Popular since the Middle Ages, corbels are decorative architectural “brackets” designed to support heavy weights. They were attached to stones sticking out of the walls. Although they were initially constructed from natural stone, wood corbels became fashionable during the early English era because it was easier to carve intricate designs into them. Popular designs included shells, grape vines, oak leaves as well as numerous other floral inspirations.
The tradition still lives on, with corbels now manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes using inexpensive woods such as pine and poplar, as well as higher priced cherry and mahogany, and expensive exotic woods from Africa. Others are also available in more modern materials including concrete, faux stone, genuine marble and even polystyrene and polyurethane foams.
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