Sep 27/12

Columns in the interior - a return through the centuries

As you know, fashion has a habit of coming back. This applies to clothes, shoes, hairstyles, and, to no lesser extent, interior design. Decorators are increasingly striving to elevate the minimalism of ultra-modern materials and solutions with the help of elegant antique elements. Today at the peak of popularity - antique columns in modern interior.

Such a detail adds grandeur and grace to even the most unprepossessing room and invariably evokes associations with ancient Greek temples and luxurious Roman baths. True to columns in the interior“worked” for a common idea, the classical principles of their construction often have to be sacrificed.

Columns in the interior - a bit of history

The column - a symbol of ancient and classical architecture - is a cylindrical pillar that serves not so much as a decoration, but to support load-bearing structures. Distinguish between the base of the column and its upper, decorative part, often decorated with bas-reliefs. In ancient Greek and Roman temples, snow-white marble columns were used immediately in large numbers, creating reliable support roof and, at the same time, making the monumental building dynamic, as if “floating” in the air. During classicism, both the practical and aesthetic value of this architectural element was actively exploited: massive pillars supported high stucco ceilings, and their upper part served as an additional decoration for rich interiors. As in ancient times, the columns were made of marble and valuable types of stone.

Today columns in the interior houses or apartments can perform all their classic tasks, only their appearance has changed a little.

Columns in a modern interior photo

What are columns for interiors made of today

Classic columns made of massive stone or marble in a modern interior are not so common, mainly because due to high cost And heavy weight raw materials, the manufacture of such a decorative element can take a long time and cost the owner a pretty penny. However, marble columns are still the most fashionable and stylish accent in the interior.

Of the cheaper materials, limestone and basalt are popular. Facing columns for the most luxurious interiors can be carried out using onyx, jasper, jadeite, lapis lazuli and other semi-precious ornamental stones. If the supporting function of the columns in the interior is not important, it is quite an economical solution to replace the real columns with lightweight and inexpensive plasterboard imitations.

Decorative plasterboard columns

Decorative columns photo

Today, various wooden columns in the interior have become popular - carved, glued, made of timber, as well as in the form of balusters. In many cases, wooden columns still serve as a reliable support for the building, but no less often they are used as a decorative component of the interior.

Carved wooden columns in the interior

For eco-style interiors, as well as country and rustic style, rough wooden columns are perfect, creating a feeling of unity with nature.

In a classic interior, carved columns with a certain symmetrical pattern are often found.

In a modern interior, columns made of polished beams will look good.

Functions of columns in a modern interior

The main tasks of the columns in the design of the room have not changed much. They are mainly used for supporting and masking load-bearing structures, visual correction of the proportions of the room, as well as for. As for innovations, today the surface of the columns can also be used to place color and texture accents in the room, and even as quite utilitarian items.

They will be an excellent way out if, for example, in the interior of the living room there are unsuccessfully located and conspicuous communication facilities. Everyone knows how such unpleasant little things spoil a thoughtful design with love, and columns can successfully hide them from prying eyes. If you are designing a house from scratch, and there is a very large load on the ceiling of the room, heavy, but at the same time, elegant-looking columns will take on some of the weight.

As for the visual expansion of space, columns have no equal here: representing vertical lines, they, according to a well-known law, “pull” the room up. For example, arranged in a row around the perimeter of the room, these slender, graceful designs can visually add height to the ceiling.

One of the modern functions of columns in any interior is space zoning. There are a lot of options for using this technique. So, columns can be "circled" dining area, separating it from the kitchen and living room, or place two columns on the sides of it, turning it into the real center of this room. Another way is to decorate a hall or entrance to a room with a series of columns.

If in ancient times the columns were mostly smooth and snow-white, or had a marble texture, today the color and texture variety applicable to the design of columns in the interior simply knows no bounds. For example, columns can be covered or painted in a contrasting or consonant color with the overall color scheme, or even decorated with real painting. You can highlight the magnificence of such columns, which can be called the proud word "art object", with the help of a backlight mounted in the ceiling.

