Living room design with mirrored columns. Finishing columns: doing it right. What materials are the columns made of?

The column is far from being a relic of a long-gone past, but an attribute of classical and ancient architecture. IN modern world architects willingly use columns in their projects in the interior of apartments and houses.

Classic element

A column is a cylindrical pillar that was used in classical and ancient architecture. Historical buildings with columns are not only regal and beautiful, but also monumental. Columns in the interior look rich and luxurious, the return of which through the centuries coincided with the return of the Art Nouveau style. Can columns make the same impression on others as they did many centuries ago? It is recommended to look for the answer to this question in photo collections that contain design projects of such interiors that professional designers and architects worked on.

What role does a column play in the interior of an apartment?

In architecture, over thousands of years of existence, the main functions of the column have remained the same. For example, a load-bearing column in the interior of an apartment not only supports an arch, a beam-type ceiling, or some other building element, but also serves as an expressive decorative decoration.

Columns in a modern interior

Even the biggest modern house in scale it is impossible to compare with ancient temples and palaces, the interior of which was decorated with columns. But it should be noted that architects are able to fit a column even into the interior standard apartment, the main thing is to choose the right place for such a colorful detail.

In a spacious mansion, columns can be used to encircle a terrace or decorate a hall. It would look ideal if it supports the ceiling in a room with an open plan. In the apartment small size a classic massive column can easily be replaced by elegant columns that can be installed near walls, in doorways, and arches. You can also use your imagination, namely, use the column as a stand for vases and flower pots. The table will look original, where the role of the legs will be played by picturesque columns of Greek origin with flutes.

Columns in the interior: features of use

At correct use columns can significantly improve the interior of any room; for example, such an architectural element can be made from gypsum almost anywhere, even in the smallest apartment. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to visually hide not only possible shortcomings, but also bearing structures and communications.

A column in the interior of an apartment can be used to zone a room; for example, with its help you can easily divide a large kitchen into a cooking area and a dining room. The fireplace in the living room can be highlighted by installing graceful columns on either side of it.

Decorating a column in the interior of an apartment: the best options

A column is a cylindrical pillar or decorative structure. Many thousands of years ago peoples ancient world decorated their homes with the help of this structural element. In those days, the column was the support of the building, or more precisely, it was used as a load-bearing element. In modern architecture, a column in the interior of an apartment is considered a decorative element and looks simply amazing.

Concept and types

There are several types of columns:

Doric;

Composite;

Ionic;

Tuscan;

Corinthian.

For many, many years, columns in the interior of an apartment, the beauty and functionality of which drive many people crazy, have been a decorative element. However, we should not forget about their original purpose as a support. To ultimately achieve an enchanting effect, designers recommend using several columns - two, three, four, depending on the size of a particular room. The column makes it possible to visually increase the area of ​​the room, while the ceiling will seem much higher than it actually is. Very often it is installed near the stairs or in the hallway.

Material

Classic materials such as concrete, marble, granite and stone are used to make columns. But recently, due to their high cost, they are increasingly resorting to limestone or basalt, gypsum or polyurethane. But it should be noted that columns made of marble are considered to be the most stylish. If the column in the interior of the apartment does not play a load-bearing role, then it can be made from cheaper material, for example, plasterboard, wood or artificial stone. Wooden columns can be used to decorate the interior in country, eco or rustic style.

Components

The column itself consists of three parts - the base, the body and the pilaster. Designers have recently preferred to decorate it with stones, patterns or flowers. Several years ago, polyurethane columns began to be in demand in room design. Polyurethane is considered the lightest, simplest and comfortable material to create columns. It is possible without special effort cut out a variety of beautiful patterns. This design and decoration of columns in the interior of the apartment will suit a variety of design styles.

If the homeowner likes to frequently change the interior, then ideal option columns will be made of plasterboard, since their production does not take much time and costs much less than other options. Recently, it has become fashionable to use metal columns in high-tech and minimalism. It is the silver color that harmonizes perfectly with equipment of the same color.

