What is the purpose of a corbel?

A corbel is a bracket that carries weight, typically of a balcony or ledge above. A corbel is designed with intricate details to add to the aesthetic of the building, giving it both a functional and artistic purpose. Browse a variety of antique corbels on 1stDibs.

Where should corbels be placed?

Corbels should be placed every 3 to 6 inches beneath a mantle or shelf to provide adequate support. Specific spacing depends on the size and weight of the shelf and the size and weight of the corbels. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of corbels.

What is a fireplace corbel?

A fireplace corbel is a decorative piece of wood, stone or metal that protrudes from a wall, above a chimney that can carry weight or even display decorative pieces. Ornate antique, vintage and contemporary corbels in marble and other materials are available on 1stDibs.

What is a wooden corbel?

Corbels are decorative supports that protrude from the wall. It serves a useful purpose, such as propping up shelving, framing doors, or acting as bookends, in addition to being visually appealing. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage wooden corbels.

What is the purpose of the corbel?

A corbel is a bracket that is designed to support an overhang. Typically it’s used in architecture to support a roof that sticks out beyond the outer walls of the building. Many corbels today are simply decorative, but they were originally designed to support weight. Shop a collection of corbels from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a bracket and a corbel?

The difference between a bracket and corbels is the width - corbels are usually thicker than brackets. The difference between a bracket and corbels is the width - corbels are usually thicker than brackets. Corbels are also a type of bracket — both corbels and brackets support some weight. However, corbels tend to have a decorative appearance as compared to brackets.

Corbels

Architecture Wall Brackets

Carved Wood Brackets

Noir De Mazy Marble

Garden Putti

Oak Fireplace Surround

Renaissance Copper

Materials

Statuary Marble

Attributed to Edwin Lutyens - Architectural Joinery salvaged from Deanery Garden

$24,691

$5,804

Antique Fireplace in Black Marble

Unavailable

H 16 in W 8 in D 8 in

French Copper Corbels

Located in Cookeville, TN

These fabulous copper corbels will be standouts in your home. The metalwork on these pieces is outstanding.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Architectural Elem...

Materials

Copper

Carved Teak Corbel

Unavailable

H 12 in W 7 in D 7 in

Carved Teak Corbel

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

This is a painted hand carved Burmese teak corbel with a carved face set against a tree of life motif.

19th Century Set of 4 Carved Stone Corbels

Unavailable

H 44.5 in W 37 in D 33 in

19th Century Set of 4 Carved Stone Corbels

Located in Atlanta, GA

19th century set of 4 hand carved stone corbels supporting pilasters surmounted by caps.

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century Ornamental Cast Iron Corbel from Chicago Union Station

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 136 in W 112.5 in D 8 in

Antique Mahogany Glazed Vestibule Entranceway

Located in London, GB

The entranceway unit includes double doors in the centre with glazed panels either side, separated by carved reeded corbels. It includes window panels at the top, all with original b...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Late Victorian Architectura...

Georgian Style Statuary and Sienna Marble Fire Surround

Unavailable

H 49 in W 74 in D 12 in

Georgian Style Statuary and Sienna Marble Fire Surround

Located in London, GB

The columns are surmounted by subtle fluted corbel supports. The lintel features a central carved frieze depicting two griffins flanking a classical lute instrument.

Category

20th Century British Neoclassical Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Marble

Pair of Baroque Mahogany Fireplace Surrounds

Unavailable

H 74 in W 90 in D 23 in

Pair of Baroque Mahogany Fireplace Surrounds

Located in London, GB

These ornate and elaborate fireplace surrounds feature masked corbels with bell flower pendants on the front and side of both jambs, a central radius top to the opening, which is fla...

Pair of monumental corbels

Sold

W 93 in D 16 in

Pair of monumental corbels

Located in Atlanta, GA

Very fine pair of monumental sized corbels in a terra cotta color

Pair of Parcel-Gilt Corbels

Sold

H 33.47 in W 12.6 in D 18.12 in

Pair of Parcel-Gilt Corbels

Located in London, GB

A pair of parcel-gilt corbels, each winged angel with foliate swag terminating in acanthus clasp.

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Bronze Art Deco Modernist Sconce with Polished Brass Finish

$1,912 / item

H 17.72 in W 5.91 in D 3.15 in

French Bronze Art Deco Modernist Sconce with Polished Brass Finish

By Sofar

Located in Rebais, FR

Art Deco Bronze Sconce with Gold Finish. Can be proposed with nickel finish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

1900s French Plaster Pedestal Shelf, Neoclassical Design, Wall-Mounted

$595

H 10.5 in W 10.1 in D 9.8 in

1900s French Plaster Pedestal Shelf, Neoclassical Design, Wall-Mounted

Located in High Point, NC

This 1900s French plaster pedestal shelf features an elegant, sculptural form inspired by classical architectural detailing. Cast in richly contoured plaster, the design highlights d...