I would like to add a few words about very unconventional ways of how to beat the columns in the interior of modern housing. Given the tendency of fashion designers to practicality, the false column hollow inside can be used as a locker or stand for appliances, and by placing it on it, you can equip a real mini-bar in it. Semi-columns, in turn, can be used as an elegant and original support for furniture - tables, armchairs, chairs, and even cabinets.

What room will decorative columns fit into?

You can use columns today in the design of any room: the interior of a living room with columns can be called classic, but these elements will look no less advantageous in the hall, bedroom, or even in the bathroom.

Do you want to bring into the interior notes of sublimity, spirituality, aristocracy? Complement interior decoration columns. The result will surprise and delight you. Having applied columns at home once, you will never want to part with them again.
What functions does this interior element perform? What styles are used? What is it made from? Is it possible to use columns in small apartments? How can you "hide" a load-bearing column? An ambiguous design element raises many questions.
The attitude to the columns in the interior as to the elements of only the palace style is a thing of the past. Their use in the premises of home, office, public is becoming more widespread. And, not in vain. Columns in the interior are worthy to decorate our lives every day.

Support or decorative element

The ancient architects were extraordinarily skillful in the use of columns. They created magnificent grandiose colonnades of temples, public buildings, houses of the nobility, royal apartments.
Perhaps that is why for several millennia the history of architecture considered columns as interior and exterior elements of luxury and power.

Here lies not only the status rank, but also the meaning of self-awareness, self-esteem of the owner of the house. Try to stand next to some grandiose column, for example, the Winter Palace, or walk along the colonnade of the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

The classical column consists of three main parts - the base, the body and the capital. The base is the base of the column, when used as a support, the base carries a significant load. The body is a pillar that connects the top and bottom. The capital is the upper part, richly decorated in the classic version.

Richly decorated columns look best in rooms with a high ceiling height - from 290 cm and above.

With the advent of lightweight polyurethane foam products, the use of columns as decorative design details has become possible in high-rise buildings, small apartments. Any column, even standing alone, "crushes" the surrounding space. With compositions of two or three columns, it is convenient to delimit the room, highlighting individual parts, while maintaining a sense of integrity.

Colonnades with big amount elements are almost never used by modern architects, unless required by the design of the entire building. Comfort, a high level of quality of life requires the laying of a large number of communications going through all floors of buildings. Hiding cables, pipes inside the column is an original, sometimes the only acceptable design solution.

Considering the columns as a decorative detail, it is worth including here the semi-columns. Semi-columns do not carry a support load. They are attached to the wall, performing decorating and zoning functions, while retaining all the aesthetic decorativeness inherent in entire columns.
Low columns from 80 cm and above complement the interior in an original way. They are used as tables, stands for vases, sculptures, bowls.

Epoch? Style? Direction?

Noble classic

The classical interior with antique columns was based on Greek samples - Doric, Ionic, Corinthian styles. The decoration of the base, body, capitals not only has not changed, moreover, good taste requires exact adherence to Greek ideals.

mysterious east

Impressive colonnades connected by arches are an integral element of oriental architecture. In contrast to classical restraint, the body of the eastern column is richly decorated with mosaics, ornaments, and bright colors.

Modern interior trends

Minimalist style, hi-tech, loft - did not bypass the columns. These styles involve a large free space, a significant height. The columns here act as floor supports. Most often, these are simple poles, finished in accordance with the style of the room - metal (like silver, nickel, chrome, copper), clinker "like aged brick", concrete with traces of formwork.
The latest trend is the use of backlighting in glass columns with bubbles.

rustic styles

In the good old Provence, Russian rustic style, and other ethnic styles, wood and rough wood are preferred for finishing columns. a natural stone.
The columns can be completely wooden, and the “stone” finish on various bases (concrete, polyurethane foam, drywall, false column) is made with materials imitating stone.

