Corbels

According to the Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture by C.M. Harris a corbel is
1.  In masonry, a projection or one of a series of projections, each stepped progressively farther forward with height; anchored in a wall, story, column, or chimney; used to support an overhanging member above or, if continuous, to support overhanging courses; may support an overhanging ornament of similar appearance.

2.   A projecting stone which supports a supericumbent weight.

By all accounts, the most noble are carved in stone and can be of any design you can imagine.  We custom carve corbels to support stairs, countertops, horizontal ceiling beams, vault ribs and arches.