American Farmhouse Style – August 2019

Most modern corbels are simple in

design. However, they have a more

elaborate history. Many of the French and

Italian corbels were very ornate, as you

can see on some of the oldest churches

throughout Europe.

HUNTING CORBELS

I found my fi rst corbel at a small vintage

sale in Southern California. I paid $25 for

two 18-inch corbels and decided, in that

moment, that I needed more. Little did I

know how popular and expensive corbels

would become. I have since purchased

four other sets of corbels, and each I found

at a fl ea market. I don’t want to pay more

than I did for the fi rst ones I found, so I’ve

had to pass on over 100 other sets that

were way outside my price range.

I have had a lot of people ask me if you

can use vintage corbels for their original

purpose. Since corbels provide support,

you can use them for structural support.

Just be cautious, as some vintage pieces

may not be structurally sound. I like to use

vintage corbels for “decorative support,”

whether in the top of a doorway or

holding up a shelf. Corbels also look great

as decorative accent pieces.

VINTAGE vs VINTAGEINSPIRED

There are a lot of less-expensive corbels

on the market. They look vintage but

are actually new. These are great as

decorative structural pieces, but be aware

they’re sometimes disguised as vintage.

Personally, I don’t think it matters if corbels

are vintage or new. If you fi nd some you

like and they are within your price range,

then buy them! You’ll be able to use them

as décor in your home for a long time.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

AVAILABILITY: Readily available, though there are more

reproductions than true antiques

BEST PLACES TO SCORE: Flea markets

AVERAGE PRICE RANGE: As low as $12 each, though most are

more expensive

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Leslie Saeta is a wife, mother and the

blogger behind My 100 Year Old Home.

She frequents the fl ea markets and

antiques shops in Los Angeles county

and uses the pieces for both decoration

and practicality in her home.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 • 27