Corbels

Corbels have a long history in building construction. In medieval France and Italy, during the 16th century, it was common for corbels to carry a balcony. England made use of half-wood corbels that supported window sills. Corbel tables with massive arches were also elaborately crafted and typically carried the gutter in many castles.

Romanesque corbels, while often appearing plain, are frequently elaborately carved with human heads, animals, and monsters. Many churches and castles feature Romanesque, or Norman, corbels. This was somewhat typical during the early English period.

Corbels can be used as a simple form of vaulting to build a wall out vertically. This technique is called corbelling and was used in medieval architecture to support turrets and parapets. The Scottish often used corbelling in this fashion as well as to support upper stories of their homes.

Corbels add an elegant decorative touch to your home. Read more about corbels in the following articles.