Hairpin legs are a style of furniture leg that was popularized during the mid-century modern design era of the 1950s and 1960s. Like other mid-century modern designs, hairpin legs are typically characterized by sleek and simple lines, often with an industrial feel.
The legs get their name from their resemblance to an open hairpin, with two rods that converge at a sharp point at the floor, and then branch off to support the piece of furniture.
Typically made from metal, hairpin legs gained great popularity throughout the mid-century modern design era and are still widely used today, as they often make a statement piece that stands out. In addition to being a great aesthetic feature, the legs make furniture lighter and simpler to build, and they allow for flooring underneath furniture to be more easily cleaned.
Though they were most popular during the mid-century modern period, hairpin legs are still widely used today, often adding a vintage modern flair to contemporary furniture.
What is a mid-century modern table leg called?
A mid-century modern table leg is typically referred to as a tapered or “angle” leg. These legs have a slender profile, with the top wider than the bottom. Their angled shape gives them the appearance of a triangle, leading to their moniker.
Tapered legs are popular in mid-century modern furniture because of their sleek and minimalistic look. They are usually crafted out of a variety of woods such as maple, oak, and teak. Some manufacturers also offer versions in plastic or even stainless steel for a more contemporary feel.
They come in a variety of heights and styles, from straight, rounded, and tapered shapes, to angled or angled-in designs. Some furniture makers may use other materials such as brushed steel or even glass for a more modern or eclectic look.
When were hairpin legs invented?
Hairpin legs were invented in 1945 by Henry Clive, a British-born industrial designer who immigrated to the U. S. in 1937. Clive had worked for the Illinois-based furniture company Davis and Dash, manufacturer of custom furniture for households and businesses.
He conceived of the design for Hairpin furniture legs when the company asked him to develop a new, cost-effective way to build furniture.
The design for hairpin legs was inspired by the radiator grills used on early cars and airplanes from the 1930s. Clive incorporated the steel tubing that was available at the time to make the legs, which became known as “hairpin legs” due to its resemblance to a woman’s hairpin.
Clive’s hairpin-style legs were incredibly popular, and they were quickly adopted by a number of furniture makers in the post-war years. The aesthetic and simplicity of hairpin furniture meant that it was ideal for creating modern pieces that had the potential to be mass-produced.
Today, hairpin legs are a common feature of furniture in both residential and commercial settings.
Why are hairpin legs so popular?
Hairpin legs have become one of the most popular trends in furniture design over the last few years due to their distinct style and ease of use. Hairpin legs are often associated with mid-century modern designs, and they give furniture a unique, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to many.
These legs are made of metal rods bent into a triangular shape, hence the name “hairpin”. The simplistic design of the legs also helps to keep them lightweight, making them great for small space living.
Additionally, hairpin legs come in a variety of colors, sizes, and finishes, so you can find a style to match almost any decor. Overall, hairpin legs are popular because they are aesthetically pleasing, versatile, and affordable, making them a great choice for DIYers and budget-conscious shoppers.
Where do you put hairpin legs on a table?
Hairpin legs are commonly used to provide support for tables. The legs can be placed onto the four corners of the table, or for a unique look, the legs can be placed toward the center of each side of the table.
To install the legs onto the tabletop, you will need to attach the legs to the underside of the table using screws or bolts. Generally, two screws or bolts are used per leg, which should be securely tightened.
It’s important to use screws and bolts that are the correct length and size so they don’t penetrate through the table top. If you’re unsure of which type and length of screws or bolts to use, consult with your local hardware store for recommendations.
Once the legs are installed, you can finish them by painting them or adding a sealant to protect them against damage.
Where did hair sticks originate?
Hair sticks have a long and varied history that can be traced back to ancient times. Historically, the use of hair sticks like chopsticks dates back to China in at least the eleventh century, though there is evidence that evidence has been found that dates their use back to the third century BC.
The earliest hair sticks were made of bamboo, though they were also made of jade and various other materials.
The use of these sticks then spread to Japan, other Asian cultures, and even Europe. In Japan, where the use of hair sticks grew more popular ever since the fourth century, the sticks were regularly used for centuries to hold hair in place.
The long sticks also became popular for decorative reasons, with people often adorning them with beautiful craftwork.
In Europe, hair sticks were used mostly by Elite classes and royalty. Beginning in the seventeen hundreds, hair sticks became intricately crafted, often with metals and jewels, and became stylish additions to courtly wear.
Hair sticks soon became a sign of wealth and status, and the decorative versions even began to be used as jewelry.
The popularity of hair sticks spread in the nineteenth century, when it became more common for different social classes to wear them. The industrial revolution also helped to popularize hair sticks as well, as advances in machine production improved their craftsmanship and spread their availability to more people around the world.
