How to Enhance Your Interior with Corbels
Corbels serve not only as decorative but also functional elements that can truly amplify your interior space. These architectural features come in various styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary, making them versatile additions to any design scheme.
In this blog, we will explore how corbels can elevate your interior, showcasing their beauty and practicality across different architectural styles. Discover how these timeless pieces can add character and charm to your living spaces.
What are Corbels?
Corbels, in essence, are architectural elements that not only provide structural support but also contribute decorative flair to a space. These versatile pieces are often crafted from materials such as wood, plaster, and stone, allowing for a range of design options. Their placement beneath beams, shelves, and countertops not only offer support but also adds character and charm to the overall aesthetic of the room.
The History of Corbels
Corbels have a fascinating history rooted in ancient architecture, where they served as essential structural elements. Their evolution has seen them transform from purely functional supports to intricate decorative elements, reflecting changing design preferences over the centuries. From classical architecture to the intricate Gothic designs and the ornate Victorian homes, corbels have maintained their significance, adapting to various architectural styles while retaining their timeless charm and practicality.
How to Choose Corbels for Your Interior
When selecting corbels for your interior, it’s essential to examine the details of your room’s style and existing decor. By carefully considering the size, material, and design of the corbels, you can truly improve the overall look and feel of the space.
Pairing corbels thoughtfully with other architectural elements such as ceiling roses or mouldings can elevate the design to new heights, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. Striking the right balance between form and function ensures that your chosen corbels not only look stunning but also serve their intended purpose effectively.
The Types of Corbels
Here at Plaster ceiling roses, we specialise in handmade gypsum plaster moulds. Plaster corbels are decorative and functional architectural elements that add elegance and character to a space. They are typically crafted from high-quality gypsum plaster, offering a versatile option for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a room.
Plaster corbels are meticulously handmade using molds and expert craftsmanship to achieve intricate designs and details. The process involves pouring plaster into the molds, allowing it to set and cure, resulting in durable and beautifully detailed corbels that can be painted or finished to complement the room’s decor.
We stock small and large decorative plaster corbels. Our smallest plaster corbel (code PC007) features a traditional plain scroll with a more complex front, where through the centre of the scroll runs a rope with two stylised foliage bands on either side. This solid little corbel also has a well defined cap above the scroll making it suitable for resting under small exposed joists or as a feature under shelves. It could also be used as a faux ‘keystone’ to add interest to a plain arch.
We also sell a large decorative plaster corbel (code PC010) - this has the classical looks that make it ideal for the entrance hall of a Victorian house. An attractive ornate scrolled bracket with a rich acanthus leaf moulding to the front, framed by two plain scrolls on the sides. It has many potential uses, for example under a lintel; to give the impression of supporting an arch or it could also be used as a termination feature for cornice.
Wood Corbels
Wood corbels are architectural elements made from wood that serve both decorative and supportive functions. They are often intricately designed and can add a touch of elegance to a room. Wood corbels are commonly used to support shelves, countertops, or as decorative elements under roof overhangs or balconies.
The process of making wood corbels involves shaping and carving wood blocks or pieces into the desired decorative patterns and structural shapes. Skilled craftsmen use woodworking tools such as chisels, saws, and sanders to create intricate designs and smooth finishes on the wood corbels. Once the shaping and carving are complete, the wood corbels are typically sanded, stained, or painted to achieve the desired look before being installed in the intended space.
Resin Corbels
Resin corbels made from a type of durable synthetic material. Resin corbels are designed to mimic the look of traditional materials like wood or stone but offer the advantages of being lightweight, easy to maintain, and resistant to moisture and insects. They are often used for decorative purposes and can be an excellent alternative to natural materials due to their versatility and durability.
The process of making resin corbels involves creating molds with intricate designs and shapes. The resin material is then poured into these molds and allowed to cure and harden. Once the resin has set, the corbels are carefully removed from the molds, resulting in detailed and precisely shaped pieces. Resin corbels can be finished with paint or other coatings to achieve the desired appearance before being installed as decorative elements in various architectural settings.
Stone Corbels
Stone corbels serve both decorative and supportive functions. They are often intricately designed and can add a touch of elegance to a room. Stone corbels are commonly used to support shelves, countertops, or as decorative elements under roof overhangs or balconies. The process of making stone corbels involves carving and shaping stone blocks or pieces into the desired decorative patterns and structural shapes.
