Wood Corbels

In the ancient world, a corbel was a decoratively cut piece of stone that projected from a wall for the purpose of bearing weight, such as a balcony. From the Latin 'corbellus', meaning raven, it was so named due to its beak-like appearance. Corbels are projecting brackets that are used to support cornices, arches, or oriels. Corbels can be beautiful home improvement accents to the home exterior.

In Medieval architecture, wood corbels were known as "braggers" and "tassels". Both simply cut and elaborately carved wood corbels appear in the majority of architectural styles, the most common type of wood used being oak, a species known for its strength.

In the past, corbels have lined the exteriors of temples of Greek deities, often in combination with columns and capitals, to bring dignity and symbolism to the Gods of the Pantheon. Corbels can also be found in churches around the world, gracing the interior walls of abbeys and cloisters.

The Classical corbels of the ancient Greeks were often decorated with the leaves of the acanthus plant, laurel, olive, clustered grapes, and the human and animal figures of the Romans. Large corbels supporting balconies in France and Italy are among the most elaborately carved, and exist as prime examples of the Italian Cinquecento architectural style.

Today's modern adaptation is the wooden corbel. Wooden corbels are available in an abundant diversity of styles, from simple to the most elaborate, and are suited to a wide variety of applications. Be it a humble dwelling such as a cabin or cottage, to the most elegant of accommodations, there is a wooden corbel designed specifically for your needs.

In large scale architecture, corbels often carry the weight of beams, balconies, window sills, tables, and arcades. When used in small scale interior design, corbels often carry the weight of shelving units. A corbel can act as a small shelf in itself. Corbels can also be used purely for their aesthetic value. Examples of this are corbels used to accent fireplace mantles, archways, and cabinets, applique corbels, and ceiling corbels.

Whether your plan is to renovate, restore, or you're starting from scratch, wooden corbels will integrate beautifully with any design or style you may desire.

Wooden corbels are available in a variety of species to meet your needs:

Alder Corbels, Cherry Corbels, Mahogany Corbels, Maple Corbels, Pine Corbels, Poplar Corbels, Red Oak Corbels, and Walnut Corbels.

Establish your own sense of personal taste and style with wooden corbels- from the kitchen cabinets to the wet bar, the balcony to the fireplace, these corbels will promote a refined atmosphere and bring strength and balance to any design. The possibilities are as limitless as your own imagination.