Column as an interior element

In order to understand what material the columns will be made of, it is necessary first of all to imagine their clear purpose in the interior of a particular room. Almost all rooms can be decorated with this structural element. For example, if the bedroom is in an antique style, to complement its interior, you need to add several columns in light colors. In high-tech style, columns must match the setting. A Baroque bedroom can be divided by two columns. And if you install them next to the bed, this solution will give the room amazing beauty. In a studio apartment, columns can be used to separate the kitchen area from the living room. Also an ideal option would be to decorate the fireplace with columns.

Color solution

You can choose absolutely any color - gold, white, red, blue, green. The main thing is that it fully matches the interior of the room. Columns made of natural stone do not need to be decorated, but they can be made of marble, or made of plasterboard - in the shape of a tree. For example, in a bathroom, if dimensions allow, you can place these structures around the perimeter in the color of the walls. In the kitchen behind them you can easily hide all unnecessary wires from view or divide the room into a cooking area and a dining area. The interior of the room can be decorated with miniature columns, which are usually a meter long, and they are made of clay, ceramics or vinyl. But, with some imagination, you can make it from almost any material.

Tips from designers:

  • Miniature columns will be excellent stands for pots or vases of flowers. IF the column will serve as a cabinet, you can place both a lamp and frames on its surface. beautiful pictures or photographs, They will not only fit perfectly, but also the most in the best possible way will complement the interior front door, in the hallway or living room.
  • if imagination and imagination do not allow you to correctly place the columns in the room, then you should seek advice from designers; they will definitely find a solution to such a complex puzzle.
  • Remember that there is no room, apartment or house in which the column will look superfluous, the main thing is to plan everything correctly in advance.

Since time immemorial, columns have been an integral element of classical interiors, made with elements of antiquity. It is through the use of columns that designers achieve the elevation characteristic of interiors designed in a classical style. When creating projects of modern interiors, designers continue to pay tribute to antiquity, thanks to which many unique stylistic concepts with antique elements were released, in which columns gradually lose their functional load, performing only a decorative function. Despite this, modern high-rise buildings are characterized by a special design, in the structure of which columns play a role load-bearing elements, which makes it necessary to solve a difficult but very interesting problem, the essence of which is to adapt columns as one of the main structural elements under a certain stylistic concept of interiors. However, most of them are far from the classical direction, which does not prevent them from being a very organic detail of many interiors.

Columns in the interior: how to emphasize the originality of design solutions?

Loft, hi-tech, underground... columns present in all of these modern styles, not only emphasize their technogenicity and functionality, but also give them a special expressiveness, characteristic only of these directions. Yes and appearance The columns present in such interiors are very specific - here they appear in the form of metal supports or columns finished with rough concrete. No less relevant, fantasy art deco style often also cannot do without columns.

But even if the design of the house does not provide for load-bearing supports, stylized columns in an art deco interior will become that rich accent that will not only emphasize the uniqueness of the style, but will also streamline the space. Often about columns and possible options their decorations are remembered only when they purchase housing, design features which implies the presence of load-bearing columns, which are not possible to get rid of. In this case, the owners are faced with a choice: to correctly design the columns and turn them into the “highlight” of the interior or to disguise, as many believe, awkward pillars located in the middle of the room. Which solution will be the most profitable? You can make your choice by reading the materials in this article.

Historical sketch or Tribute to antiquity

Translated from Latin, column (“columna”) means a pillar, which is mainly characterized by a cylindrical shape, but columns of round, square and multifaceted shapes are not uncommon. Columns have long been considered a symbol of ancient and classical architecture and were supporting structures that later began to serve a decorative function. The column as an architectural element consists of three main parts:

  • The base, also called the base, is bottom part columns that bear the main load. Often for decorative design bases use horizontal grooves;
  • The central part or trunk of a column, which is characterized by smoothness or decorative design, implying the decoration of the trunk with flutes, which are vertical grooves;

  • The capital is the top part of the column, which, like the base, may be missing. According to the architects, this is the most expressive part of the column, which is achieved through multiple decorative elements, with the help of which the capital is decorated. This includes a volute, which is a spiral-shaped curl, and a palmette, a symmetrical ornament in the form of palm leaves, and regal bas-reliefs.