Using semi-columns, columns, decorate them based on the style of the entire room, and any, even the simplest stand, will become a “highlight”.

Suitable ... materials for the manufacture of columns

Traditionally, the elements of the column were cut out of stone - marble, granite, travertine. Local stone was used, from nearby deposits, because heavy stone blocks are difficult to transport over long distances. The body of the column was assembled from several parts, the seams between them were tightly rubbed, the column looked monolithic.

How to hide a column that is not needed

The design features of some buildings suggest a large floor area with a small number of partitions and bearing walls. It is difficult to do without a support such as a massive column in the middle of the room under such conditions. If the column does not correspond to the general style of the room, it makes sense to decorate it.

Unusually advantageous compositions of semi-columns combined with photo wallpapers. By choosing a drawing of a suitable style, you can transform any, even the tiniest room, for example, a hallway. A small street, a piece of a garden or the canals of Venice will harmoniously enlarge and refresh the space, thanks to the framing with semi-columns.

Having comprehended the ideas of ancient architects, having selected the appropriate modern technological materials, it is possible to turn a gray concrete and glass building into a luxurious palace, an oriental harem, a brutal loft or ... a beautiful garden.

So what is the secret of using columns in the interior? They give volume, turn a flat image into 3D, create a stereo effect, set the rhythm of space, and therefore make the interior alive, real.

Since time immemorial, columns have been an integral element classic interiors made with elements of antiquity. It is through the use of columns that designers achieve the sublimity inherent in interiors that are made in classical style. Creating projects of modern interiors, designers still pay tribute to antiquity, thanks to which they saw the light of many unique stylistic concepts with elements of antiquity, in which the 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 the columns play the role of load-bearing elements, which necessitates the solution of a difficult but very interesting task, the essence of which is to adapt the columns as one of the main structural elements to a certain stylistic concept. interiors. At the same time, 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 these modern styles, not only emphasize their technogenicity and functionality, but also give them a special, peculiar only to these areas, expressiveness. 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 the presence of load-bearing supports, stylized columns in the art deco interior will become that juicy accent that not only emphasizes the uniqueness of the style, but also streamlines the space. Often about columns and about options their decorations are remembered only when they acquire housing, design features which imply the presence of load-bearing columns, which is not possible to get rid of. In this case, the owners are faced with a choice: competently decorate the columns and turn them into a “highlight” of the interior, or disguise, as many believe, awkward pillars located in the middle of the room. Which solution will be the most beneficial? You can make your choice by reading the materials of this article.

Historical sketch or tribute to antiquity

Translated from the Latin column (“columna”) means a pillar, which is mainly characterized by a cylindrical shape, but it is not uncommon for a column to be round, square and polyhedral. From ancient times, columns were considered a symbol of ancient and classical architecture and were supporting structures, which later began to perform a decorative function. The column as an architectural element consists of three main parts:

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

• The capital is the upper 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 which the capital is decorated. This is a volute, which is a spiral curl, and a palmette - a symmetrical ornament in the form of palm leaves, and royal 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 a reliable support for the roof 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 propped up high ceilings, decorated with numerous stucco moldings, which significantly increased the overall weight of the structure and, as a result, needed support. Decorated with bas-reliefs, such columns were made of marble and other expensive types of stone. To date, designers are actively using 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 housing of a small area.

Columns in the apartment photo

Materials for the manufacture of 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 the 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 among both famous designers and beginners, due to the fact that this material is easy to work with. The main advantages of the material are as follows:

• In view of the lightness of the material and ease of handling, even a beginner can work with polyurethane;
• Columns, for the manufacture of which polyurethane was used, can be painted in a wide variety of colors and at the same time do not think about choosing specialized paints and varnishes, but purchase the most affordable acrylic paints;
• Polyurethane is an ideal choice for those who plan to install a column decorated with many decorative elements in their apartment, since polyurethane can easily be used to make the most small parts bizarre shape;
• Polyurethane columns, which you can buy in a network of retail stores at low prices, also can be custom made according to your sketch;
• Like all materials, polyurethane is also characterized by disadvantages, the main of which is a change in color a few years after the initial installation of the columns.

