Corbels By Design

In medieval Europe, the corbels tucked under cornices and propping up porticos roofs were often grotesque, even scary, by design.  The history of corbels in America is far less macabre. They were often positioned at a 90-degree angle between porch posts and the ceiling overhead and were integral to the “gingerbread” millwork decorating Victorian-era facades in the later 19 century. ( What could be less threatening than details named for cookies?)  In Lakewood, we see many fine examples on the Queen Anne-style houses lining Grace, Cohasset, and Clarence Avenues.  These exterior corbels are also common on Craftsman bungalows built in the early 1900’s and are sprinkled throughout our community. The Craftsman corbel designs are far simpler than the Victorian era ones, possessing clean lines and sharp angles that emphasize strength over ornament.

Salvaged corbels are found in most every antique shop in the city. But the interior uses for displaying these pieces are endless. When securely anchored in the wall, corbels can prop up a mantel shelf, brace a cantilevered countertop, or hold ceramic vases and artwork. Positioned in the corners of an interior passageway, a matching pair can turn a standard doorway into a beautiful focal point.

If your home improvement project calls for standard shelf brackets from the hardware store, vintage wood corbels are almost always a more stylish alternative.  (Just check the Pottery Barn catalogue!)

Sunny Updegrove is a licensed Realtor.