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 transform any interior beyond recognition. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features of this decor.
Most important functions
Modern decorative columns are massive architectural structures. As a rule, they have a cylindrical shape. As in ancient times, their main function is to support arches, beams and other load-bearing elements. In addition, they can be used to hide engineering and technical communications located in an inconvenient place. In such cases, the columns help not only to correct the interior defect, but also to decorate the room in an original way. Their decorative function lies in the ability to exquisitely emphasize the features of the chosen style direction.
The presence of such structures allows you to visually adjust the space. To non-standard modern functions assigned to thesedecorative elements, you can classify the zoning of the room. With their help, you can visually separate the living room and kitchen. In addition, secret boxes, shelves or mini-bars are often equipped inside false columns.
Materials used to make these structures
Most often seen in modern interiors:
- Concrete columns. Products made 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 bas alt, granite or marble are quite expensive, but despite this, they are widely used in the process of decorating 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.
- Designs made of artificial stone, characterized by rich colors. Imitations of jade, granite, malachite and granite products are often made from this material.
How to choose?
First of all, you need to focus on your own financial capabilities. So, decorative columns made of natural material will costmuch more expensive than artificial analogues. In addition, professional designers recommend taking into account the functional purpose of the future design and the overall style of the room. For example, products designed to decorate a bedroom can be made from polyurethane foam. If the design will be part of the architectural layout of the building, then it is better to opt for more durable materials, such as concrete or bas alt.
As for the location of such decor, it depends on the condition and parameters of the room. So, the columns in the studio apartment will allow you to visually separate the corridor and the living room. They can also complement the design of the kitchen, in which there is a bar counter.
Recommendations for choosing the right style
The most organic 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 the Empire style, it is customary to use structures with a huge amount of stucco. In ethno-style rooms, you can often see perfectly straight columns.
The basis of any interior, in which there are such architectural elements, should be an organic combination of all components. Well-chosen and properly placed columns made of plaster or other suitable material will create a special atmosphere.
Variety of designs
In the design of modern interiors, you canuse several different versions of similar products.
To divide the premises into certain functional areas, it is recommended to use colonnades. A room in which these 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 zone in which there are similar structures is divided into several parts. Paired columns do not carry any functional load. As a rule, they are assigned a purely aesthetic role.
The so-called semi-columns are the best suited for the visual delineation of space. They allow you to focus on any one detail of the interior.
In which 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 design of the house, then it cannot be disposed of by doing independent redevelopment of the room. In such cases, it is recommended to find the best option that allows you to successfully beat it in the interior.
Install such decor should only be in spacious rooms. Massive columns are out of place in small-sized rooms, in which there is a struggle for every square centimeter of free space. In this situation, an exception can only be made for polyurethane products that serve as a fireplace decoration.
Columnslook harmonious in studio apartments. They will give any room an original and solemn look. These architectural objects are immediately in the center of attention of guests. In order not to make a mistake with the choice of the column, it is advisable to use the help of a specialist. He will not only recommend the best option, but also make a quick and high-quality installation.
