These days, less is more as home sizes shrink, and people right-size and downsize their way to their ideal lifestyles. Hairpin legs first went into production in the 1940s, during a similar “less space, less stuff” time when materials were limited due to the war. An industrial designer by the name of Glass dreamt up furniture legs that used less steel without compromising strength or durability. Voila! The hairpin leg was born.

Light, removable, portable, and economical, hairpins lend a clean, uncluttered look to any space. They’re a great solution for small-space living or organization. We’re loving these smart, stylish DIY hairpin projects that make the most of every inch:

Open Hairpin Shelves

Hairpin brackets give these shelves an open, airy feel (via Kinsey Olson)

DIY maker Kinsey Olson used our hairpin shelves to add rows of open storage to her dream kitchen. Rather than drilling the screws through the subway tile and risk breaking them, she and her husband Chris masoned around the screw holes to support the brackets.

Entry Table with A Geometric Top

Simple and streamlined, these hairpin legs don’t distract from the tabletop (via DVG Creative)

Artist Daniel Van Gerpen of DVG Creative fashioned this hairpin legs entry table featuring a mesmerizing geometric pattern.

Hairpin Legs Corner Desk

There’s room for two with this transformable workspace (via A Beautiful Mess)

This sweet, cheerful corner desk is a minimalist’s dream. Our mint hairpin legs pair perfectly with a Pink Eames rocking chair by Must Love Furniture and a wall hanging by Smile and Wave.

Indoor-Outdoor Marble Side Table

This simple, elegant table is a natural fit for small rooms or patios (via The DIY Playbook)

Small and stylish, this side table by The DIY Playbook works both indoors and out. Follow the step-by-step tutorial to build your own using our 20" matte black legs.

Living in a small space and rocking the hairpins? Send us your projects, and show us how you’re using these space-saving beauts.