furniture in quieter areas like bedrooms or formal living rooms. You can use more decorative electroplated legs or wooden legs with beautiful hard wax oil finishes.
Will your furniture face frequent exposure to moisture? Go with powder coating or electroplating. Both protect steel from the air and humidity so you needn’t worry about rust.
Find the Perfect Furniture Legs With Stunning Finishes at The Hairpin Leg Co.
If you’re looking for the best furniture legs, why would you shop anywhere else but The Hairpin Leg Co.? As you might guess from our name, we’re experts in our field. Tom and Adam have been furniture leg specialists since 2014. Count on us for all your table leg needs.
We’re known for hairpin legs, but that’s not all we carry. We have all types of table legs, in all different types of furniture finishes. Wooden furniture legs, metal furniture legs, table legs, sofa legs, cabinet legs – you’ll find all those and more!
Replacing your furniture’s old legs with The Hairpin Leg Co. legs is simple. Our instructions show you how to attach our legs to a table, cabinet, sofa, bed, desk, or anything in between. Giving your old furniture a new lease on life has never been so easy.
Over 100,000 customers have shopped with us and given us a 4.94/5.0 rating. We work hard to satisfy every customer and our efforts have paid off. Check out our site and find out how you can improve your interior design with us!
Final Words on Furniture Finish Types
Now you know the different types of furniture finishes. And you know that The Hairpin Leg Co. has the best furniture legs you can buy.
Whatever your decor and whether you need legs for a dresser, sofa, desk, or dining table, count on The Hairpin Leg Co. Shop today!
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