A home’s character is often defined by its details – the woodwork, trim, lighting choices, paint colors, etc.  Unfortunately, adding details to a home usually takes a backseat to the basics, leaving a limited budget for these fun additions.  One detail, however, that while small, makes a big impact is a corbel!  A corbel is typically a piece of carved wood or stone that is used to structurally support another object – basically, they are a fancy type of bracket.  Decorative replica corbels might even be made of resin or plaster.  But whether you use a structural or decorative corbel, you won’t believe how many uses there are for them around the house!

 

 

 

1. Kitchen Cabinets

You can give your original, builder-grade cabinets a custom look by adding corbels at the end of each cabinet that tie into the backsplash.  In this case, the corbels aren’t being used structurally since the upper cabinets are bolted to the wall, but rather decoratively.  Even so, it’s a small detail that goes a long way toward creating a custom look!

 

2. Kitchen Counters

Here, Courtney from Golden Boys and Me, has used decoratively carved corbels as supports for her kitchen counter overhang.  Don’t they add a lot of elegance and interest to the space?!

 

3. Hidden Storage

I just couldn’t resist sharing this amazing idea for spice storage in the kitchen.  If you already have a dividing wall that protrudes, why not make it functional with a pullout to revewl extra storage?!

 

4. Shelf Brackets

You can purchase ordinary shelf brackets at any hardware store, but a corbel is so much more interesting and completely changes the look of the shelving.

 

5. Desk Legs

In search of a desk {or even an entryway table}.  Consider mounting large corbels to the wall and adding a glass or wood top!

 

6. Room Divider

An ordinary entryway is instantly transformed to extraordinary with the additional of some amazing corbels!

Tip: Be sure to consider the size of the room and the width of the door when selecting a corbel for this use.  If it is too small, it won’t make an impact and will look like an afterthought as opposed to an architectural addition.

7. Fireplace

You can dress up the look of your fireplace by adding a corbel underneath an existing mantel or floating shelf, or even add corbels and a shelf to a plain-front fireplace!

 

8. Bookends

Kathleen from Faded Charm has the most amazing corbels that she’s using as bookends!

 

9. Architectural Embellishment

The beautiful shape of a corbel lends itself to creating architectural interest wherever it’s place, like the corner of this window from Jennifer Rizzo.

 

10. Outdoor Windows

And while we’re on the subject of windows, have you ever considered dressing up the outside of your home?  Isn’t this addition beautiful?!

 

 

Depending on the size, material, and amount of detail, corbels can range widely in price.  They are quite expensive when purchased from a lumber supplier, but you can find inexpensive replicas at many decor stores.  You can also shop for them at salvage yards and on Etsy.  I am currently obsessed with these nearly 4′ tall vintage beauties {and the dog’s cute, too!}.

 

 

Now my mind is racing with ideas on how I could use these amazing corbels!

 

 

 

 

 

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