The first columns became an attribute of ancient Greek temples, where they, made mainly of snow-white marble, gave the building additional airiness, while being reliable support roofs of the temple. The period of classicism was marked by a new round of popularity of columns, when they began to perform not only a decorative, but also a practical function.

Representing powerful cylindrical supports, they supported high ceilings, decorated with numerous stucco moldings, which significantly made the ceiling heavier. total weight structure and therefore in need of support. Decorated with bas-reliefs, such columns were made of marble and other expensive types of stone. Today, designers actively use columns as an element of interior decoration, and also offer to implement the most daring solutions not only for large-sized apartments, but also for small-sized housing.

Columns in the apartment photo

Materials for making columns

Architectural columns in an apartment have long been made of decorative stone, marble, granite, basalt and metal, and modern designers offer to pay tribute to traditions if columns play the role of supporting structures in the design of your building. However, due to the high cost of these materials and the predominantly decorative function of columns, experts recommend using non-natural materials for their manufacture, such as polyurethane and gypsum, which we will discuss separately.

Polyurethane

It is considered one of the most popular materials for the manufacture of columns that perform a decorative function. Polyurethane is very popular both among eminent designers and among beginners, due to the fact that this material is easy to work with. The main advantages of the material are as follows:

  • Due to the lightness of the material and ease of handling, even a beginner can work with polyurethane;
  • Columns made from polyurethane can be painted in a wide variety of colors without having to think about choosing specialized paint and varnish materials, and purchase the most affordable acrylic paints;
  • Polyurethane is an ideal choice for those who plan to install a column in an apartment, decorated with many decorative elements, since polyurethane can easily be used to make the most small parts bizarre shape;
  • Polyurethane columns, which can be purchased in a network of retail stores at low prices, can also be made to order according to your sketch;
  • Like all materials, polyurethane also has its disadvantages, the main one being a change in color several years after the initial installation of the columns.

Gypsum

Counts classic material for the manufacture of columns, which is why it remains popular among designers who already have experience in the manufacture of supporting structures in the interior. Columns made of gypsum can be easily restored, which allows you to easily restore the original appearance of the structure and editing, thanks to which the architect can make a column decorated with fancy decorative elements. Defects that arise during the work can be eliminated through grinding, which can also be done by a specialist who has previously worked in this field.

Columns video

Functional purpose of columns in the interior of an apartment

  • The decorative function is the most common role of columns in modern interiors, which can be played out in the most different ways, described below;

  • Masking of supporting structures or unsightly communications located in places accessible to prying eyes;
  • Zoning of space. The most common examples of implementing this function of columns are the following: with the help of columns they decorate the entrance to a room or visually separate dining area, surrounding it with columns;

  • Visual expansion of the space of the room, which is achieved through vertical stripes creating the effect of a high ceiling;
  • The function of supporting structures is also one of the most common purposes of columns. It is implemented if the interior is made in a classical or antique style, which is characterized by high ceilings, decorated with stucco and other elements that add weight to the overall weight of the structure;

  • A practical function that involves the use of columns as cabinets and shelves. Despite the fact that this role of columns is partly functional, they can be made of polyurethane or plasterboard, which are less durable than marble or granite;

Columns: design variations

Columns in the interior can be present in the form of:

  • Colonnades, a type of which are arched colonnades;
  • Paired columns and columns united by an arch;
  • Half-column

The functional role of colonnades in the interior is, as a rule, in zoning space. By creating an airy and light, but at the same time distinct division of space into zones, colonnades contribute to an unobtrusive delimitation of space, visually extending from one wall to another. Arched colonnades contribute to clearer, local zoning. The colonnade as a functional element carries a certain aesthetic load of the interior, created due to the original, fascinating rhythm of the columns, contemplating which, you can forget about time and all worldly problems. In the case when colonnades are designed at the construction stage, they can also carry a functional load, acting as a supporting structure.

