Corbels Guide

One of the great things about corbels is that they are not limited to any one use. In fact, they have many different uses, the most common of which are profiled here. As time has gone on, people have invented more and more innovative ways to take advantage of the affordability and availability of the modern corbel. The functional and attractive corbel is an important design element in today’s homes.

There are three main indoor uses for corbels these days: mantels, bookshelves, and countertops.  This is where you will almost always find them today. In fact, maybe your own home is already incorporating these styles.

Mantels

Here we will find stone and marble corbels holding up fireplace mantels. Even if they are not literally supporting the weight, this is a very beautiful use. It is a great way to frame this centerpiece of so many homes: the fireplace. Without them, this area of the house is left looking a bit more plain than maybe you would like. Continue reading “Different Uses for Corbels”

Throughout the history of corbels, there are basically two main time periods: the traditional and the modern. Each era is characterized by the use of different materials.

Traditional

To some extent this era has never ended. There are still corbels being used in the same ways that they were centuries ago: on the outside of stone buildings, in stone themselves. But basically the traditional era dates back to approximately medieval times and beyond. This is probably the image that many people have of corbels: marble and stone majestic support structures, outside stately and old buildings, often with gargoyles on top!

If we want to be even more exact, we can trace these pieces back into antiquity, when they were first brought into use during the Neolithic era. At that time we have the so-called Norman corbels which are very plain in design. Continue reading “Materials Used in Corbels – From Traditional to Modern”