Corbels: An Introduction

There are endless design and carving options when it comes to decorative wood corbels. Traditional, nature-inspired designs include everything from intricate and unique flower patterns to delicate and detailed vines, grapes, and leaves, such as the Acanthus Leaf style. The Modern and Minimalist take on corbels offers simple shapes, cuts, and designs for homes of a more clean, contemporary style.

Animals, angels, and other lifelike characters also cultivate interest for corbel designs. When it comes to decorative corbels, there is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind: even though the corbels may be only for decoration, it should look as though they were made for support.

Corbel Styles

Over the years, new styles were invented, formed, and altered to the ones we have today. Let’s take a peek and see what styles would look good in your kitchen.

Wood

These corbels are usually found in the kitchen as they are either machined or hand-carved wood. They are stained or painted to match the kitchen cabinets as a style enhancement and work well with the rustic and elegant style of kitchens.

Mission Style

The corbels of this style mimic the Shaker cabinet door style with the flat, recessed panels and vertical lines. It is why this corbel is also referred to as the Shaker style. The late 18th and early 19th century Spanish missions located in colonial California influenced its design, which now works well in contemporary kitchens.

Curved

Curved corbels have no details with flat surfaces, but are shaped and designed with curves to create a clean look. These work well in contemporary kitchens.

Acanthus Leaf

This Classic Greek-inspired corbel has an intricate and detailed leaf design, perfect for an authentic Mediterranean kitchen.

Modern

These sleek, simplified, flat-surfaced corbels have no details. The Modern corbel works well in the Modern kitchen as decorative and functional pieces on islands that reach to the floor.

Wrought Iron

The Wrought Iron corbels provide both support and decoration to a kitchen and are versatile in many styles. These intricate metal pieces work well in Mediterranean, Spanish, traditional, and industrial kitchens.