The paired columns are traditional way organizing columns in the room. For example, columns are installed on both sides of a fireplace, window or flight of stairs. If paired columns are placed at opposite walls, they will also effectively cope with the role of zoning the space, highlighting zones with different functional purposes in the space. By combining the columns with an arch, you will even more clearly indicate the division of space into zones. If the room has sharp wall protrusions that somehow need to be masked, a column is installed next to the protrusion, which will restore the stylistic unity of the interior and at the same time hide the unsightly protrusion. In most cases, paired columns do not carry a functional load, performing only a decorative function, which necessitates the design of the columns, creating unity with the overall stylistic concept. The choice of materials is also determined by the same considerations. For example, antique styling is done using inexpensive materials, imitating stucco molding, characterized by high-quality decorative finishing.

Half-columns are imitation of columns protruding from the wall. Despite the existing external differences, the functional roles of columns and half-columns are similar: the latter also visually delimit the space, highlighting the most important stylistic accents, for example, the space near the fireplace or window. Unlike columns, semi-columns are not subject to such stringent requirements for fastening, due to the absence of a functional load on them. You just need to fix them against the wall, and they will become an equally expressive interior detail.

Columns are often an integral element of rooms characterized by open plan. However, in order for a column to become an organic detail of an interior made in a particular style and create the impression of a complete picture, it must be played out, since a well-designed column will carry not only a functional load, but also bring aesthetic pleasure.

Tip #1: Make the center of the main column feel good to the touch

It will be nice if the column, located next to your usual route around the house, is pleasant to the touch and you want to touch it. For example, wrap a rough rope around a wooden column from the bottom up to the level of your hands. This will not only make the column tactilely pleasant, but will also become a decorative scratching post - an indispensable item in a house where representatives of the feline family live.

Tip #2: Cover the central column with decorative stone

If you have an impressively sized column in your room, bet on its cladding decorative stone. This will not only remind you of the original purpose of the column, but will also add originality to the interior due to the contrasting combination of rough stone and more soft material, with which the room is decorated. In addition, it will become relevant design technique, implying a combination of internal and exterior finishing premises due to a small inclusion of materials for finishing the facade into the interior of the room.

Tip #3: Convert two side-by-side columns into a shelving unit, wine rack, or media center

IN modern interior It is popular to use two adjacent columns in the form of a rack intended for decorative figurines or memorable photographs. And if homemade rack cover it with the material with which the rest of the built-in furniture in the room is finished, it will organically fit into the interior of the room.

And if the column is located near cozy corner For family or friendly gatherings, surround it with a cabinet frame, turning it into an ideal place to store wine, books or CDs, depending on the position of the column.

And for those who do not know where to place the TV in an open-plan apartment, we advise turning a column with a practical purpose into a media center that will become good place for the location of the TV and music center. If you do not plan to do this right away, install a block of electrical outlets near the column.

Tip No. 4: Turn a column into an interior partition and delimit intimate space

If several columns are located between two spaces characterized by different functional purposes, install a cabinet or rack between them, which will not only visually delimit the space into zones, but also become great place storage for personal items. And if the front part of the column is decorated with built-in shelves, it will effectively delimit a more private area from the main space of the room.

Tip #5: Create Contrast Between Styles and Materials

If the column is decorated with materials that contrast in color and texture with the main finish, it will become a bright accent detail in an interior characterized by minimalist decor. In addition, the column can be decorated in a classic style, which will help create a contrasting style in a modern setting.

Columns equipped with a niche need arrangement electric lighting, allowing you to use a decorative niche to display your favorite piece of art or sculpture. A fashionable technique, borrowed from shoe stores, is to decorate columns with a seat in the form of a soft back surrounding the column. Another way to design paired columns is to install a bench between them, which will become convenient place in order to change shoes.

