What are Corbels and How to Use Them

Corbels are an architectural element that provide both structural support and visual appeal. They have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations and are found in various architectural styles. While modern construction methods have made their supportive function less necessary, they remain popular for their decorative value.
Corbels can be crafted from various materials and come in a wide array of styles, making them a versatile choice for enhancing the aesthetics of any home.
What Are Corbels?
What are corbels? The easiest way to understand corbels is by thinking about them as brackets for structures that need extra support. Although it’s common to find colonial homes with corbels, these brackets have a much longer history. Looking as far back as 3200-2500 BCE, Ireland used the first corbels as structural supports.
Though the original use of corbels was to provide support, early Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and Mayans noticed that the corbels on their structures were visible to everyone. For this reason, cultures throughout history added decorative features to their corbels. Over time, the designs became more detailed and intricate.
From the earliest uses of corbels to the modern era, wood has always been the most common material used for creating corbels.
Today, advanced construction methods make the use of corbels redundant. Even though they’re no longer necessary for support, many architects and property owners choose to use corbels for aesthetics. Installing corbels offers the opportunity to add beauty, elegance, and uniqueness to any room or structure.
Styles of Corbels
What are corbels designed for in 21st-century architecture? It’s easy to find corbels to match any architectural style. Whether you’re complementing Classical, Gothic, or Romanesque architecture, there are corbels specifically designed for any home or building. Here’s a look at some of the most popular corbel designs.

Classic Corbels
This style offers smooth lines with curves and scrolls. They’re popular for use in kitchens. You’ll find classic corbels supporting countertops, range hoods, and mantels. Classic corbels are also popular as shelf brackets throughout the home.
Acanthus Leaf Corbels
The Acanthus plant (also known as Bear’s Breeches) inspired this form of architecture. A corbel of this type features an acanthus leaf carved into the face of the corbel. It’s common to use acanthus leaf corbels on headboards or as shelf supports.
Carved Grape Corbels
This design gets a little more complex, adding acanthus leaves and grapes to a classic corbel design. The clusters can adorn all sides of the corbel, including the face. Since these carved grape corbels come in all sizes, you can use them anywhere. You’ll usually find them under mantels and kitchen countertops.
Basket Weave Corbels
The carvings on basket weave corbels give the impression that strands of wood were manually woven together. In reality, the corbel is one solid piece of wood with detailed carvings. Use basket weave corbels on wood furnishings and mantels.
Classical Baroque Corbels
The use of concave and convex patterns gives these carvings a greater sense of depth. The appearance of each corbel is unique since the species of wood gives every piece its own look. Use these baroque corbels throughout the home on kitchen cabinetry, bookshelves, mantels, and more.
Carved Decorative Corbels
The broadest range of designs fall into this category of corbels. Curved scrolls, swirls, seashells, and more shapes make up the choices of carved decorative corbels. Use these corbels where you want a simple yet elegant look. These corbels add beauty without taking attention away from the rest of your decor.
Mission Corbels
A combination of tapers, curves, and bold edges helps these simple mission corbel designs stand out. These corbels are very versatile. Use them with shelves and mantels or as decorative features on wood furnishings.
Traditional Corbels
A traditional smooth profile with a simple curve is the basic design for traditional corbels. This look resembles the appearance of the first corbels, which were strictly used as supports. Create a sense of dimension or bulk by adding these corbels to cabinets, furnishings, and shelving.

How to Choose Decorative Corbels for Your Home
What are corbels used for in your design project? That’s something to consider before buying your supplies. You’ll choose corbels based on a variety of features. As you compare these features, consider their intended use. You might prefer a few different types of corbels based on the scope and type of project you’re undertaking.
Corbel Size
There is a range of options when it comes to the size of corbels available for use. The smallest corbels are 5-10 inches in length. On the opposite end of the scale, you’ll find corbels that are 20 inches or longer. Make sure the size you choose is compatible with the rest of the structure or design.
Wood Type
You should also consider your project when choosing the type of wood for your corbels. If you intend to paint the corbels, a more porous wood will give you better results. For staining, use oak, walnut, and other hardwoods.
Corbel Style and Function
Consider the architectural style of your home and look for a complementary style. For instance, mission corbels look best in Craftsman-style homes. Bring out the beauty in Neoclassical homes with acanthus leaf corbels.
How to Use Corbels in Your Home
Corbels may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ways to spruce up your space or add a little visual interest in a room, but they are versatile elements that can be used both structurally and as decorative embellishments all throughout the home.
1 - A Traditional Shelf
One of the most popular applications for corbels is for use on a traditional shelf. Corbel shelves can add easy visual interest to any room, whether you’re opting for a simple Shaker style or leaning more toward a classical look.
When building shelves, shorter shelves usually feature two corbels (one at each end). Longer shelves may feature more corbels in the middle as additional support. Additionally, adding a coordinating moulding to the visible edges of the shelves can add even more visual interest.
Related: How to Install Corbels & Brackets
2 - Add support to a stovetop or range hood
Another popular use for our larger corbels is in the kitchen as support for a stovetop or range hood. These specific corbels are typically pretty deep yet not very tall to accommodate the often limited amount of room between a stovetop or range and the hood above it. Sometimes, elements like a shelf or moulding can be added above the corbels for additional customization.

3 – Add interest or support to a fireplace mantel
Fireplace mantels are one of the most common places for corbels in a home. They often provide not only a design element but also a structural one. Many of our customers add corbels to their mantels and our variety of corbel styles allows our customers near-endless design opportunities.
Related: Corbel & Bracket Services at Osborne Wood Products
4 – Add support for island or bar overhangs
Another very common place for corbels are island or bar overhangs. Sometimes, an overhang isn’t large enough to require the addition of island legs but added support is still necessary, and that’s where many of our larger corbels are often utilized. We also feature a selection of island height corbels which function like a cross between a corbel and an island leg.
5 - Corbel-supported table
Similar to a traditional shelf, a corner table typically uses corbels in place of legs for support and the table is permanently attached to the wall. These tables can be as small as a nightstand or as big as a fully-functional desk.
6 – Add stunning detail to shallow overhangs on cabinets or tables
Not all corbels have to be weight bearing! Our shallow corbels can be the perfect addition to a cabinet or table with a shallow overhang where added visual interest is desired. We have several corbels that are only 2 or 3 inches deep that would work perfectly in instances like this.
Where to Buy Quality Wood Corbels
Osborne Wood sells a variety of wood products for your projects. Whether you’re building a custom home, renovating a room, or giving your furnishings a facelift, our high-quality wood products will enhance your results. We sell corbels, moulding, millwork, and more. Contact us to speak with a product specialist.
