Corbels
Craftsman and Mission Corbels
Subtle and stylish home decor elements such as corbels, wood brackets, posts and molding can add a new level of class to absolutely any room. Architectural element retailer InvitingHome.com has just launched a new line of their gorgeous “Craftsman” and “Mission” model wood corbels. The new corbel collections are influenced by, and exhibit features of, the American Arts and Crafts movement with their unique simplicity and classic sophistication.
Traditionally, the Craftsman and Mission artists of the 1700s used simplicity and natural beauty as a guideline throughout their design and carving process. Both groups used new world hardwoods, such as oak and maple, as the basis for their distinctive creations. In the Craftsman and Mission style corbels were carved and polished so that the quality natural beauty of the wood was always apparent. Staining was usually reserved for woods of lesser quality, but today can be done to match new pieces to an existing home décor or color scheme.
InvitingHome.com’s Product Manager, Mr. Albert Delaney, says that the introduction of the collection was a direct response to a gap in the home decor market. “The new collection is based on customer requests for clean line corbels that are geometrically balanced yet functional to offer support for granite countertops and shelves,” he said. So far, Albert and the rest of the company are enthusiastic about customer reaction to the new line, “Feedback on the new collection of mission and craftsman corbels has been, in a word, tremendous.” Delaney emphasized he personally felt that “simplicity and harmony of shapes and the craftsman’s creed of honesty in materials,” were all contributing factors towards the new collection’s positive reception.
The Craftsman and Mission style woodwork, such as furniture, kitchen cabinetry, and mill pieces, have recently made a considerable comeback into today’s world of design. InvitingHome.com’s new line of corbels reflect the root of this traditional style: authentic carving favored over factory mass production. Although it may be hard to believe, each corbel is individually hand-carved by highly skilled craftsmen from a variety of solid woods.
The new corbels typically come in three sizes and a variety of different woods which make them easy to fit into a wide range of designs and desired applications. Do-it-yourselfers can even choose the same design of corbel to carry a theme in a room, but utilize the varying sizes to fit specific nuances in the room. In a kitchen, for example, the smaller corbels may be used in the design of cabinetry, while medium and large corbels may be used as support structures for countertops and shelves.
Corbel installation is extremely simple, and with the beautiful designs of the Mission and Craftsman style the finished project is sure to look beautiful and breathe new life into any room.
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As a kitchen designer I appreciate the simple elegance of the craftsman style. Many of my clients appreciate the beaufy of wood and its ability to bring an organic feel into their kitchens. The simple clean lines of the corbels go nicely with the granite and marbe countertop surfaces.
InvitingHome.com’s large selection of styles, sizes and woods makes it very easy for me to sit down with my clients to pick just the right corbel to compliment their overall kitchen design.
- James, September 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I never knew how often corbels are used until I bought my own corbels. Now I see corbels EVERYWHERE. Outside, inside, and everywhere inbetween. My corbels work really well outside under the overhang of my room. The corbels add a nice decorative touch (that my wife fell in love with) and the corbels are really pleasing to the eye.
- Richard, September 10th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
The Mission Style was a direct response to the over decoration of the Victoria era. By emphasizing hand-made over mass production the need for skilled craftsman was rekindled leading to the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 19th century. Even to this day, especially with the new “green movement” bringing natural hand-crafted materials into the home has made a dramatic comeback. These corbels not only provide structural support they bring the simple elegance of wood into your home. The hand carved maple, alder, oak and cherry corbels and wood brackets allow for a range of wood tones to compliment today’s cabinetry. It’s nice to know that company’s like Invitinghome.com are dedicated to honering and supporting the skills of wood carvers in today’s over mechanized world.
- Richard, September 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I always suggest the Misson Wood Corbel (I think that is how it is listed on the site) to all of my clients. The corbels add a nice flair to any room they go into.
- Beth, September 10th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I decided to do something different with the little shelves I have put up in my living room and den, and everywhere else around the house, and I decided to use the small fluted mission corbels. They’re small, but perfect to hold up shelves instead of the boring metal brackets you can find in any home depot or walmart. The corbels add so much to each shelf and I love them.