And finally, tip number 7: Follow your preferences and decorate the columns to your liking

For example, strength-tested wooden poles can be used as load-bearing columns, which can be decorated with objects dear to your heart or expensive from a historical point of view: posters, works of art, antique dishes and other decorative items. And these are not all the ways to decorate columns.

Follow your imagination and choose the design method that is closest to you and your loved ones.

The interior of an apartment often includes elements of classics. This allows you to make your home extraordinary, giving it a certain spirit of romanticism and grace. If the setting contains objects that are not of purely practical value, but decorative, then it no longer looks boring and monotonous, but as something creative and alive. Architectural elements such as columns and arches have long been used as load-bearing structures and at the same time decorated the facades of buildings and the interior space of the room.

Arches and columns are often used in classic interior design

Decorative decoration of arches in your apartment

Columns and arches in an apartment today serve mainly not a supporting, but a decorative function.

An exception is the deliberate use of columns as supports in a large room.

An arch has long been considered the covering of curved openings in the wall, spans between columns and supports

Arches were used not only in the architecture of buildings, but also in the construction of bridges, and as engineering structures they were strictly symmetrical and calculated using strength of strength formulas.

Each part of the arch has its own name. Eg:

  • The cross section of the top is called the keystone
  • Section near the support - with a heel stone, fifth arch or impost
  • External fornix – extradosome
  • Internal vault - intradosome

Types of arches

Arches can be of the following types:

  • Triangular
  • Round or semicircular
  • Flat
  • Oblique
  • Lancet
  • Horseshoe
  • Plane elliptic parabolic
  • Concave etc

An arch in a blind opening in a wall is called a blind arch.

These types of arches are distinguished by style:


Arches can be different in both shape and style

Today the fashion trend is asymmetrical arches.

Purpose of arches

Arches are used when they want to emphasize the organic nature of the design and the dominant smoothness of the lines.

This technique is used for:

  • Design of the building facade and fences
  • Combining two zones into one
  • Divisions into zones
  • Design of internal interior elements:
    niches, windows, doors, mirrors, etc.

Two zones are merged into one when you delete interior doors :


Arches are used to divide a room into zones
  • The living room is combined with a corridor or kitchen
  • Kitchen space - with loggia

At the same time, the arch visually expands the space, creating perspective. At the same time, the premises remain separate units.

Arches add variety to design long corridor and at the same time also share it.

Original design corridor arched design

A rectangular opening in a wall is also considered an arch.

Materials for arches

Different materials are used to design arches.

  • Arches made of stone, concrete, brick look monumental
  • Wooden arches are more decorative and create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
    Both stone and wood are universal materials used for both exterior and interior decoration premises
  • For interior decoration you can also use plasterboard, fiberboard, PVC, chipboard

These types of materials are not used for finishing external arches.

How to make an arch with your own hands

It seems that such a curvilinear structure as an arch is extremely difficult to make with your own hands.

It's actually very easy to make, especially from plasterboard..

For this you will need:

  • U-shaped metal profile
  • Self-tapping screws and dowels
  • Drywall sheet
  • Drill, jigsaw

Sequencing:

  1. Marking the position of the arch
  2. We attach a metal profile to the wall, ceiling and floor
  3. We strengthen the frame with cross members so that the drywall does not bend
  4. We cut a piece of the profile for the vault every 2 cm, bend it and screw it to the frame
  5. We cut out the drywall and cover the frame with it on both sides
  6. We cut out the upper part for the arch using a jigsaw
  7. We putty surfaces and seams

Video: Simple do-it-yourself arch

Columns in the interior of a modern apartment

As we have already said, columns in a city apartment today are used mainly for decorative purposes.


Columns in the interior can be both decorative elements and supporting structures

However, in a loft-style room and wherever there are no partitions, the column can also carry the load.

The upper part of the column is called the capital, the lower part is called the base. The capital can also be decorative decoration ceiling

Columns are made today from the following types of materials:

  • Marble, granite
  • Brick, concrete
  • Drywall
  • Polyurethane

Today, the decoration of columns and arches is also popular artificial stone or polymer concrete.