Gypsum

It is considered a classic material for the manufacture of columns, which means that it remains popular among designers who already have experience in the manufacture of supporting structures in the interior. Columns made of gypsum are easy to restore, 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. It is possible to eliminate the shortcomings that form during the work thanks to grinding, which can also be carried out by a specialist who previously worked in this field.

columns video

The functional purpose of the columns in the interior of the apartment

• Decorative function - the most common role of columns in modern interiors, which can be played with the most different ways described below;

• Masking of load-bearing structures or unsightly communications located in places accessible to prying eyes;
• Space zoning. The most common examples of the implementation of this function of columns are the following: with the help of columns they decorate the entrance to the room or visually separate the dining area, surrounding it with columns;

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

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

Columns: design variations

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

• Colonnades, a variation of which are arched colonnades;
• Paired columns and columns united by an arch;
• Semicolumn.

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

Paired columns are the traditional way of organizing columns in a room. For example, columns are installed on both sides of a fireplace, window or flight of stairs. In the event that paired columns are located near opposite walls, they will also effectively cope with the role of space zoning, highlighting zones with different functional purpose. By combining the columns with an arch, you will even more clearly indicate the division of space into zones. In the event that there are sharp protrusions of the walls in the room, which 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 columns that creates unity with the overall stylistic concept. The choice of materials is also determined by the same considerations. For example, stylization under the antique style is carried out using inexpensive materials that imitate stucco molding, characterized by high-quality decorative finishes.

Half columns are an imitation of columns protruding from a wall. Despite the existing external differences, the functional roles of columns and semi-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 strict requirements for fastening, due to the absence of a functional load on them. It is enough just to fix them against the wall, and they will become no less expressive interior detail.

Columns are often an essential element of open-plan spaces. However, in order for the column to become an organic detail of the interior, made in one style or another, and create the impression of a coherent picture, it must be beaten, 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

It will be nice if the column, located next to the familiar route through the house, is pleasant to the touch, and you want to touch it. For example, wrap a wooden column with rough rope from below and 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 cat family live.

Tip #2: Cover the center column with decorative stone

If your room has a column of impressive size, bet on its cladding decorative stone. This will not only remind you of the original purpose of the column, but also add originality to the interior due to the contrasting combination of rough stone and softer material used to decorate the room. In addition, this will become an actual design technique, which implies a combination of interior and exterior decoration of the room due to a small interspersing of materials for finishing the facade into the interior of the room.

Tip #3: Convert two adjacent columns into a shelving unit, wine cabinet, or media center

In a modern interior, it is popular to use two adjacent columns in the form of a rack designed for decorative figurines or commemorative photographs. And if a home-made rack is sheathed 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 a cozy corner for family or friends gatherings, surround it with a cabinet body, turning it into an ideal place to store wine, books or CDs, depending on the location of the column.

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

Tip #4: Turn a Column into a Room Divider and Delimit Your Intimate Space

If several columns are located between two spaces characterized by different functional purposes, install a cabinet or shelving between them, which will not only visually delimit the space into zones, but also become an excellent storage place 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: Creating Contrast Between Styles and Materials

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

Columns equipped with a niche need electric lighting, which will allow you to use a decorative niche to display your favorite artwork or sculpture. And a fashionable technique borrowed from shoe stores is the design of 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 get changed.

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

For example, durable wooden poles can be used as load-bearing columns that can be decorated with items dear to your heart or expensive from a historical point of view: posters, artwork, antique dishes and other decorative gizmos. And these are not all ways of decorating columns.

