Designing solutions from award-wining Master Designer Peter Salerno.  In this part II edition, Peter illustrates many applications for corbels in the kitchen.

1. Corbels can be functional elements for the support of:

• Wall Cabinets
• Counter Tops
• Cooktops
• Rangehoods
• Bars
• Sinks
• Islands
• Around Refrigerators

1-A: Under Wall Cabinet
Crown: MLD5968, Panel Mould: MLD5956
Corbel under Cabinet: CRV5104

1-B: Under Counter Top
Corbel: CRV5121, Pilaster: PM569
Corbel: CRV5230

1-C: Around a Cooktop
Corbel: CRV5121, Pilaster: PM569
Base Moulding: B469, Feet: FT6272

1-D: Under Range Hood
LCD: MLD5868 & MLD5920
RangeHood: MLD5868, RH6084, MLD6024, Corbel: CRV5114

2.  Corbels used for Aesthetic Value:

Corbels not only serve a practical purpose, they also add a tremendous visual value to kitchens, baths, and architectural woodworking.

3.  Proportionality:

A designer needs to be sure that the scale of the corbels complements the size of the cabinet that they are being applied to.  Sometimes designers are intimidated by large corbels and tend to undersize them.  Corbels set the tone for the kitchen or bath.  A larger corbel will bring attention to an island.  In the kitchen, a corbel serves a real function – it holds up a counter top overhang; but at the same time, it makes a statement of style and importance.

The right size is based on the designers’ message.  If the kitchen’s message is “harmony,” the designer can choose a more common size corbel, around 10″ – 15″.  On the other hand, if the designer wants a 9′ island to say, “Look at me!” and make a grand statement, then an 18″ – 30″ corbel will accomplish that goal.

1-E:  Under A Bar
Panel Mould: MLD5928, Corbel: CRV5205, Base Moulding: B469

1-F: Around A Sink
Corbel: CRV5238
Base Moulding: PM8535, B401, PM529

1-G:  On the Corner of an Island
Corbel: CRV5253, Baseboard: B463

1-H:  On sides of Refrigerator
Crown: MLD5848, Frieze: MLD5926
Corbel: CRV5120, Pilaster: CA327

4. Theme – It’s All in the Details:

The corbel size will set the tone of the kitchen.  But what sets the theme of the kitchen is the corbel’s details.  A corbel that has Acanthus Leaves gives a very different feel than one that has a fluted face.  When a designer identifies the client’s preferences – Cherry or Maple, stained or painted, contemporary or traditional – these choices will drive the design process into a direction where the room’s theme will be defined.  When this occurs, the designer can start fitting the room with proper detail, scale and definition.

5. Adding Depth:

Corbels also have different depths.  Shallower corbels have an important aesthetic value.  A corbel that is 1-3/4″  to 3-1/2″ deep can placed on the face of a cabinet or on the front of a pilaster where it makes a design statement that is not overpowering or an obstacle.

Use of Different Sized Corbels on an Island

Island Size Corbel Size
3′  to  5′ wide                                                                   10″  to  12″  High
5′  to  8′ wide                                                                   10″  to 18″   High
8′  to  12′ wide                                                                 18″  to 26″   High
*42″ high island                                                             26″  to 37″  High