Skilled craftsmen use tools such as chisels and hammers to create intricate designs and smooth finishes on the stone corbels. Once the shaping and carving are complete, the stone corbels are typically installed in the intended space to enhance the architectural beauty of the area.
Where to Put Corbels In the Home
Under Shelves
Corbels can be a fantastic addition under shelves in various areas of the home like kitchens, living rooms, and studies. They serve not only as decorative pieces but also provide support for the shelves. Whether you have a traditional, rustic, or modern style, corbels can complement the shelf design beautifully, adding a touch of elegance and character to the space.
Mantels & Fireplaces
Corbels can upgrade the look of a fireplace by providing support to the mantel while adding a touch of sophistication. They come in various styles, ranging from classic Victorian designs to minimalist contemporary ones, allowing you to choose corbels that perfectly complement your mantel style. The combination of corbels and mantels can create a focal point in a room, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the fireplace area.
Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to kitchen design, incorporating corbels into cabinetry can add a touch of elegance and charm. They can be used under upper cabinets or over kitchen islands, providing both decorative flair and essential support for overhanging countertops or bars.
The use of corbels in the kitchen not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings a sense of sophistication to the space, making it a focal point for both functionality and style.
Framing Doorways and Windows
When it comes to framing doorways and windows, incorporating corbels can truly elevate the look of the space, creating a more polished and grand appearance. Corbels serve a decorative purpose by adding a touch of sophistication around doorways and windows, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room. Additionally, in rooms with high ceilings, corbels can help create a sense of continuity and balance, making the space feel more cohesive and visually appealing.
When incorporating corbels into a room with other elements like plaster ceiling roses or mouldings, it’s essential to maintain a balance in size and style to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look. Consider the overall design aesthetic of the room and aim for a complementary relationship between the corbels and other architectural details.
Ensure that the size of the corbels aligns well with the scale of the room and the other decorative elements present, creating a visually pleasing and well-coordinated space. Striking a balance in size and style will help all elements work together harmoniously to enhance the overall design of the room.
How to Fit Corbels
Preparing your Corbels
You’ve got them! Let’s delve into the preparation process for your corbels. To ensure a successful installation, it’s essential to properly prepare the surface where the corbel will be placed. This involves cleaning the surface thoroughly, ensuring it’s dry and smooth for a secure attachment.
Additionally, gather all the necessary tools and materials such as screws, adhesive, a level, and a drill. Before you begin the installation, take the time to measure and mark the exact placement on the wall or structure. This step is crucial for achieving a precise and professional-looking result.
Fitting your Corbels
When fitting your corbels, start by positioning them against the marked area accurately. Then, secure the corbel using screws or adhesive, depending on the material and wall type.
Different techniques are needed for attaching corbels to various surfaces like drywall, wood, or brick. For drywall, consider using anchors for extra support. When attaching to wood, pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. And for brick surfaces, masonry screws or anchors are ideal for a secure installation.
Finishing Touches
To add to the overall look, don’t forget the importance of filling any gaps or screw holes for that flawless finish. Sanding and painting or staining the corbels can truly enhance their appearance to seamlessly blend with the surrounding decor.
Lastly, a final check is crucial to guarantee the corbel is not only securely fitted but also aligned correctly, ensuring a professional and refined outcome for your renovation project.
Professional Assistance
While it’s possible to tackle this project on your own, we advise contemplating the expertise of a professional installer for intricate tasks or when dealing with substantial corbels.
This choice guarantees both safety and accuracy in the installation process. Although we don’t provide installation services, we can suggest a skilled installer who works within your postcode.
How Corbels Enhance Your Interior
Corbels are like the secret ingredient that can truly transform your space. They bring in texture, depth, and that touch of architectural charm that sets your interior apart. By incorporating corbels, you’re not just decorating; you’re adding value to your home.
They have this magical ability to become the focal point of a room, stealing the show with their elegance, or they can quietly enhance the existing features, subtly elevating the overall aesthetic. They’re the versatile piece that can take your interior design to the next level.
Summary
Our plaster corbels offer great value for money as well as being professionally made. They provide a stylish finishing touch to arches and beams. All our products are carried in stock and we are able to offer fast delivery, using our own fleet of livery. Contact us and let us help you with your order.
