Columns in the interior — 90 photos of the best ideas of elegant design and decor

The usual associations with columns in the interior are classic style, luxury and sophistication. However, modern trends allow them to be used in rooms decorated in a variety of styles – from high-tech to modern. They are becoming more widespread, remaining the embodiment of luxury and rich decoration. Photos of columns in interiors allow you to see how organically this element can fit into everyday reality.

Summary of the article:

In ancient times, columns served as supporting structures, and only later began to play a decorative role in the interior. The classical column consists of three parts:

bases – or bases (lower part);
trunk (central part);
capitals (upper part).

The lower and upper parts may sometimes be missing. The capital is the most decorative element of the column, decorated with elegant ornaments, regal bas-reliefs.

Modern columns can have the following design options:

colonnades;
paired columns (or united by one arch);
half columns.

Paired columns are a classic option. Usually they are placed on both sides of the fireplace, window or stairs. Installation to opposite walls makes it possible to delimit the space by dividing it into functional zones. If they are united by an arch, this effect is enhanced.

Most often, paired columns have only a decorative function, participating in the design as an element uniting the space into a single zone, emphasizing the overall style.

Colonnades. This type of columns is a great way to unobtrusively zone the space. If their location is determined at the construction stage, they can become a supporting structure, also carrying a functional load.

Semi–columns - imitate columns protruding from the walls. The role in the interior is actually the same – creating a visual accent, zoning the room. Framing a fireplace or window with them, fixing it against the wall, is very easy, since they do not carry any functional load. They look no less expressive in the interior than traditional ones.

Interior design using columns can radically transform a room. With their help, it is easy to make a spectacular accent where necessary.

Keep in mind that the shapes and sizes of columns significantly affect the perception of space. Tall, thin structures bring more grace to the interior, visually expand the space and increase the room in height.

Thick ones, on the contrary, are able to visually reduce the room. However, they give it a fundamental character, create a sense of strength and reliability.

Types of materials for manufacturing

Natural materials used since ancient times – stone, granite, metal or marble. Experts recommend giving preference to them if the columns will carry the load as supporting structures. Given the high cost of such materials, it is better to limit yourself to artificial ones for decorative purposes.

Gypsum (drywall). A popular material for the manufacture of columns. Its big plus is that it is easy to carry out restoration, restoring the structure, adding decorative elements, decorating it in a new way.

Architects are happy to work with plaster structures. From drywall, you can easily make columns in the interior with your own hands. The disadvantage of materials is the inability to use in outdoor work and decoration of rooms with high humidity.

Polyurethane. Due to the simplicity of working with polyurethane and affordable prices for it, it is used very often. The material allows you to decorate decorative columns with the smallest details of bizarre shapes, as well as paint them in any colors with ordinary acrylic paint.

Finished products made of polyurethane can be purchased in specialized stores or made to order – according to your own sketch. They do not weigh much, they are easy to mount. For these reasons, they are considered the best option for the design of apartments.

When deciding on a choice, focus on the possibilities of your budget, because natural materials are much more expensive than analogues. Take into account the functionality, the general style of the room. If they require the use of materials with greater strength, it is better to stop at basalt or concrete.

Style Recommendations

First you need to decide on the style in which the room will be decorated. Depending on the direction, a different approach to decoration is required. Let's look at the nuances of the design of columns in the interiors of the most common styles.

Art Deco

A style that combines the features of Baroque and antiquity, sometimes modern. The shape of the columns should be strict, the clarity of the lines is observed.

In the upper and lower parts they can be decorated with plaster stucco (gypsum will successfully replace polyurethane). If we talk about color, white is preferable, the classic version.

Baroque

The decoration of the columns with gold paint or marble will look great here. This will make the interior luxurious. Venetian plaster imitating stone is perfect.

Retro

In this case, the finish will be rough, not luxurious. It can be natural stone or imitation, aged wood.

Practical style. An excellent solution would be the use of flexible tiles, which can be fixed on any coating, including drywall. Traditionally, wood, stone or its imitation are used.

Oriental style

The design of columns using mosaics is one of the best options for this style. Imitation of a stone will perfectly fit into the situation.

Hi-tech

This style requires unexpected and original ideas. For example, futuristic ones: illuminated glass columns filled with liquid with air bubbles moving upwards.

The main recommendations are to use metal, create shiny surfaces that reflect light.

Loft

Clear square and rectangular shapes will be appropriate here. Imitation of brickwork and concrete, rough plaster are suitable for decoration.

Interesting ideas for decorating

In order for the column to successfully blend into the situation, becoming part of the whole picture, sometimes creative solutions are needed

an actual technique is a combination of rough stone finishing with soft materials;
columns installed nearby can be easily converted into a homemade shelving;
by using columns, you can arrange a niche to accommodate a TV or a music center;
properly equipped lighting can highlight a decorative niche inside, where a painting, antique tableware or sculpture will be located;
even more effectively, you can delimit the space by placing a cabinet or shelving between the columns.

Use your imagination to beat this interior detail as profitably as possible. Modern features allow you to decorate your home based on any taste preferences.