My husband Tom considers himself the world’s worst gift giver. Bless his heart, he sure tries, but most of the time his big ideas don’t work out. And usually, after he gives me something that he thinks I won’t like (even though I do), he tells me all of the things that he wanted to get me but didn’t. If it’s the thought that counts, I feel like I do get the world’s greatest gifts.
His self-proclaimed “Best Gift Ever” was an old spice chest he found at an antique store. It lived on my desk for years, holding supplies like my colored pencils, hot glue sticks and markers. I love having my supplies separated into their own little drawers. The problem is that it took up a lot of space on my desk.
When I was working on redoing my office (the big reveal is coming next week!), I decided to give the spice chest a new purpose. I needed a small end table to sit next to a little loveseat, so I went on a search for some fun table legs.
Over and over, I was drawn to the mid-century style hairpin legs. I thought the combination of a rustic looking spice chest with modern hairpin legs would make for a fantastic side table. I had seen some really cool pieces online that featured different styles mixed with the modern legs, and the look that’s created is perfection.
I ordered a set of hairpin legs in my desired size from a shop I found online. Once they arrived, I simply screwed them into the base of the spice chest to create my table. It was one of the easiest DIYs ever, and made for an awesome custom piece of furniture. Tom was right – it IS the best gift ever.
The next time you are browsing in a thrift store, give some thought to adding a little modern touch to a room by using a set of hairpin legs – even if you don’t normally add in modern styles. This is a great way to start adding a little eclecticism into your home. I know I have missed out on some cool custom pieces because I wasn’t thinking outside of the box. The set of hairpin legs aren’t necessarily cheap (mine were about $70), but you end up with a really unique piece of custom furniture that no one else will have.
Do you need a little hairpin leg love in your life? I think you do!
Collage images via: Rusty Spoke on Etsy, Emily Henderson, Apartment Therapy for Avocado & Papaya, and Travis Hayes (he also sells the brightly colored, powder coated legs).
Alisha says
I love, love, love, LOVE hairpin legs! Love your re-do.
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Alisha!! Those awesome legs definitely gave it a new life.
The Working Home Keeper says
How cute! I usually don’t go for modern, but I love what you did with the spice chest!
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Mary Ellen! I like the mix of styles, as it’s definitely not super modern this way.
Guerrina says
I absolutely love this!
Lindsay Ballard says
I appreciate it, Guerrina! Thanks!
amanda @ mommyiscoocoo says
Love this! At least your husband knows he is not a great gift giver!
Lindsay Ballard says
LOL Yes, he does know! One of our first gift giving holidays he gave me the complete Calvin and Hobbs collection. I HATE Calvin and Hobbs.
JAN says
Am I seeing incorrectly? Are there three full pin legs on some of the example pics about and then one straight pin leg? If so looking at the web site to purchase them, where’s the straight pin legs on their site.
Lindsay Ballard says
Hi Jan! I see what you are talking about, but it’s just the angle of the shot. Crazy optical illusion!
Diane says
Wow. What a difference legs make! I really do like them. Makes me think of a few pieces of furniture in a whole new light. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Lindsay Ballard says
Thans, Diane! It definitely went from a “that’s nice” piece to a “that’s cool” piece.
Linda Owens says
I would really love to see that wall…p.s. love that spice thingy…reminds me of a card catalog from the library
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Linda! I’m going to reveal the whole finished room next week, but here’s the post I did on that wall: http://makelyhome.com/diy-herringbone-wood-paneled-wall/
Lisa~ says
Oh my goodness, Lindsay this is AWESOME! It looks fabulous and like it’s always been that way. I would never have thought of it, but now I want to add some retro legs to something in my home. I’ll be looking at all of my pieces for something to leg up! Lisa~
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Lisa!! You’ve got some really cool stuff that I bet would look great with a new set of legs.
Crystal @ The Hollidays at Home says
Love the hairpin legs! This was and easy project with GREAT results. Thanks for sharing.
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks, Crystal! it was probably the easiest thing I’ve ever done. 😀
Lynda says
Love it!!
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks so much, Sweet Lynda!
Jess says
Holy cow. That is awesome! Love the finished result.
Lindsay Ballard says
Thank you, Jess! I can’t believe what an easy DIY it was.
Charmaine kaumeyer says
Love this idea! I would’ve never thought of it. On a side note – where did you get that SO COOL owl lamp??
Lindsay Ballard says
Thanks! The lamp is from Target a while back – maybe last summer? It was part of one of their first designer collections.
kay kerns says
All awesome and love your owl lamp!
Scott says
That’s a great idea. Take two pieces and combine them into one. Plus it looks super nice.