One of the joys of home DIY is the ability to customize and enhance your living spaces, infusing them with personal style and character. Recently, we’ve been elevating various areas of our home through the addition trim details. Let me share the story of our latest project: adding corbel details to the trim of a pointed arch bookshelf in our newly built library at the entryway of our home. I’ll also touch on how we incorporated corbels into our butler pantry shelves and added crown molding blocks to the inside corners of our mudroom bathroom, bringing a cohesive and sophisticated look to these spaces.

A Grand Entryway: The Pointed Arch Bookshelf

As avid readers, creating a library at the entryway of our home was a dream come true. The centerpiece of this space is a stunning pointed arch bookshelf that not only holds our treasured collection of books we actually read but also serves as an eye-catching focal point. To enhance its architectural beauty, we decided to add corbel details to the trim of the arch.

The Inspiration

The pointed arch design already evoked a sense of old-world charm, reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals and classic European libraries. To complement this aesthetic, we chose corbels from Lowes with intricate carvings that echoed the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The delicate scrollwork and patterns on the corbels added a layer of sophistication and intricacy to the bookshelf.

The Process

Installing the corbels was a meticulous process but well worth the effort. We carefully measured and marked the spots where the corbels would be placed, ensuring symmetry and balance. The curvature of the arch made the calculations difficult. After securing them in place with wood glue, we painted the corbels to match the trim of the bookshelf, seamlessly blending them into the overall design. The result was a bookshelf that not only held books but also stood as a testament to the elegance of detailed woodworking.

Enhancing Functionality: Corbels in the Pantry

Our pantry, though functional, also has a small touch of personality with the shelf corbels. Adding corbels to the pantry shelves was the perfect solution to elevate this often-overlooked space.

The Practical Beauty

For the pantry, we opted for simpler corbels with curvy lines, reflecting a more utilitarian aesthetic while still adding charm. These corbels provided additional support to the shelves, ensuring they could bear the weight of our pantry items while also serving as decorative elements.

The Outcome

The addition of corbels to our pantry shelves not only enhanced their stability but also brought a cohesive look to the kitchen area. Now, every time we reach for ingredients, we’re greeted by a blend of functionality and beauty that makes even the most mundane tasks a little more enjoyable.

A Finishing Touch: Crown Molding Blocks in the Mudroom Bathroom

Our mudroom bathroom recently underwent an upgrade, and to complete the look, we decided to add crown molding blocks to the inside corners. This small detail made a significant impact, giving the bathroom a polished and finished appearance. An added bonus of these blocks allows for easier installation on the miter cuts.

The Selection

We created crown molding blocks with subtle, elegant designs that complemented the existing crown molding. If you don’t want to make these blocks on your own, your local hardware store has a variety to choose from. They can be found in the trim aisles usually in the bottom bins. These blocks were placed in the corners where the crown molding met, covering any gaps and adding a professional touch to the installation.

The Transformation

The crown molding blocks not only hid imperfections but also added a touch of elegance to the bathroom. The finished look was cohesive and refined, elevating the space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

Adding corbel details and crown molding blocks to various parts of our home has been a rewarding experience. These architectural elements, though small, have a powerful impact on the overall aesthetic, bringing a sense of timeless elegance and craftsmanship to our living spaces.

Whether it’s the grand entryway of our library with its pointed arch bookshelf, the functional yet charming pantry shelves, or the refined corners of our mudroom bathroom, each addition tells a story of our commitment to creating a beautiful and personalized home. We hope our journey inspires you to explore the possibilities of corbels and crown molding in your own home, enhancing both functionality and beauty in every corner.

Places to find corbels:

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Moulding-Millwork-Corbels/N-5yc1vZc62i

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1024158566/unpainted-wood-carved-corbel-1pc-flat

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Corbels-Brackets-braces-Moulding-millwork/4294518237

https://www.wayfair.com/keyword.php?keyword=decorative+corbels