Yep, you read that right. I FINALLY found antique corbels and I am absolutely giddy about it. You guys, I’ve been on the hunt for real, authentic corbels for a year now and I can’t believe I actually found them. I even had my parents, who are some of the best antique finders around, on the hunt for them too. We’ve all been looking and looking, but with no luck. Well this past weekend the heavens shined down on me and I found the most amazing pair of antique, chippy white corbels ever. And let me tell you, these suckers are HUGE. Really, I think they weigh at least 20 pounds each and they are 2 feet tall. I originally wanted corbels like this to hang up in our reading nook, but there’s no way these will fit. They’s just way too heavy. So for now I’ve styled them in a cute little spot in our basement. I know you guys love seeing my vintage finds, so I’m excited to share these corbels with you today!
I found these at my favorite consignment store in town. They’ve actually been carrying tons of antiques and furniture lately, but I never would have imagined finding authentic corbels there. You can probably imagine how giddy I was when I stumbled on these beauties. They were priced at $49 each, but I decided to ask if they’d take anything lower. I know some people don’t like bargaining, but I figure it’s always worth a shot, right?! Well it worked out in my favorite because they dropped the price down to $38 each, which I was pretty happy with. That’s way cheaper than these would priced at any boutique type antique store.
There were giant rusty nails sticking out of the back of these, so they were definitely attached to some kind of porch or barn at one point. Of course I wasn’t going to bring them inside with nails poking out, so we had to remove those. The white paint was also chipping really badly, so we scrapped them both down then covered them in a clear polycrylic spray to seal the paint. That should keep it from chipping any further.
I still can’t believe I finally found a pair of antique corbels after a year of searching. I’ve honestly never seen any quite this big, so I’m not sure where exactly they’ll end up. I think they’re way too big and heavy to be hung on the wall, so I’ll probably just use them in vignettes like this. I love this little spot in our basement and I think they look pretty good here along with the vintage dresser and this sign on that old window. We actually screwed the sign directly into the window frame to give it a bit more interest and depth. I love layering pieces like that whenever I can.
Well I’d love to hear what you think of my new nifty corbels! And let me know what’s on your “vintage wish list”. What goodies have you been looking for lately?
Other vintage finds you might like:
A Vintage Card Catalog in the Front Room
Oh how amazing are those!!! Isn’t it the best when you are on the hunt for something like that and then boom there it is! So happy you scored these and they do look fabulous where you have them. I had been on the hunt for an old door to use in my guest bedroom after searching your blog for ideas 🙂 and long story short I was able to snag one from a dear sweet friend of mine I’ve known basically my whole life from church. She and her husband flip houses and he was just going to place the doors in his burn pile and I rescued that baby!! 🙂 So thankful to have scored it for free but also to have it come from her is so meaningful. Currently on the lookout for a couple of small cabinets I can paint and use in my bathrooms for towel storage. Love your blog so much and all of your inspiration!
Oh that’s awesome you got an old door from your friend, Kellie! I love things like that–vintage and it has sentimental value too! Good luck finding small cabinets!
that is an amazing price!! I’ve been looking also and have only found the mass produced kind for even more than that. So jealous, but so happy for you! they’re amazing!
Total steal, right?! They’re usually so expensive. I’m just grateful I found these for so cheap, even though they are HUGE!
I love these! I’ve been looking for two old corbels as well….haven’t had any luck….they are hard to find.
You’re right Mary, they are SUPER hard to find. And usually way over priced!
Those corbels are right up my alley! So when you are done with them…. They are perfect and I love where you have them displayed. That whole area looks amazing!
Thank so much Deedra!
They are awesome!!
Thanks Lynda!
Absolutely love them!! Architectural pieces are my fav! They are on my wish list also but they usually are ridiculously over priced. 😑 What a great find and price!
Isn’t it crazy how expensive they can be?! It’s kind of ridiculous really. I definitely got a good deal on these.
Those certainly are monsters! I’ve never seen any that big before. Great find and love how you’ve styled with them. Am looking forward to seeing the interesting ways you will use them in the future. Love the chippy look on them too. Nothing like flaky paint! I went to Lifeline today and scored s wonderful vintage chair with an interesting back, arms and padded seat. The seat is awful, looks like someone’s needlepoint was used to cover it, but I’ll just cover it again. Not sure if I’ll paint it or not but I have all sorts of wonderful ideas jostling around in my head. Enjoy your corbels! X
Right?! They’re almost too big, but I couldn’t pass them up. Your chair sounds amazing, what a great find! You know I love old chairs.
I love those corbels! Glad you finally found some. I am still on the hunt for a vintage scale.
Thanks Nikki, good luck finding your scale. Hopefully soon!
I love them too! Pretty salvage pieces are getting harder and harder to find.
I agree Rachel, corbels are super hard to find. And they are usually crazy expensive too!
They look great! Congrats on finding them!
Thanks Lelanie!
Wow! Great find. My corbels are not antique, but love the look. Yours look beautiful! Kim
Thanks Kim, I’m so happy I found some of my own–even if they are huge!
What a great deal! I have seen many corbels at Antique shops and they are always so expensive, so hence I have not bought any myself. They are awesome, congratulations on such a great find! Grin!
Right?! They’re usually waaaaay over priced. I was so lucky to get these as cheap as I did!
I think they would be great as the support for an kitchen island or maybe a desk.
I totally agree! A kitchen island with these would be awesome.
Absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to see how you use them next!
Quick question on the chippy paint – do you worry that the paint contains lead? And if so does the clear polycrylic spray protect from the lead? I recently bought some old windows and was too scared to just hang them so I am in the process of sanding them right back before repainting (and chipping) them – it is a huge job and as the weather is warming in my neck of the woods it is hard work being all masked up for the whole process.
Love your blog 🙂
Hi Sarah! Yes, I do worry about lead paint. I actually wrote a whole post about lead paint (you can read it here: https://sarahjoyblog.com/tips-old-doors-windows-lead-paint/) I shared some useful info about what you need to know to protect yourself and your family. The real danger is in the dust that comes when you sand lead paint, so I try to always use some kind of sealer like the poly or clear shellac spray. Check out that post, I bet you’ll find it helpful!
Thanks so much Sarah 😀 Goimg to read that post now 😉
Awesome! I’m so behind, I’ve never heard of corbels before until now! Now I’ll be on the look for them! I am on the hunt for an old vintage desk fan. Among many other things 🙂
Meg
Oh that’s awesome Meg. I was lucky enough to score one of those at an auction last summer for $12!
I saw where someone put a board on top of corbels to make a wall table for their entry. It was so cute and decorative. Can’t wait to see what you do with yours~ glad you were able to find something you have been looking for!
That’s a great idea, I might have to try to do something like that!
Those are sooo cool Sarah!! I love this whole vignette too! I’m so glad your determination finally paid off! 😊
Thanks so much Sherri! xoxo
Such a great find! Love them.
Thanks Doris!
OMG!!!!… I LLLOOOVVVEEE those….i am in search for some that I can hang on the wall anf oh be still my beating heart those are gorgeous!!!… And for that price…baybay you definitely won. You said you have been searching for a year..gosh I hope I dont have to wait that long…heres to happy hunting…soo happy for you bc they are gorg.