An Exclusive Guide to Corbels & Brackets

Have you been eyeing a set of corbels or brackets but are not sure how to incorporate them into your space? Are you working on a new project that needs stylish support but aren’t sure which corbel to pick? Maybe you just want to learn more about corbels in general and let the inspiration flow from there. We are here to help with all of your corbel needs whether you are looking for a finishing touch for a design or need to nail down a necessary supportive design element for a large project.

What are corbels?

A corbel is a well known architectural component that has been around since ancient times. It was an integral part of architecture with the sole function of providing support. As the original stone and concrete designs transitioned into smaller, wooden pieces, corbels started transforming into decorative components within the home as well as supportive ones. Corbels (also known as brackets) come in a variety of materials, sizes and designs. Osborne offers one of the largest selections of corbels and brackets making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your project.

What are corbels used for within the home?

Common Uses for Corbels

Countertop Overhang Support Corbels are commonly seen in kitchens and bathrooms where they sit underneath countertop overhangs and provide extra support. They may not be noticed immediately depending on the application, but this is a great way to enhance an interior design theme without taking away from the rest of the elements within a space. Many kitchen islands, bars and vanities feature corbels. Corbels can also be used to support shallow overhangs without the need for island legs which can create additional leg room.	Shelves Shelves can be used in any room and can have virtually any appearance. They are often a necessity for organization but have you thought about using shelves as main decorative accents within your room? Corbels allow you to turn your shelving into more of an impressive display. We offer several small corbels that can be used for your pantry, kitchen or bathroom shelves. We also offer larger designs that can hold up a large entryway shelf. If you are interested in corner shelves, corbels are great supportive options. There are endless possibilities when it comes to supporting shelves with corbels, plus it is super simple to do.	Fireplace Mantels Fireplace mantels often feature large overhangs which creates the perfect space for corbels to be used. The fireplace is often the main focus of a room and it is sure to gather the attention of your guests. Choosing a complementary corbel to use on a fireplace can change the aesthetic of the entire room. Make sure the fireplace is in your living space, study, or bedroom has a great amount of detail by adding decorative corbels to either support the mantels or embellish the faces of the fireplace sides.
Range Hoods Range hoods and vent hoods can be the most noticeable element in your kitchen when you add decorative corbels. Corbels can be used underneath the hood as support or attached to the face as an embellishment. This means any size of corbel can be used and choosing the right one is up to your preferences and build specifications.	Kitchen Islands Kitchen islands are often supported by island legs or posts, but island height corbels are also available to support your countertop. If used, these will definitely be a showstopping element within your kitchen design.

Other Possible Uses

• The underside of cabinets are often left as open space but it presents an opportunity to put a personalized touch on your kitchen or bathroom. Smaller corbels are a wonderful way to add texture and dimension to your cabinetwork.

• Hidden storage (pull out storage - helmut image) is all the rage now that it is ideal to have clean, clutter free spaces. You can create a decorative cabinetry design with plenty of storage by hiding some of that in the empty space behind some of your embellishments. Corbels can be placed on any surface and can be used as handles for pull out storage which make them a great placeholder for your hidden storage designs.

• Interested in adding a corner table to one of your rooms? Corbels can easily support a corner surface that can either be used as a regular shelf or as a full-size table, depending on your space availability and design preferences.