Do-it-yourself finishing of columns with plasterboard


Dry method of bending a plasterboard sheet

Marble and granite are certainly expensive materials, and they have to look for alternatives

Columns made of lightweight plasterboard look like real ones. It won’t even immediately occur to you that these are dummies, that is, hollow objects (false columns)

The most difficult thing in the manufacture of such columns is the frame.

The column can be rectangular or round. There is also another variety - pilasters. They relate to columns conditionally. This is actually half a column protruding from the wall.

Let's first consider how to make a rectangular column from plasterboard.

  1. From metal profile two bases are made (upper and lower)
  2. The contours of the base are compared using plumb lines
  3. The bases are attached to the ceiling and floor with dowels
  4. Profile posts are attached to the corners of the bases
  5. All sides of the frame are reinforced with cross members
  6. Then plasterboard sheathing and final finishing are carried out. plaster mixture

Video: DIY column finishing

How to make round columns

Round columns made of plasterboard are made according to the same principle. They are also easy to make with your own hands. But the manufacturing process is more labor-intensive:

  1. First, circles are drawn on the ceiling and floor, also using plumb lines.
  2. Cuts are made on the profile for the bases at a distance of 5 cm
  3. The profiles are combined with circles and secured with dowels
  4. A sheet of drywall on one side is cut along its entire length, also at a distance of 5 cm between cuts
  5. The finished sheet is bent around the frame, the cuts are sealed with a plaster mixture and left to dry.
  6. Then attach the sheet to the guide profile
  7. They do the final finishing, adding stucco as necessary.

Polymer concrete in the interior of apartments

Column sprayed with liquid polymer concrete

What if drywall and stucco are not your favorite type of finishing, and you prefer an interior that is more close to a natural style?
Then columns not made of plasterboard will suit you, but, for example, polymer concrete or artificial stone

The texture of these materials is similar to that of natural stone- granite.

Polymer concrete (plastic cement) – a concrete compound, epoxy resin and filler (quartz sand, granite chips, etc.)

Polymer concrete is much more expensive than conventional concrete.

Finishing the column with polymer concrete

It is easier and cheaper to first make a column from ordinary concrete, and then apply a top layer of liquid lightweight polymer concrete.

You can do it something like this:

  • We assemble the bases and frame in the same way as when making a plasterboard column
    (We make additional crossbars in the bases for fastening the reinforcement)
  • We insert the reinforcement into the frame and cover it with pieces of plywood (we leave a hole in one of the pieces for pouring concrete)
  • We pour concrete
  • After hardening and drying, remove the plywood
  • We spray polymer concrete on top of the column using a plaster gun

You can also apply a layer of polymer concrete, for example, on a table top, on outer wall fireplace, etc.

  • You can also make interior items from polymer concrete by pouring them into a mold that needs to be pre-designed.

However, this method is expensive and requires equipment.

What complements the interior in a classic style

Columns and arches in the interior of the apartment are not the only elements in the classic style.

The interior can be complemented by:

  • Bas-reliefs and frescoes made of decorative plaster
  • Vintage style items:
    • antique candlesticks and vases
    • Venetian furniture, etc.

Video: Lightweight polymer concrete

Modern renovation of the 21st century is not complete without decorative elements. Different styles, which have come to this day from bygone years, coupled with modern building materials create extraordinary decorative elements. Accents, visual effects, room zoning and minimal interior style - these new trends are used in almost every second new building.

Columns in the interior of a modern home are considered a sign of good taste and high material status of the owner of the house

Everything modern originates from the past. Now fashion trend is eclecticism, that is, a combination of several styles in one apartment. It’s always interesting to see how two stylistic movements of different origins and eras coexist with the same owners for 40 square meters. For example, modern eco style together with the French Empire style, with its luxurious columns, or classic with bionics. Impossible? Whatever the case. From this article you will learn the subtleties harmonious combination several styles using such elements decorative finishing like column and pilaster.

