There is no question that Federal Brace countertop support brackets are sturdy. In fact, due to the strength of the brackets, our supports at times tend to be pigeon-holed into only supporting countertops.

Federal Brace has designed a selection of heavy duty yet elegant support brackets that go beyond the simple shelf or standard industrial style support brackets. Many designers and contractors are now seeing Federal Brace Supports for what they are - enhancing hardware pieces that can be used in various home decor applications.

Whether used in the kitchen, bath, studio, office or living areas, Federal Brace Support brings a decor touch that shows the homeowner attention to detail and care for quality. At the recent KBIS 2011 Kitchen and Bath Show we had support brackets in several vendor booths, used in actual applications and we were very honored. A couple of those applications, including Masterbrand's Diamond Series kitchen display (pictured at the top), used the Federal Brace supports to hold self-standing shelves within the kitchen cabinet arrangements. The brackets added to the overall appearance of the full kitchen by giving that touch of metal, tying in appliances, fixtures and other hardware with the cabinets.

So when you are considering that decor enhancement that will make your kitchen, bath, residential or commercial application standout think Federal Brace Supports. Designers using our hardware for decor accents have indicated that Federal Brace brackets are perfect because they are not the wimpy looking thin shelf brackets common on the market. The thickness of material that we use on our bracket make a support that looks like it can hold more than your pantry shelves. At the same time the designers really like the sleek, design enhancing appeal of a Federal Brace Support style. It is not that industrial looking shelf bracket that is used commonly in commercial applications.

How to pick the Federal Brace bracket that is right for your application as a hardware decor accent piece. Follow these easy steps:

1. Determine the Gusset shape that best matches with the overall appeal of your living space. If you want an understated look, look at the supports with the lower profile gussets. If it is high-impact that you want, you will want to look to the brackets with the full gussets.

2. If the bracket will be used in a supporting role for shelves, mantle or other surfaces you will need to think about how deep that surface is and how it will be installed. We suggest using a bracket that is not too small under the surface so that you can't see it. When determining what bracket to use as support we use an industry standard to extend the support bracket to within 4" of the end of the surface.

3. Determine the finish you desire. In most instances our decor enhancing supports are purchased in the brushed stainless finish since it matches so well with stainless appliances and nickel fixtures. However, you may have a particular color you are going after in which case you will want to get raw steel and coat it with your custom color. Check out our helpful video on painting your brackets to get more information on this: PAINTING VIDEO - Please Scroll down to Tips & Tricks.

4. If you need a custom style bracket or to modify a current Federal Brace design to meet your needs contact our helpful customer service representative at customerservice@federalbrace.com to discuss your needs.

That's it. Now you are on your way to new methods of using Federal Brace Countertop Supports to enhance your kitchen and bath designs.