In-home design, the smallest things usually make a big difference. Wood Corbels are one such element that makes an ordinary space extraordinary. They are elegant architectural accents, typically used for support, but which have evolved to become decorative elements that add timeless charm and sophistication to any room.
No matter if you’re restoring a historic home or creating a modern setting, wood corbels strike the perfect blend of functionality with style.
In this blog, we will cover what wood corbels are, their history, and how you can get creative with their use to improve your space.
Understanding Wood Corbels
Corbels are constructive elements that both serve a purpose and have an aesthetic purpose of beautifying the structure being built. Originally incorporated to offer support to beams, shelves, or countertops, they are also incorporated as ornaments. They can be made from a wide range of materials including wood, plaster, or stone, and are easy to incorporate into various design themes.
While it is placed under structures to provide support, corbels contribute additional structural reinforcement and a touch of elegance and classic beauty to any room.
The Evolution of Wood Corbels From Function to Art
Corbels are as old as ancient architecture where they were used as support elements of the buildings. Their significance surpassed their functional use and turned into exquisite ornaments replicating their time’s fashion trends.
The use of corbels remains popular because they are flexible features that can easily be incorporated into evolving architectural designs. In classical architecture, they had plain yet attractive designs while Gothic cathedrals incorporated elaborate ornaments making corbels more of beauty icons.
Today corbels are still in existence and people use them to increase the beauty of the house and its attractiveness. Regardless of whether they are placed to portray the historical aspect or improve a chic look, corbels remain meaningful examples of their utility and aesthetics to the present day.
Types of Wood Corbels
Decorative Corbels: These corbels are installed mainly for aesthetic reasons. They often involve intricate carvings, designs, or even patterns to uplift the aesthetics in a particular setting.
Functional Corbels: These corbels are still gorgeous but built to hold weight, such as countertops, shelves, or mantels.
Custom Corbels: These are designed to fit specific design needs or dimensions so that homeowners can create unique accents that perfectly fit their space.
Architectural Corbels: These are larger corbels and are often used in exterior applications, such as under roof eaves or as part of pergolas.
The Impact of Wood Corbels in Elevating Your Home Design
Although wood corbels have primarily been used as supportive elements, there is tremendous design potential here. They come in incredibly ornate and sophisticated designs, allowing them to enrich any room.
1. Enhancing Kitchens
Kitchen wood corbels have become a popular design element in many kitchens, particularly in supporting structures such as countertops, island overhangs, and range hoods. Complex corbels add older and more ‘cozy’ accents, although simpler versions look fine in the modern surroundings of the kitchen. Corbels are typically painted or stained to match cabinets, resulting in a consistent appearance.
2. Upgrading Fireplaces
Installing a fireplace mantel supported by wood corbels automatically transforms any space by creating an object of attraction. Regardless of whether your desired look is an elegant Victorian-style mantel or a simple, farmhouse-style mantel, corbels provide distinction.
3. Beautifying Shelves and Bookcases
Make your bookshelves less ordinary by incorporating wood corbels as supports. It not only enhances the supports but also gives the shelves a designer look that enhances them.
4. Accenting Entryways
Some wooden corbels may be used to create door frames or designs of doors and other related outlooks like archways. They can be used effectively in separating a large open-plan area without compromising its design flow.
5. Outdoor Applications
Large wooden corbels can be used to support awnings or roof eaves in outdoor spaces, enhancing the building’s visual appeal. If treated with adequate weather-resistant treatments, they will withstand the test of time while providing the necessary curb appeal.
How to Choose Corbels for Your Interior
Selecting the most appropriate interior wood corbels is not just about selecting a design, it’s all about getting it right for both form and function. Corbels are generally used both for ornamental purposes and as braces; the type of corbels you select for your home will depend on the architectural style you prefer. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting corbels for your interior:
1. Consider the Room’s Style Wood Corbels
One of the essential factors to consider when choosing corbels is the style of the room where the corbels will be placed. These are perfect for traditional or elaborate styles of decoration while the more modern designs are perfect for modern homes. For the traditional and vintage look, consider rustic distressed wood corbels that will give a warm feeling.
2. Match the Material to Your Decor
Wood corbels can be ordered in any wooden type which includes oak, walnut, maple, and cherry among others. It is crucial to select the appropriate material alongside other furniture and finishes you have in your home. For instance, a dark walnut corbel will blend well with the shades of dark wood, while it will add an airy touch to light oak.
3. Size and Proportion
Corbels are available in different dimensions, it is therefore important to find ones that are suited for the area. Larger Corbels should be more suitable for greater loads and provide higher contrast while the small ones are for aesthetic purposes or places where space is a limiting factor. It is vital to look at the size of the room or structure that the corbel is to be installed on, due to the large presence it may have.
4. Functional vs. Decorative
Consider how you want the corbel to perform in the space. Are they designed mainly for support functions, for instance, hidden under a countertop or shelf? Are they being used for aesthetic beauty alone? If you have to load them, ensure that they are strong and can support the weight if the need arises. If they are solely for show, then you do not need to overly concern yourself with the strength and durability for aesthetic purposes.
5. Finish and Detailing
To best blend the corbels with your space, you should consider the finish of the corbels. Some are created with beaded edges to reveal the wood grain and some surfaces are painted or stained in either to complement or stand out from the surrounding décor. Think about how you would prefer corbels to be designed, could you want them to be matched to the design of your home or would you want them to be noticeable?
6. Placement
Consider where and how the corbels are to be used. In the kitchen, brackets under an island or a countertop may not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also act as decorative elements. In the living room or dining area they can be placed to frame the windows, support the shelves, or decorate the arches, and mantels.
Need Professional Assistance for Wood Corbels & their Installation?
If you are planning to install wood corbels to enhance the appearance or functionality of your space, consulting with a professional is necessary to strike the best balance between form and function. Omega Woodworks llc has been dealing with bespoke wooden products in corbel work and installation. Our skilled craftsmen will help select the right corbel to complement your home design and guarantee the proper installation for a lasting appearance.
If you are looking to change your kitchen or living room or you want to give your home a stylish look or add a new classy look to any for that matter, then Omega Woods is here for you. Our team will provide top-notch work that will more than meet your expectations.