The very first mention of the column dates back to the 27th century BC in Egypt. A local architect (builder) named Imhotep built a tomb for the then pharaoh. The tomb was crowned with a colonnade of 40 columns made of alabaster. The height of each of them was about 10 meters. This object is called the Pyramid of Djoser. The building has survived to this day.

Step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser - the very first in Egypt

Examples of Egyptian style columns

Columns in the interior

Most often, columns are erected on architectural monuments, some city buildings, museums, as well as in the private homes of rich people. These are heavy, massive elements reaching incredible sizes, made of brick, polished natural stone or marble. Also, columns and half-columns can be found in the interior country cottages. These elements are built indoors, naturally, not large sizes and from lightweight materials.

What materials are used:

  • Drywall. This material is very convenient to use due to its versatility, availability and relative cheapness per unit. The advantage of using it is the ability to give the sheet almost any shape.

    Plasterboard column lined with natural stone

  • Tree. Undoubtedly, wood rightfully takes first place in its beauty in colonnades. Its structure is fascinating. Wood exudes the naturalness and freshness of nature.

    Wooden columns in classic interior

  • Metal. Perfect for high-tech. Metallic reflections will be, like nowhere else, by the way, in a minimal style. It all depends on the color of the surface. Also, in addition to its decorative function, a steel column can carry a large longitudinal load.

    Stylish and useful - steel columns serve as support for the second floor

  • Concrete. Typically, concrete columns are intended purely for the functional support of partitions, slabs or other structural elements of houses and apartments. In addition, raw concrete combines well with the loft style, so this material is also widely used.

    Concrete column covered with mosaic tiles

  • Brick. Just like concrete, it goes perfectly with the loft. In addition, red brick columns can be used in the Minimalist style to add emphasis to the room.

    Harmonious combination of brick columns with natural wood

  • Natural stone (marble). The most beautiful colonnades are made from different varieties stone In interior design with columns, stone is suitable for small elements. These can be semi-columns near walls and passages, or low columns, free-standing and used in the overall composition of the room. A significant disadvantage of this material is its heavy weight and high cost.

    Marble columns in the interior of the bathroom

  • Polyurethane. The most successful material that combines several advantages over others. Due to its lightness and strength, it is widely used in the manufacture of decorative interior elements, including columns. The latter are released in finished form. The kit comes with fasteners.

    Decorative polyurethane columns

Also possible combined options construction of a column in the interior of a house. Metal goes well with wood and stone.

In some cases, the need to build a column is communications, network engineering, banal uneven walls and defects in repairs. In addition, when creating a studio apartment, when it is not possible to completely remove the wall, the solution to the situation is to install a colonnade. In any case, the opportunity to introduce such variety into the design of an apartment will not leave any true connoisseur of art indifferent.

Column elements

In general, a column consists of three main elements:

  1. The base (base) of the column. The supporting part that bears the entire load.
  2. The long part of a column, called the body, trunk or fust (stick). It has a smooth thinning towards the top, where the capital is located.
  3. The capital is the uppermost part of the column on which the architrave (beam) rests. It is the most decorated element in the overall structure of the column.

Components of a classical antique column

Some styles involve the absence of the first or last element of the column.

The influence of columns on the interior

Columns in the interior are a sign of the greatness and wealth of the family. Nowadays there are a lot of private houses using elements in design decorative columns. But basically, these are not as remarkable as in the “old days”, ordinary brick plastered parts of the walls. Undoubtedly, even the installation of such home decor elements will bring classic elegance and create an atmosphere of comfort. But what happens if you mentally imagine the interior of a living room with Doric columns? The capital inherent in this order of classical architecture with its stylistic manners will breathe an indescribable atmosphere into the home.

An example of the use of Doric style columns in the interior of a private house

You can choose columns and other styles or so-called orders.

