What Is a Molding Bracket?

What Molding Brackets Are

• Brackets are braces that support weight. They are generally used in architecture to support window hoods, beam ceilings, interior arches, porticos and more. Molding brackets are decorative brackets that are finished to look appealing and possibly match a particular decor. They can be made of various materials, and though some do support window hoods or the like, others are not utilitarian at all. In fact, some molding brackets are put on walls for decorative use only, where no support is needed.

Designer Molding Bracket

• Molding brackets that don't necessarily have a function and are mostly or purely decorative are sometimes called designer molding brackets. These may be made of lightweight materials and covered to look like a heavier bracket. Some of these are custom made to fit the room in which they will be placed. An example is a cornice, which is a decorative bracket that can hold up smaller shelves. They may also be used to make a fireplace mantel where there wasn't one before.

Designs

• Designer molding brackets may have a simple finish that doesn't have any embellishments. However, many of these types of brackets have carvings or finishes to make them look attractive. For example, Acanthus is a type of Mediterranean leaf used to give a Corinthian look. Beads can be made small or large, and mixed with circles or other geometric shapes. Florals are very popular and come in many varieties. Rope can give a nautical theme. Custom molding brackets to suit your decor can be made by professionals.

Materials

• Molding brackets can be made from many materials. The stronger brackets that are meant to be functional can be made out of iron or other heavy metals so that they can withstand a lot of weight. Others are made of foam to keep them lightweight, since they are only for show and will not have to support anything. The outside of foam brackets, though, are generally finished to look like something much more substantial, such as wood or plaster.