Now, hair sticks are still a popular accessory to wear both casually and in more formal settings. Its fascinating history continues to make it a popular choice of the present day.
What’s the difference between hairpins and bobby pins?
Hairpins and bobby pins are both tools used to hold hair in place, but they look and function differently. Hairpins are larger and usually open at the top and have a lower, curved grip. They’re best for securing large chunks of hair or for styling, such as an updo, where hair needs to lie flat or stay curved.
Bobby pins are smaller and have a flat letter U-shape, with a thicker and more rounded end. They’re better suited for small sections of hair, helping to fix them in place and keep them secure. The high grip and flexibility of bobby pins also makes them a better choice for achieving quick and easy hairstyles.
How do you use old fashioned hair pins?
Old fashioned hair pins are great for creating vintage-inspired hairstyles or for keeping your hair up and out of your face. Here are a few steps on how to use them:
1. Start by gathering your hair into the desired style. Choose to wear your hair in a ponytail, an up-do, or leave it down.
2. Now, you can start pinning. Place an old fashioned hair pin close to the scalp and insert it into the hair in a wide U-shape to secure your style.
3. Continue pinning sections of your hair with the same pin pattern.
4. When finished, you can choose to add a finishing touch of hairspray to keep your style in place.
By using these steps, you can quickly and easily use old fashioned hair pins to style your hair in a variety of ways. Whether it be updos or down-dos, these classic pins can help complete any look.
Who invented the hairpin?
The invention of the hairpin is generally attributed to the invention of the “uncurling iron” by the French hairstylist Marcel Grateau in 1872. This device was used to curl or wave the hair and could also be used to create various hairstyles.
It was made of two metal plates that were connected near one end, and the two pieces were held together by a bar at the other end. This was the precursor to the hairpin, which was created shortly after.
By the early 1900s, the hairpin became much more popular, and many different sizes, shapes, and types of hairpins were available to choose from.
Today, the hairpin is seen as an enduring fashion accessory and hairstyling tool. It has been used as both a functional and decorative accessory in hairstyles for centuries and continues to be used today.
How much weight can hairpin legs hold?
The exact amount of weight that hairpin legs can hold depends on the size and material of the legs and the surface that the legs are attached to. Generally, metal hairpin legs made of 3/8” solid steel rod can hold anywhere from 70-75lbs of weight for a small end table size configuration (3 legs spaced around 30-32” apart).
For a larger dining table-size configuration (4 legs spaced around 36-40” apart), hairpin legs made of 3/8” solid steel rods can hold up to 250lbs. The solid steel materials are the most stable and can hold the most weight, but there are other materials that are used such as mild steel, raw steel or stainless steel, which will affect the overall stability and weight bearing capabilities.
Additionally, the surface material that the legs are attached to must be able to hold the weight; the legs cannot be attached to a tile or hollow wall, which could significantly reduce the amount of weight that the legs could hold.
Therefore, the exact amount of weight that hairpin legs can hold will vary depending on the size, material, and surface attached.
How do you attach hairpin legs to furniture?
Attaching hairpin legs to furniture is relatively simple and requires just a few basic tools. The main tool you will need is a drill and a few drill bits to ensure that you get the correct size holes in the furniture piece.
First, check the size of the screws that come with the hairpin legs and purchase a drill bit the same size or slightly larger. You will also need a drill bit that is smaller than the screw size in order to counter-sink the hole.
Second, position the hairpin legs in the desired location on the furniture piece and mark the locations for each leg. If the furniture is heavy, it would be a good idea to get help from another person at this stage.
Third, use a drill to make holes in each of the marked locations. Once all four of the holes are drilled, use the smaller drill bit to counter-sink them. This will ensure that the screws are flush with the surface of the furniture.
Fourth, insert the screws into each of the four holes and use the drill to tighten them. Make sure to use slow steady pressure so that you do not strip the screws or damage the furniture.
Finally, admired your handiwork and enjoy the new look of your furniture! With the right tools and a little bit of patience, attaching hairpin legs to any type of furniture is a fairly easy process that can transform the look of your space.
What size should my desk legs be?
The size of the legs for your desk will depend on the design of the desk, the size of the top, and the strength of the material that form the legs. Generally, legs should be relatively thick and sturdy in order to securely support the load of the desk and its contents.
The ideal leg thickness will vary depending on the type of material used – a thick, solid wood or steel frame, for example, may require thicker legs than a lightweight fiberboard frame. Additionally, the size of the top should be taken into account – a larger desk will require stronger legs to bear the extra weight.
It is a good idea to seek professional advice on the ideal leg size for your desk, as this will ensure that it is properly and safely supported.