  • Ionic order. Unlike the Doric “male” order, the Ionic is characterized by feminine features and smooth lines. Its distinctive characteristic is the symmetrical capitals twisted into volutes.
  • Doric order. As described above, it has rougher, more masculine features. It is distinguished by a strong thinning of the column trunk, as well as characteristic features flute (vertical grooves on the barrel).
  • Corinthian order. It arose later than the others, so it is richly decorated with decorative elements.

Basic styles of classical columns

Each order is further subdivided into several subgroups that characterize the territorial place of origin and national origin.

This classification is sufficient for a general understanding of the types of columns. Pick up various options You can find such decorative elements for an apartment at a hardware store. Thematic columns are mainly made of polyurethane. But if we talk about luxury, then carved wood has no equal.

Original columns made from tree trunks taken together with the root part

Classic style

Timeless classics look great both in clothing style and in apartment design. At the same time, columns occupy a special place in the interior of the apartment. Their presence adds a certain royal soul to the atmosphere of the room. Thanks to the widespread use of classical antique columns, it is possible to create majestic interior Houses. It could be baroque, with its flashy excess, made in white and pink tones with golden inserts and frames. In this case, the columns occupy a primary place.

Stylish marble columns in a classic country house living room

The colonnade involved in the delimitation of residential areas is made mainly of polyurethane, since it is light in weight, and great opportunities by choice of capital pattern. A good solution would be to equip the bedroom with half-columns or pilasters. To do this, it is necessary to install half-columns into the wall, thereby creating a certain niche into which a sleeping bed will later become. At the same time, furniture is selected after choosing the design of decorative columns.

Architectural forms made of polyurethane are easy to install and affordable

Important! Before installing such columns, it is necessary to decide in advance color scheme and stylistics. This is necessary to select the color composition of the columns, since polyurethane tends to change color when sunlight hits its surface.

Wooden column between kitchen and living room

Wooden columns in the interior will find wide application in such classic styles like old England style. Polished furniture facades, wall panels, as well as columns painted in dark brown shades - a visiting card of this style. Installing wooden columns in a classic interior makes it possible to equip them with bookshelves open or closed type, mini bar or shelf for open storage guilt.

Wooden columns can be coated with colored or clear varnish depending on the style of the interior

In addition to hallways and rooms, a column is installed in the interior of the kitchen and bathroom.

The bar counter of the kitchen space can have one supporting point in the form of an antique column of the Ionic order. In this case, it is possible to position the column both along its entire length (from floor to ceiling) and partially.

Column in a modern interior

Columns in a modern interior perfectly combine functionality and stylistic relevance. Loft style involves decorating a room like an old, abandoned factory warehouse. In this case, decorative columns made of concrete or brick are suitable. Additional items will not be required, since loft implies some minimalism in its manifestation.

Concrete column with untreated surface

Natural stone is durable and looks beautiful in any light

Column in bright interior should draw attention to itself. Minimalism implies broad application white, and this creates the effect of increasing space. This will require an accent, which will be achieved through a matte-colored column (mainly dark colors). It can be installed in both metal and brickwork(or concrete).

An interesting solution would be to add Scandinavian style your living space with decorative columns.

Column made of natural stone in a Scandinavian style interior

Choosing a location

As already described earlier in the article, a wonderful option is to install semi-columns in the wall of the bedroom. Here there are great opportunities for choosing design, lighting, wall niches and promising photo wallpapers.

Interior doorways are replaced by arches with patterned architraves mounted on tall antique columns thinned to the ceiling.

Decorating a doorway with columns in a classic style

Paired columns as space dividers

Colonnaded zoning seems possible in the construction of large studio apartments. In this case, the columns are decorated with lighting ( wall lamps) and other decorative elements that complement and emphasize the overall style idea of ​​the room.

Columns can be used to zone studio apartments, large halls and ordinary rooms

Columns in Art Nouveau style

For example, you can install a small fountain between two columns and throw goldfish there.

The arrangement of columns is modern trend in organizing a beautiful and richly furnished living space in the modern world. And thanks to the use of inexpensive materials, ancient antique columns have now become available to anyone.

Video: how to come up with columns for your interior