Cornice & Brackets

Cornice brackets refer to the decorative carved brackets most commonly seen on the exterior of Italianate-style Victorian homes. These brackets are also common on Victorians with exterior gingerbread trim and styles such as Queen Anne, Stick and Gothic Revival. Craftsman-style homes often feature cornice brackets under overhanging eaves, although they're much less decorative. Bracket styles vary in thickness and decorative ornamentation.

A cornice bracket is essentially the same as a corbel, which has been used for centuries to help support extruding surfaces. Originally made from concrete or stone, the primary function of these traditional architectural elements was weight support. During the Renaissance period in Italy, buildings were designed with balconies supported.