Columns are multifunctional decorative elements that have come down to our days from the distant past. They are considered an integral part of ancient structures and unrecognizably transform any interior. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features of this decor.
Key Features
Modern decorative columns are massive architectural structures. As a rule, they have a cylindrical shape. As in ancient times, their main function is to maintain arches, beams and other supporting elements. In addition, they can be used to hide engineering communications located in an uncomfortable place. In such cases, the columns help not only to fix the interior defect, but also to decorate the room in an original way. Their decorative function is the ability to exquisitely emphasize the features of the chosen style.
The presence of such structures allows you to visually adjust the space. The non-standard modern functions assigned to these decorative elements include the zoning of the room. With their help, you can visually separate the living room and kitchen. In addition, secret boxes, shelves, or minibars are often equipped inside raised columns.
Materials used for the manufacture of such structures
Most often in modern interiors you can see:
- Concrete columns. Products from this material are highly durable. From unusually plastic concrete, you can create the most unexpected forms.
- Polyurethane columns, characterized by relatively low weight and ease of installation. They are considered the most acceptable option for decorating city apartments.
- Columns made of natural stone. Products made of basalt, granite or marble are quite expensive, but, despite this, they are widely used in the process of registration of private mansions and public buildings.
- Gypsum and drywall columns. The only significant drawback of such products is the ban on their use for outdoor work and for decorating rooms with a high level of humidity.
- Artificial stone structures with rich colors. Imitations of jade, granite, malachite and granite products are often made from this material.
How to decide?
First of all, you need to focus on your own financial capabilities. So, decorative columns made of natural material will cost much more than artificial counterparts. In addition, professional designers recommend taking into account the functional purpose of the future design and the general style of the room. For example, products designed to decorate a bedroom can be made from polyurethane foam. If the design is part of the architectural layout of the building, then it is better to opt for more durable materials, such as concrete or basalt.
As for the location of such a decor, it depends on the condition and parameters of the room. So, the columns in the studio apartment will visually separate the corridor and the living room. They can complement the design of the kitchen, in which there is a bar.
Recommendations for choosing the right style
The most organically look decorative columns in classic interiors. But, despite this, they are present in many other styles. So, Gothic implies the presence of columns with a textured surface and carved elements. In empire, it is customary to use designs with a huge amount of stucco. In rooms designed in ethno-style, you can often see perfectly straight columns.
The basis of any interior in which such architectural elements are present should be an organic combination of all the components. Well-chosen and correctly positioned columns of gypsum or other suitable material will create a special atmosphere.
Variety of designs
In the design of modern interiors, you can use several different options for such products.
To divide the room into certain functional zones, it is recommended to use colonnades. A room in which such elements are present becomes easier to perceive.
To highlight one of the parts of the interior, you can use paired decorative columns. Usually they are installed on the sides of a window, staircase or fireplace. The area in which there are similar designs is divided into several parts. Paired columns do not carry any functional load. As a rule, they are assigned a purely aesthetic role.
For the visual delimitation of space, the so-called half-columns are perfectly suited. They allow you to focus on any one detail of the interior.
In what rooms can columns be installed?
As mentioned earlier, it is important that the design is in harmony with the overall style of the room, its design and color scheme. If the column was conceived by architects as the main supporting element in the construction of the house, then it is impossible to get rid of it, doing independent redevelopment of the room. In such cases, it is recommended to find the best option to successfully beat her in the interior.
To establish a similar decor should only be in spacious rooms. Massive columns are inappropriate in small rooms, in which there is a struggle for every square centimeter of free space. In this situation, an exception can be made only for polyurethane products that serve as a decoration of the fireplace.
The columns look harmonious in studio apartments. They will give any room an original and solemn appearance. These architectural objects are immediately in the center of attention of guests. In order not to be mistaken with the choice of the column, it is advisable to take the help of a specialist. He will not only recommend the best option, but also make a quick and high-quality installation.