October 16, 2011

corbel shelf





I finally put my corbels to good use.  For the longest time they have been laying around the house waiting to be transformed into a mantle but it was clear that project wasn't going to be happening anytime soon.  I hated that they weren't being displayed in my home and then it dawned on me....I also hate the bookshelf that acts as our entryway table.


It was dark, heavy and cheap looking.  Plus I hated having all those cooking books there....it just didn't look good.  So I batted my eyelashes and asked my talented husband if he could hang my corbels on the wall and make a shelf to hold our mail and keys.




These projects are never as easy as you think they will be.  It was surprisingly hard to figure out a way to hang the corbels without destroying their appearance so they could hold a really heavy piece of wood and other knick-knacks.

The hubby did great though.  I love the look of this shelf.  It is exactly what I wanted it to be.  Fresh, light, open and fun.



The corbels were a gift from my mom.  Antique corbels can be very expensive ($50-$100 per corbel) but since these were a gift this project was relatively inexpensive.  We bought a nice thick and solid 2x12 piece of wood, stained it with Minwax's Polyshades.  I have never used this stain and polyurethane before and it worked great.  By the time I finish staining something the last thing I want to do it give it a coat of poly.  I am so impatient so it was great to have it all done in one step and it really looks amazing.  In total this project came to about $20.  Of course it would have been more if the corbels weren't a gift.


Somewhat Simple    




  

11 comments:

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

I love the corbels and how you put them to use. I'm crying because my large pickle jar like the one you have in the corner...was broken a few weeks ago. I had it for almost 16 years and my aunt gave it too me. She just recently passed away and would you beleive that about 2 weeks before the jar was broken I had thought to myself that I should move it to a safer spot. and I didn't :( Next time I had those thoughts of doins something I won't hesitate.

Cottage and Broome said...

Love the corbels, they look great with the shelf. Laura Cottage and Broome

Unknown said...

Oh Cindi, I am so sorry about your jar. I hate those should of-could of moments.

Thanks for stopping by!

annies home said...

I love little shelves like these I have them througout my home So sorry about your jar I hate it when things like that happen come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

abeachcottage said...

They look lovely and great for displaying your little treasures. Thanks for sharing at Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.

Ruth said...

I love those corbels and the shelf is light and airy. It opens up the space. Looks wonderful.

Ruth

Sommer said...

I love this! I am actually in the process of making a few of these on a smaller scale to go over my buffet for my ironstone collection. I love how this one takes the place of the hall table! I would be delighted to have you stop by and link this up to my VIP party this weekend! http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/10/vip-party-34.html Have a safe and happy halloween!

Gwen @ The Bold Abode said...

I know! True antique corbels are hard to come by...A friend gave me some old columns from a renovation and I made an outdoor buffet from them...practically free project! LOVE IT!

Unknown said...

I know this was a while ago but I was wondering where you got the material for this from? I love it.

Unknown said...

Antique corbels can be hard to come by. I would look at flea markets and antique stores. Sometimes Craigslist has them too. Or you could by new corbels from the hardware store. The wood shelf on top is just a piece of wood from the hardware store I sanded and stained. Good luck!

Sandy said...

I love your shelf! The antique corbels are gorgeous! What a great gift from your mom. I'm supposed to go to a local antique mall tomorrow to take a look at a pair of corbels that one of the vendors says she has for sale. She is selling the pair for $95.00. I hope they are as beautiful as yours. How did your husband attach them to the wall? My shelf will be used in the kitchen and I'd like to display my vintage 1932 mixer on it.

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