Columns in modern rooms
In ancient times, columns served as supporting structures, and only later began to play a decorative role in the interior. The classic column consists of three parts:
- base - or base (lower part);
- trunk (central part);
- capitals (top part).
The bottom and top parts may sometimes be missing. The capital is the most decorative element of the column, decorated with elegant ornaments and regal bas-reliefs.
Modern columns can have the following design options:
- colonnades;
- paired columns (or united by one arch);
- semi-columns.
Paired columns are a classic option. They are usually located on both sides of the fireplace, window or staircase. Installation to opposite walls makes it possible to delimit the space, 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 that unites the space into a single zone, emphasizing the overall style.
Colonnades. This type of column is a great way to unobtrusively zone a space. If their location is determined at the construction stage, they can become a supporting structure, also carrying a functional load.
Half-columns - imitate columns protruding from the walls. The role in the interior is actually the same - creating a visual accent, zoning the room. It is very easy to frame a fireplace or window with them, fixing them against the wall, since they do not carry any functional load. They look no less expressive in the interior than traditional ones.
Interior design using columns can dramatically transform a room. With their help, it is easy to make a spectacular accent where it is needed.
Keep in mind that the shapes and sizes of columns significantly affect the perception of space. Tall, thin designs bring more grace to the interior, visually expand the space and increase the height of the room.
Thick ones, on the contrary, can visually make the room smaller. However, they give it fundamentality and create a feeling of strength and reliability.
Advantages and disadvantages of columns in the interior
The main disadvantage of a column in the interior is that it “steals” free space. Another one concerns the need to take care of its fit into the interior of the room, which requires additional effort from both a physical and material point of view. This is where the disadvantages that it can create for the owner of the premises end. As for the decorative benefits, there are many more. They lie in the ways of “playing around” a given architectural element.
Disguise
This technique will help when the columns in the interior of the room occupy an inappropriate place, that is, it cannot be used for another purpose (dividing the space, displaying it as an elegant element that emphasizes the stylistic direction, using it for another purpose). In this case, there is only one way out - to make it as less noticeable as possible against the general background. There can be several methods for this:
- Lined with mirrors, it will blend in with the rest of the interior and will not be so conspicuous.
- Finish with the material used for the walls.
- Hide behind a curtain, curtain, screen. This can be easily accomplished by choosing a volumetric material suitable for the interior.
Gypsum decor of columns Source www.topdom.ru
Advice! The technique is most often used to “hide” one column. Carrying out a similar procedure with two or more can be problematic.
Zoning
If positioned well, a decorative column can be used as a space delimiter into zones with different functional characteristics. This method will have an additional number of advantages, which were already mentioned earlier:
- The columns do not obstruct the light coming from the windows.
- They do not occupy free space in the room.
- They free the space from the clutter of partitions, making it more spacious and bright.
Vaulted columns as delimiters Source stroyson.ru
Studio divided using decorative columns Source cloudfront.net
Accenting
Use as a decorative element is an excellent option for how to use columns in the interior. There are many ways to implement your plans. The basic rule is to choose the right material and method of cladding that blends favorably with the rest of the room’s design.
One of the options for executing the plan could be decor using finishing materials and attracting attention with the help of artificial lighting. For example, install a lamp at the bottom or top of the element. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is that the light saturation should not be excessive. It is not necessary to illuminate the entire surface of the column; it is enough to direct the beam at one of the protruding faces. This technique is beneficial regardless of its shape, rectangular or rounded.
Practical use
In addition to aesthetic functions, decorative columns can also play a practical role. In particular, they are easy to adapt to specific needs, combining beauty and style with needs. There are many options for execution. Let's look at a few of the most popular solutions:
- Use it as a place to place the TV.
- Organize a magnetic or slate board on it, which will be useful to every family member, and especially children.
- When the column is located next to the wall, away from the passage area, it can be used to easily fix the hammock. This method will turn this area of the room into a full-fledged place to relax. In a similar way, you can use it as one of the points for supporting the fastening of other built-in furniture (kitchen island, bar counter, dining table).
- Arrange a plasterboard structure around it and make niches for storing books, photo frames and other decorative elements.
Column with hammock Source dekormyhome.ru
Important! The need to construct support columns most often arises during the construction of a large country cottage. In this case, you can take care of the location problem in advance and build the project in such a way as to use them profitably in the future.
Art Deco
A style that combines features of baroque and antiquity, sometimes modern. The shape of the columns must be strict and the lines must be clear.
In the upper and lower parts they can be decorated with gypsum stucco (gypsum will successfully replace polyurethane). If we talk about color, white, the classic version, is preferable.
Columns in the interior opening
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A couple of large decorative columns can effectively decorate an interior opening. They may differ from the walls in color or blend into the background. In any case, such columns will add chic and majesty to the room.
Photo: rentalcarnavi.info
High tech
This style requires unexpected and original ideas. For example, futuristic ones: illuminated glass columns that are filled with liquid with air bubbles moving upward.
The main recommendations are to use metal, create shiny surfaces that reflect light.
Wooden column in loft style
A simple and beautiful wooden column is made from several vertical beams. It looks good with a ceiling made of wooden slats, creating a unified style, and does not clutter up the space. Such a column will fit perfectly into the design of the house.
Photo: dezeen.com
Interesting design ideas
In order for the column to successfully blend into the setting, becoming part of the whole picture, sometimes creative solutions are needed
- current technique is a combination of rough stone finishing with soft materials;
- columns installed nearby can easily be converted into a homemade shelving unit;
- using columns, you can create a niche to place a TV or music center;
- with properly equipped lighting, you can highlight a decorative niche inside where a painting, antique dishes or sculpture will be located;
- You can delimit the space even more effectively by placing a cabinet or rack between the columns.
Use your imagination to use this interior detail as profitably as possible. Modern possibilities allow you to decorate your home based on any taste preferences.
Functions of decorative supports in a modern setting
Today, gypsum columns also perform a supporting function - especially for interiors in classical or antique styles, with many heavy stucco elements. But that's not all, because with their help you can:
- Visually raise the ceiling, as the pillars create a vertical line and make the room taller;
- Give any room, be it a bedroom, living room, dining room, hall or even a bathroom, a touch of grace and elegance;
- Divide the space into several zones with different functions, without burdening it with physical partitions and screens;
- Disguise heavy concrete supports, which often do not look so attractive and do not fit into the style concept;
- Hide communication networks, wires and other unsightly elements;
- Enclose the flight of stairs, making it safer for use and additionally providing support for load-bearing structures;
- Create convenient storage spaces, as ledges and niches in support posts can serve as excellent shelves and cabinets for souvenirs and trinkets.