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

The word "column" is primarily associated with the architecture of palaces and ancient temples, but also in modern houses and even apartments, this constructive element is often found. Of course, the primary task of the column is to support the ceiling or roof, making the building more reliable. Without at least a couple of columns, it is difficult to design a large open space.

Why columns in apartments

In apartments that rarely boast a vast area, columns are not so common. In brick-monolithic new buildings, some layouts provide for load-bearing columns (more precisely, pylons - rectangular columns) instead of load-bearing walls. Also, narrow partitions that appear during the demolition of part of the wall can become pylons, if the BTI does not give permission for a full demolition.

Often a column is erected from drywall, even if there is no direct need for it: firstly, this is a great way to hide communications; secondly, p When combining the kitchen and living room or in studio apartments, there are still functional areas. In order for the space to be perceived as structured, these zones must at least be designated - the columns do an excellent job with this. And thirdly, the columns are room for non-standard design solutions both functional and decorative.

It is important to consider: it is not recommended to give additional load to the bearing columns and drill them. But the supporting column can be built around, for example, with drywall or plywood, and this shell can already be loaded.

What can be done with columns?

Let it go

If you want the column to not only zone the space, below you will find some original ideas.

media column

The column is a great place to place a TV and related accessories. For this venture, you need a fairly wide column or partition, and the best place for her - in the combined space of the living room-kitchen. DA decorative column in a studio apartment can be made to rotate so that you can turn the screen towards the kitchen, bed or sofa according to your mood and not buy two TVs.

Rack

The column can be a great place for storage. If the columns are placed in pairs, as is often the case, shelves can be placed between them. If the column is load-bearing and small, it can be surrounded by light shelving. And in a large decorative column, shelves and even drawers can be built into a niche and beautifully illuminated.

bar counter

If the column is located in the kitchen-dining area, it can be used as a fulcrum for the bar or kitchen island. If there are two columns, the countertop can be located just between them.

Wine cabinet

Tall and narrow decorative column with built-in cells in the living room or in the kitchen will be the perfect substitute for a wine cabinet. Such an element will definitely attract the attention of guests.

kitchen niche

Two load-bearing columns placed side by side on the border of the kitchen can be closed with a thin partition on one side: this will turn out to be a convenient niche to hide a refrigerator, mini-bar or food storage cabinet there.

Sit in the hallway

If the column is in a spacious hallway or in the hall, make ottomans around it for sitting. You can hang a mirror on the column itself or attach coat hooks.

Organically fit into the interior

Someone prefers to focus on the column, using it for decorative purposes, someone tries to disguise it and hide it from view. However, many methods go at the junction: for example, by making an art object out of a column, you will select it, but no one will even understand that this is a column. For the most striking effect, use backlighting.

The column can be painted and wallpapered: bright or neutral, depending on the purpose. Finishing with the material and color that are used for other surfaces of the room is the key to harmony.

Use materials that are unique to the room and give additional meaning. For example, paint a column with slate paint to make notes on it. Or, for the same purpose, sheathe it with cork material. I, as the owner of a couple of cats, especially liked the idea of ​​wrapping a column with coarse rope: it is not only beautiful and natural, but also can be used as a scratching post.

Add decorative elements: posters, hanging plants, lamps, interesting objects. If you have been looking for a place for a long time, then this is it!

To make the column merge with the room, decorate it with mirrors or mirror mosaics. Make sure that this does not spoil the overall image of the interior.

If the column is close to the wall, connect them with a partition and make them in a nook working area or cozy corner.

A completely unfortunate column? Hide it in the closet. Just make the doors opaque, not as in the example below.

Quartblog Digest

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We are considering the luxurious apartments of the actress in New York.

Unusual mother-of-pearl kitchen and bathroom, cabinets and shelving as partitions, brick walls and classic columns, plush gray furniture and luscious green accents.

Photos: homeinteriorhelp.com, lubimyjdom.ru, freshome.com, home-designing.com, better-house.ru, inhomes.ru, design-homes.ru, beeyoutifullife.com