Transform thrift or home improvement finds into lovely farmhouse painted foam corbels
Incorporating farmhouse elements into your space is simple with just a paintbrush
I often discover affordable decor at thrift stores or discount bins, and this project suits any DIY skill level
A Guide to DIY Farmhouse Painted Foam Corbels
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Materials Needed:
- Foam Corbels (I found mine at a thrift store; wooden options are also suitable)
- Chalk paint (I selected Folkart Home Decor Chalk in White Adirondack)
- Acrylic Craft Paint (Folkart Ash)
- Paintbrush (This Wooster handle-less brush is my go-to versatile brush)
- Dry-brushing Paintbrush (This round one mirrors my preferred style)
First Step: Apply 2 coats of white chalk paint to the foam corbels
I chose chalk paint because it's advertised as 'all-purpose' and should adhere well to any surface; I was surprised it only needed two coats on the foam.
The image above shows the result after one coat; while one might suffice, I ensured full coverage. After the first coat dried, a second was applied, and it rested overnight.
Step 2: Apply a dark color via dry-brushing to emphasize the corbel design
“Dry-brushing” means painting with a nearly dry brush; to do this, shake your paint and put a quarter-sized amount on card-stock or a paper plate.
Dab your brush into the paint, then rub it on the paper until the brush is nearly dry (don't worry, some paint remains!)
Next, lightly sweep the brush across the corbel surface, continuing until the design begins to show the paint color.
When using this method, begin with minimal paint and gradually add more; it's simpler to augment than to remove.
Now, style your newly painted corbels to match your desired aesthetic!
Farmhouse corbels offer numerous decorative applications; consider these options:
- Use on a tabletop for accent decor (similar to what I used in our recently updated bedroom)
- Function as bookends
- Mount in a doorway to add architectural visual appeal
- These can function effectively as support brackets for shelving
- Position these supports beneath the extremities of an island seating space within the kitchen
- Attach a hook to these to suspend lanterns or plants, remembering that the corbels must possess sufficient strength for the weight of the items hung