Category

Early 20th Century French Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Plaster

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Pair of 'Bloc' Parchment Lamps with Parchment Paper Shades by Design Frères

$3,900 / set

H 15 in Dm 10 in

Pair of 'Bloc' Parchment Lamps with Parchment Paper Shades by Design Frères

By Design Frères

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of 'Bloc' parchment clad table lamps with matching parchment paper shades by Design Frères.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Wood, Parchment Paper, Hide

Augusto Savini “Pamplona” Chairs for Pozzi, Cognac Leather, 1965, Set of 6

$18,900 / set

H 28.55 in W 22.45 in D 20.08 in

Augusto Savini “Pamplona” Chairs for Pozzi, Cognac Leather, 1965, Set of 6

By Pozzi, Augusto Savini

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Augusto Savini “Pamplona” dining chairs for Pozzi, black framework and cognac leather, Italy, 1965, set of six. In the realm of Italian craftsmanship, the Pamplona chairs by Augusto...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Pair of Louis XVI Style Marquise Bergere Giltwood Armchairs

$24,000 / set

H 42 in W 33 in D 26 in

French Pair of Louis XVI Style Marquise Bergere Giltwood Armchairs

Located in Montreal, Quebec

French pair of Louis XVI style marquise bergère armchairs, gilt wood, 19th century. In the clean and classic Louis XVI style, the name Marquise is attributed due to their exceptiona...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Set of 8 Niels Møller Model 77 Dining Chairs, 1959

By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller

Located in London, England

Niels Moller - Model 77 dining chairs, 1959 A set of 8x solid rosewood dining chairs designed by Niels O. Moller for J.L. Moller Mobelfabrik, Denmark in 1959. Produced c1960s. The s...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Rosewood

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Corbels For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of corbels is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct corbels — often made from wood, stone and marble — can elevate any home. There are 269 antique and vintage corbels for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 18 modern editions to choose from as well. Corbels have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of corbels to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Victorian, neoclassical and Baroque corbels are of considerable interest. Some corbels are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller corbels, measuring 2 inches across, are available at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made corbels over the years, but those made by Olde Good Things, Auguste Genin and Daniel H. Burnham are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Corbels?

Corbels can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,800, while the lowest priced sells for $125 and the highest can go for as much as $140,845.

Finding the Right Building And Garden Elements for You

Choosing the right antique or vintage building and garden elements can prove pivotal when you’re working to beautify any room in your home or just put the finishing touches on a garden or other outdoor area.

It takes time and effort to improve your outdoor space or merely to bring an air of tranquility to an indoor area set aside for private relaxation or gathering with friends. The good news is that 1stDibs can help.

To introduce a sense of timelessness to a back patio or interior common area, choose cast-stone statues or sculptural busts for a dose of drama or select ornate architectural elements such as corbels, plaques or panels made of marble or iron. Elsewhere, find a focal point in your living room and create a “feature wall” by bringing pops of color into a corner with handmade antique ceramic tiles.

It helps when design changes like these have a practical upside too.

Victorian cast-iron stair treads hearken back to a time when adding decorative details to your property was a priority. While lending an attractive appearance to an exterior staircase, these safeguards render the steps slip-resistant for those coming and going. And as one good stylistic choice usually leads to another, pairing your sophisticated treads with a coupling of 19th-century hand-forged andirons would be a thoughtful, durable touch for any courtyard or comfortable lounge space, be they intended for an indoor fireplace or a patio firepit.

Where the garden is concerned, any sophisticated garden ornaments you select should work with nature, not against it. Wrought-iron garden gates will simply refuse to be relegated to the background. Instead, they’ll draw attention to your painstakingly sculpted hedges and colorful flora. When paired with a sparse arrangement of other tasteful additions, such as a stone planter, garden stool or other welcoming pieces of outdoor seating, the effect can be transformative.

On 1stDibs, find a sprawling collection of antique garden furniture and architectural elements that meet every need. Our offerings include everything from sculptural bathroom fixtures to flooring ideas to pedestals and columns designed in a variety of styles and much more.

Questions About Corbels

What is the purpose of a corbel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A corbel is a bracket that carries weight, typically of a balcony or ledge above. A corbel is designed with intricate details to add to the aesthetic of the building, giving it both a functional and artistic purpose. Browse a variety of antique corbels on 1stDibs.
Where should corbels be placed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Corbels should be placed every 3 to 6 inches beneath a mantle or shelf to provide adequate support. Specific spacing depends on the size and weight of the shelf and the size and weight of the corbels. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of corbels.
What is a fireplace corbel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
A fireplace corbel is a decorative piece of wood, stone or metal that protrudes from a wall, above a chimney that can carry weight or even display decorative pieces. Ornate antique, vintage and contemporary corbels in marble and other materials are available on 1stDibs.
What is a wooden corbel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
Corbels are decorative supports that protrude from the wall. It serves a useful purpose, such as propping up shelving, framing doors, or acting as bookends, in addition to being visually appealing. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage wooden corbels.
What is the purpose of the corbel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A corbel is a bracket that is designed to support an overhang. Typically it’s used in architecture to support a roof that sticks out beyond the outer walls of the building. Many corbels today are simply decorative, but they were originally designed to support weight. Shop a collection of corbels from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a bracket and a corbel?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The difference between a bracket and corbels is the width - corbels are usually thicker than brackets. The difference between a bracket and corbels is the width - corbels are usually thicker than brackets. Corbels are also a type of bracket — both corbels and brackets support some weight. However, corbels tend to have a decorative appearance as compared to brackets.

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