- Bea, September 10th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I just purchased some of the Craftsman style corbels and love them. I originally didnt know where I wanted to put the Corbels, but knew I just had to find a place because I love them. I decided to put them in my basement to help support my Wet Bar countertop. I def realize now that corbels can be used in so many different places that I never really thought about until I bought them. I have so many different places I can put Corbels I think I might buy more! ..
- Hermoine, September 10th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hermoine, I love your name. It reminds me of Harry Potter! Anyway, I just wanted to say that I ordered Craftsman Corbels for my clients that used them for the same application and what they did is purchased more of them in a smaller size and put them on the shelf about the bar. That might be good for your new Corbels.
- Roman, September 10th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
The corbels that are offered are so sleek and smooth, very clean cut. I almost cannot believe they are carved by hand, but know that, the corbels just seem so much more worth it.
- Dennis, September 10th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I get that all the time Roman. haha But thats a great Idea. I am def buying more corbels, so I will keep your idea in mind. It sounds great! thanks..
- Hermione, September 10th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I just called the customer service line and asked them to check availability on the craftsman style corbels mentioned in the article above. All of my selections were available and ready to ship even same day. I was so suprised! I’m sure that I will definately be using InvitingHome.com for my future Corbel purchases!
- Ashe, September 11th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I noticed that you offer more than just mission style corbels. I aslo see kitchen island legs and wood carvings. By having so many design choices it will allow me to add several mission style elements to my kitchen to tie it all together. Wonderfull!
- Mary, September 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I definitely like the mission style better. It seems so simple, yet adds so much at the same time!
- Connie, September 12th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I think I prefer the mission style over the craftsman style. The fluted mission corbels look very formal when they are installed. I used the fluted mission corbels to support my mantle and they’re perfect.
- Monica, September 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
I don’t know about any of you, but I like the Raleigh Craftsman Corbel. It has a certain flouish to it, but it is so formal at the same time. Excellent!
- Ross, September 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I like both. I actually can’t decide between the two corbels. I like how the same style is passed onto the island legs too. It is almost like the whol set in complete. now I just have to decide which ones I want. I guess I’ll have to consult my wife.
- Harry, September 29th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I prefer the craftsman style corbel I think. It’s more traditional to me. I prefer some of the other more ornate corbels though.
- Susan, October 20th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I love the mission and craftsman style corbels. They are by far my favorite. I think that they are much more contemporary than the more ornate corbels. The ornate ones look way to gaudy to me…
- Bert, October 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I really can’t decide which style is better. I like both! Maybe I should get 2 houses and have a style in each one. lol. Wouldn’t that be a hoot!
- Kenny, November 10th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I am much more of a craftsman style myself. Simple, yet nicely detailed. Great!
- Iain, November 12th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I think the mission style suits me and my husband a lo better than that craftsman style. The fluted mission is really nice, and I like them so much that I have ordered a lot of the smaller ones to support my shelves. I’ll admit, I stole the idea from someone else who left a comment on one of these things, but the idea was so good, I couldn’t pass it up.
- Lynn, November 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Wow! Another Lynn! It’s so weird.. I’ve been coming across more and more Lynns. I have to agree. The fluted mission corbels are my favorite. I have them supporting my mantel and it really does add to the room.
- Lynn F, November 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I think the charleston is great. It’s a simplistic mission style corbel that adds a little but doesn’t take the detail away from our beautiful mantel.
- Ellen, November 26th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I like craftsman style. Smooth lines. Very nice.
- Marcellina, December 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Yeah, I’m definitely a craftsman style man myself. Luckily my wife agrees with my style – or who knows what might have happened!
- Greg, December 4th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I like the mission. The charleston is nice. Very simple and carved with some nice clean smooth cuts. They look great since they are supporting the Mantel in my family room.
- Kenneth, December 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I agree. I like how they are so nicely carved. The lines that are etched into the sides are so nice. They really add a lot without adding TOO much. They’re wonderful.
