A saber leg is the splayed leg of a piece of furniture that forms a concavity and resembles a saber. Saber leg designs are seen in chairs, stools, and sofas. The saber leg can be square or round and frequently tapers outward.
Where did the Saber Leg Come From?
The saber leg comes from the ancient Greek klismos chair used in the fifth century BC. The saber leg is fashioned from the klismos chair’s externally facing legs. The legs are either turned parallel or perpendicular to the chair seat. Two back support rails that ascend to join with a single concave backrest are additional features of the Klismos chair.
The 18th and early 19th century British Regency and American Empire furniture periods saw greater use of the saber leg. The “swept” or “Waterloo” leg is another name for the saber leg during these periods. The saber leg is one of the furniture designs most frequently integrated into modern furniture from historical styles.
Known Furniture Designer to Use Saber Leg?
In the 18th century, Thomas Sheraton, a well-known English furniture maker, used the saber leg in his creations. The name Sheraton is linked to the furniture trends of the 1790s and the early 19th century.
Antique Furniture Legs Similar to Saber Leg?
Furniture legs are integral parts of the overall appearance and functionality of furniture. The many types of furniture legs are used to identify and date ancient pieces from different eras. The saber leg is a type of antique furniture leg that remains to be seen in contemporary furniture today.
Other antique furniture leg styles related to the saber leg are below.
- Cabriole leg. The cabriole leg is popular in the 1700s commonly seen in Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture. The cabriole leg curves outward like the saber leg. The ankles of the cabriole leg, in contrast, are curved inward.
- Spiral leg. The spiral leg looks like a twisted rope often seen in William and Mary, Restoration, Empire, and Federal furniture.
- Fluted leg. The fluted leg is similar to Greek columns that feature a set of round grooved channels. Hepplewhite furniture commonly feature fluted legs in the 18th century.
- Marlborough Leg. The Marlborough leg is a simple straight design. This leg is square-shaped and includes carvings in some pieces. The designs of Chippendale in the late 18th century incorporated the Marlborough leg.
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