What is a Swing Leg?

A swing leg is a specific type of hinged leg used to support the drop leaf of a table.

Understanding Swing Legs

Swing legs are a unique design element in furniture, particularly tables with drop leaves. Unlike standard table legs that are fixed, a swing leg can pivot or swing out to provide support when a leaf is extended, and then retract when the leaf is folded down. This allows the table to be expanded or contracted as needed.

Key Characteristics of a Swing Leg:

• Hinged Design: The most defining feature is the hinge that allows it to move.
• Lack of Stretcher: As the provided reference notes, it does not have a stretcher, which is a horizontal support connecting legs in traditional furniture designs.
• Drop Leaf Support: Its primary function is to support the extension panel or drop leaf of the table.
• Retractability: When the leaf is not in use, the swing leg folds neatly away.

How Swing Legs Work:

1. Leaf Down: When a drop leaf is folded down, the swing leg is typically tucked underneath the table, out of sight.
2. Leaf Up: When the leaf is raised to extend the table, the swing leg is pivoted out from its resting position, providing stable support.
3. Stability: The leg's hinge mechanism is designed to lock into place, ensuring the expanded table remains stable and level.

Applications of Swing Legs

Swing legs are commonly found in:

• Drop Leaf Tables: This is their primary and most well-known use case.
• Gateleg Tables: Historically, these tables frequently incorporated this design.
• Expandable Furniture: Any piece of furniture that requires a hinged support for a folding surface could utilize a swing leg mechanism.

Example:

Imagine a small dining table with a leaf on each side. When both leaves are down, the table is small and compact. When you want to extend the table, you lift one or both leaves. As the leaf comes up, you swing out the leg which will lock in place to hold the leaf level. When the leaves are not needed you swing the legs back underneath.