Types Of Brackets

The exterior corbel has an interior cousin known as the bracket.

The ancient Greeks brought the use of the bracket into its prime with classical architecture. The term "bracket" was not used by the Greeks. They used the translated architectural term "corbel," which is still seen in architecture today. The life span of the corbel proves its value for architectural and interior design applications. The simple brackets purchased today are a contemporary translation of the original Greek corbel. The use of the classicized corbel or the contemporary bracket gives an underpinning support to everything from an exterior balcony to an interior shelf system.

Iron Brackets

Iron brackets provide long-term support for various interior design shelving solutions. The iron need not be glazed in a situation where the color of rust as the iron oxidizes enhances the sight of the iron bracket. Enhance the decorative quality of the iron bracket. Order them in pairs from the local welding shop. Approach the shop welder with sketches of the profile of the bracket. Include size requirements. Specify the maximum weight that the bracket will hold and the type of wall on which it will be mounted.

Utility Brackets

The utility bracket, fabricated from nickel or lead, can be bought at a garden shop or import store. Look for plain, flat "L" shapes that vary in length. The foot is universal and may be used as the wall mount or the support. Check the depth of the shelf before selecting the bracket. The utility bracket has a shorter life span than other brackets made of heavier metal. Most utility brackets are painted solid white. Upgrade the primitive look of the plain utility bracket and paint it the color of the wall.

Horseshoe Brackets

The horseshoe bracket came on the interior design scene in the 1970s, when unstructured window dressings came into vogue. The horseshoe bracket is available through interior designers and window dressing specialty shops. Install the horseshoe brackets with the open end facing up. The window dressing fabric is run through the bracket. Knot the fabric around each bracket to secure the window dressing into place. Whereas other brackets are hung in pairs to support a shelf, the horseshoe bracket may be hung singly for an asymmetrical window dressing.

Greek Corbel

The Greek corbel has been used for more than 2,000 years. Like architectural columns, the corbel is a building block for any architectural specification. It's used decoratively for interior design applications that have sophisticated undertones. The corbel offered today is often made of resin, which provides a lighter substance. Corbels of previous centuries were carved of plaster, wood, marble, alabaster and other quarried stone. Many feature the acanthus leaf motif loved by the Greeks.