Corbels are more than just architectural supports; they're an opportunity to infuse your home with charm and character. From classic shelf brackets and countertop supports to innovative uses like balcony bracing and faux archways, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're a home decor enthusiast, a DIY fanatic, or an interior designer, exploring the world of corbels can open up new avenues for creativity and design.
If you're inspired to start incorporating corbels into your home projects, remember to choose the right materials and sizes for your needs. Consider enlisting professional help for structural applications like balcony bracing to ensure safety and longevity.
Welcome to the world of corbels, where functionality meets design in the most intriguing ways. Traditionally used to support shelves, corbels are now making a splash in home decor as versatile elements that can enhance various parts of your home. From adding charm to your balcony to crafting an eye-catching archway, corbels offer endless possibilities for creativity. In this guide, you'll discover how to incorporate iron corbels into your living space, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural support. Ready to elevate your home's character? Let's get started!
The Tuscan Iron Corbel, shown in our smooth texture and Wrought Iron Patina finish.
What Are Corbels?
Corbels are architectural elements that project from a wall and act as a bracket to support an overhanging structure. Historically, they have been used in buildings and homes to hold up shelves, roofs, and even entire balconies. Made from materials like wood, stone, or metal, corbels offer both decorative appeal and functional support. In modern home decor, they have become a staple for those looking to add a unique touch to their interiors.
These versatile supports come in various designs—ranging from simple geometric shapes to intricate carvings. While traditionally associated with classic architecture, corbels now fit seamlessly into contemporary homes as well. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or an interior designer, incorporating corbels into your projects can bring both beauty and strength to your designs.
Beyond aesthetics, choosing the right corbel involves understanding its load-bearing capacity. For functional purposes, materials like iron and heavy-duty woods are preferred. Decorative corbels, on the other hand, allow for more flexibility with your choice of materials and designs.
The Basics of Using Corbels
Shelf Brackets
Corbels shine as shelf brackets, providing the dual benefit of style and stability. Whether you're setting up a cozy reading nook or organizing your kitchen, corbels can be the perfect support for your mantels and floating shelves. Because most businesses sell corbels meant to support shelves as 4" shelf brackets, 5" shelf brackets, 6" shelf brackets, 8" shelf brackets, and 12" shelf brackets, there's a corbel size to suit every shelving need.
Using corbels as shelf brackets adds a touch of elegance to any room. Opt for hand-forged shelf brackets for a rustic appeal, or choose black decorative shelf brackets to complement a modern aesthetic. Heavy-duty shelf brackets ensure your shelves can bear the weight of books, plants, or kitchen essentials securely.
In some homes, corbels are not just functional but serve as a purely decorative element. They add a touch of sophistication under pre-installed shelves, making them appear more high-end and custom-designed.
Bar Top/Countertop Supports
In kitchens and dining areas, corbels play a crucial role as countertop supports. Whether supporting an island or a bar, these sturdy brackets offer both functionality and flair. Typically, corbels used for countertops need to be 12" or larger to provide adequate support unless they're being used for a shallow countertop.
Countertop bracket corbels are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to incorporate style into their kitchen design. They can also be used decoratively to add a unique appearance under pre-installed counters, enhancing the overall look of your kitchen or dining space.
From sleek, modern designs to more traditional styles, there are corbels to suit every taste. Choosing the right corbel can transform your countertop from merely functional to a statement piece in your home.
Lesser Known Uses for Corbels
Corbels for Balcony Bracing
One of the less commonly known uses for corbels is as balcony bracing. In fact, you may have even seen a corbel used this way and thought it was a part of the balcony itself! These large corbels are not only functional but add an impressive architectural element to the exterior of your home. Often taller than an adult and extending from the wall to the edge of the balcony, these corbels must be robust and professionally installed.
The materials for balcony corbels need to be extremely strong to support the weight they bear. When done correctly, they offer a decorative flourish that enhances your home's curb appeal. Even existing balconies can benefit from commissioned corbels, serving as both decorative and structural enhancements.
Whether you're building a new balcony or upgrading an existing one, consider corbels as a way to add both character and support to the structure. They provide a formidable combination of form and function that is hard to achieve with other architectural elements.
These wooden corbels were used to round out this doorway and complete the arched top, but with corbels that are large enough to meet in the middle you can create a full archway in a rectangular door frame as well.
Faux Archways
For those who love the drama and elegance of archways, corbels offer an innovative solution. By installing these decorative brackets in doorways or windows, you can create stunning faux archways that add visual interest to your home.
To avoid bumping heads, it's essential to choose a doorway high enough for corbels to be installed safely. The horizontal arm of the corbel should span about half the width of the opening, while the vertical arm should be short enough not to take up head space and impede foot traffic.
Faux archways created with corbels are perfect for adding a whimsical or classical touch to your interior design. They can also be used to transform square windows into circle, oval or, arched shapes, further enhancing your home's architectural appeal.
The Gothic Cathedral Iron Corbel, displayed in our Distressed Texture and our custom Aged Gold Finish (available upon request).
Sprucing Up Boring Corners
Transform ordinary corners into extraordinary features with corbels. Whether it's the intersection of walls and ceilings or the transition between two rooms, corbels can be a playful addition that elevates your home's decor.
In open floor plans, corbels can mark the transition between spaces by being strategically placed above changing floor materials. On covered porches, they can add a decorative element that ties together your outdoor and indoor spaces.
These versatile brackets are an easy way to add personality to any dull area. With the right choice of corbels, every corner of your home can become a focal point that reflects your unique style.
Conclusion
Corbels are more than just architectural supports; they're an opportunity to infuse your home with charm and character. From classic shelf brackets and countertop supports to innovative uses like balcony bracing and faux archways, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you're a home decor enthusiast, a DIY fanatic, or an interior designer, exploring the world of corbels can open up new avenues for creativity and design.
If you're inspired to start incorporating corbels into your home projects, remember to choose the right materials and sizes for your needs. Consider enlisting professional help for structural applications like balcony bracing to ensure safety and longevity.
For more ideas and inspiration on using corbels creatively, check out our additional resources and guides. Happy decorating!
Maddison Mellem
Old West Iron
p- (844) 205-7266
f- (844) 205-7267