- Susan, December 15th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I think they all have pretty much smooth and clean cut lines. I think the mission style has more undertones compared to the craftsman style. I’m not sure if that made any sense, but they both have great qualities. I think I like the craftsman style more because they don’t seem as “simple” as the mission, although they are definitely less ornate than a lot of the corbels on this website. Either way, both look good.
- Dorey, December 17th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I dont know.. I love the mission style. Yes maybe its more simple, but it so classic looking. I think it adds so much more personality even though it doesnt have intricate little carvings all over it. If you ask me, thats just gaudi anyways..
- Lex, December 23rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I like both as well. I think the mission style is great and I feel like there are more options available if someone wanted to go into that direction.
- Annette, December 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I hear ya Lex. Seriously, why should we have all those fancy flowers/leaves. I think the classic clean cuts are what are most attractive. I don’t know which style I necessarily like better, but both styles are both simple and beautiful. It’s great that there is a place where we can still find these classic designs.
- Barbara, December 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Yeah, I am a simple man too. I think the more classic looks are better and they don’t over-accentuate anything, yet still makes a statement. It’s hard to do that, but somehow this company has managed to find a way. Great job guys!
- Tim, December 30th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
We like a flourish, but not too much where it stands out against the rest of the house. We chose the Ventura. It has a nice design, but it’s not too busy. I also like the mission style, but we needed a little something more than that.
- Nason, December 31st, 2008 at 10:15 am
I was someone who was leaning more towards the mission style, but then I saw the NC22 and I REALLY like it. It’s simple yet is beautifully carved with a nice scroll that isn’t too busy. I’m going to be ordering it to support a new mantel over my fireplace.
- Pamela, January 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I love the level of detail that is present in the mission style corbels. they are absolutely gorgeous and fit my idea of what is the perfect mix of simplicity and detail. They are absolutely perfect for anything. I chose to use the mission style ones for my kitchen. It was so perfect that i did not even need to get used to any changes since it just fit me and my tastes to perfection.
- Torrie, January 9th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I really like a lot of the styles and ideas featured on this site, and I’ve even learned a thing or two just by browsing around. Like, did you know that cute swirly things some kitchens have “holding up” the countertops are called corbels? I had no idea! There are many to choose from on the site, but the Charleston Corbels are our favorite
- amanda, January 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
I know what you mean Amanda! I never would have even thought about it. We’re putting in a new counter right now so I know now of course. It’s amazing what you can learn on the internet these days!
- Teresa, January 14th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Ha ha. I’m a contractor and I install corbels. I find a lot of people saying the same thing. Corbels don’t have to be used just for counters and mantels. They can be used for book shelves, wall decor and more. Next time you drive by some houses, take a look at them. A lot of classic victorian homes, among other styles, use corbels. It’s interesting to see all of their uses.
- Trevor, January 19th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I never really knew that corbels could be used in so many ways. It’s interesting to see all of the functional uses items can have. I just recently found out that molding can be used for other things than decorating the rooms in the traditional sense. A friend of mine just made a surround for her mirror out of frieze molding. Clever! I like the idea of using corbels for shelf supports too. An interesting way to decorate the room and not everybody else has that, so it’s nice.
- Ryan, January 20th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
After looking over all of these corbels and trying to decide which one I would like, I finally decided on the fluted mission. I guess I am a mission style type of woman. I like the simpleness, yet the fluted design looks so nice!
- Pamela, February 10th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I like the craftsman style. It’s a classic, and who can say no to a classic?
- Devin, February 13th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I prefer the mission style. The charleston corbel looks so great. It’s simple, yet it says a lot at the same time. I almost want to use the word “majestic” but I’m not sure if that is truly the correct description I am trying to acheive. Either way, they worked out well for us.
- Lana, March 6th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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Wood Corbels – Craftsman and Mission Corbels The Craftsman and Mission style crbels and woodwork for kitchen cabinetry. information about wood corbels and corbels carved in Mission or Craftsman style. In a kitchen, for example, the smaller corbels may be used in the design of cabinetry, while medium and large corbels may be used as support structures for countertops and shelves. Corbel installation is extremely simple, and with the beautiful designs of the Mission and Craftsman style the finished project is sure .
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