What are decorative columns made of?
Decorative columns made of inexpensive materials are highly appealing and come in various forms appropriate for simple interior design and décor in a minimalist style, classic and elegant home interiors, and relaxing rooms in a country home. Hardwood, stone, and marble are excellent choices for bearing big loads.
What is a column in architecture?
A column is a cylindrical support that is usually a structural element. Columns used in architecture support a section of an entablature, which is the upper horizontal part of a classical building.
What are the parts of a Doric column called?
The architrave of a Doric column is divided into three pieces, just as a cornice is. These pieces are called the guttae, the regulae, and the taenia. Eastern Greece is where the Ionic order was first established.
What is aluminium columns?
Aluminum – is an affordable, strong, yet lightweight material that can bear loads up to 43,000 pounds. Aluminum is a maintenance free column that is factory powder coated against surface oxidation/discoloration and are available in multiple factory-applied paint finishes.
What is the top piece of a column called?
In architecture the capital (from the Latin caput, or "head") or chapiter forms the topmost member of a column (or a pilaster). It mediates between the column and the load thrusting down upon it, broadening the area of the column's supporting surface.
What is the decorative top of a post called?
The perimeter of the beam is typically concealed by a piece of flat trim, known simply as a frieze board. The decorative uppermost part of the post or column. (Its name derives from the Latin caput, meaning "head.")
What are parts of a column called?
A column consists of a shaft together with its base and its capital. The column supports a section of an entablature, which constitutes the upper horizontal part of a classical building and is itself composed of (from bottom to top) an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
What is decorative column?
Decorative columns are vertical columns that are included in the decorating scheme of a space as a way of adding visual interest. Unlike supporting or architectural columns, a decorative column is not present to provide any type of practical function.
What is the top of a post called?
A finial or hip-knob is an element marking the top or end of some object, often formed to be a decorative feature.
What is the porch roof called?
The most common porch roof is a gable roof. The gable roof is a triangle-shaped roof that projects along a ridge down the center of the enclosure.
What is the top of a Doric column called?
Doric-style columns were typically placed close together, often without bases, with concave curves sculpted into the shafts. Doric column capitals were plain with a rounded section at the bottom (the echinus) and a square at the top (abacus).
What is the term used to refer to the crown of a column?
Used to support an arch, an impost, or pier, is the topmost member of a column.
What is pediment in architecture?
pediment, in architecture, triangular gable forming the end of the roof slope over a portico (the area, with a roof supported by columns, leading to the entrance of a building); or a similar form used decoratively over a doorway or window. The pediment was the crowning feature of the Greek temple front.
How do you decorate a wall column?
Let's look closer at the 17 ways to decorate a column in the middle of your room.Paint. Painting your column the same color as the rest of the walls in your room can create a cohesive look to your space. ... Molding. Adding molding to your column can give it a classic sophisticated look. ... Tile. ... Brick. ... Wood. ... Stone. ... Marble. ... Mirror.More items...•
What is column design?
Column design is an important part of designing any building. The column is the main supporting structural member of any building. Column: Column is defined as a compression member which has an effective length greater than its least lateral dimension.
What is a capital on a pillar?
capital, in architecture, crowning member of a column, pier, anta, pilaster, or other columnar form, providing a structural support for the horizontal member (entablature) or arch above. In the Classical styles, the capital is the architectural member that most readily distinguishes the order.
1 Doric, Ionic and Corinthian Columns
Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns were invented by the Greeks. The Doric column is the oldest and simplest column and can be seen in the Parthenon, which is a temple in Athens. This column is fluted, meaning, having vertical grooves, a smooth rounded capital, and no separate base, also called a plinth.
2 Tuscan and Composite Order
Romans invented the Tuscan and Composite orders which are modified versions of the Greek orders. The Tuscan order is a simplified version of the Doric column. It is identifiable by its simple shaft that has no fluting and having an abacus capital.
3 Shaft
The shaft is long and narrow and is the main support of a column. It is found between the capital and the base and is either tapered so that it is thicker near the bottom and thinner as it reaches the top. The shaft of a column can also be fluted or un-fluted.
4 Capital
The capital is found at the top of the shaft and is the decorative element of the column. It divides the impost block, also called the abacus, from the shaft. Columns are identifiable by their capital which are either plain, have acanthus, olive or laurel leaves or scrolls. Some capitals also consist of separate parts.
5 Impost Block or Abacus
The impost block, also referred to as the abacus, is the slab that is found between the capital and the architectural element above it, such as the entablature.
6 Plinth
The plinth is the foot, or the base of the column that rests directly on the stylobate. Plinths differ in design depending on the type of column. Plinths are also used as a platform for different objects such as a pedestal, statue or monument.
What are columns used for?
Columns are used throughout the world for many decorative and structural purposes. However, there are many different types of columns out there. Read this page to get an in-depth view of both classical and modern types of columns.
What is the Doric column?
These column types were one of the more simple types created by the Greeks. However, they were also among the thickest they created. The Doric order began in western Greece and also in the mainland. These columns were typically short, heavy, and organized with round, plain capitals (tops) and no base.
What are the three columns in Greek architecture?
Greek columns are classified in three different styles, or orders. These orders include Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These orders were adopted by the Romans, and this adoption took place in the 1st century BC. Today, these three orders are still used in architecture around the world, especially in European culture. The Doric and Ionic orders were said to have originated around the same time. Ionic order was established in eastern Greece, while the Doric started the west and mainland. Many say that these two orders originated as wooden structures. And soon after 600 BC, the Doric order seemed to have spread across Greece and into Sicily. It’s also important to note that early Greeks were well aware of the use of stone columns in Ancient Egyptian architecture, but these were mostly used in the interior of buildings. In Greece, these stone columns were primarily used as a dominant feature in exteriors.
How many flutes are in a doric column?
Another feature of Doric columns involves the 16 flutes that are channels in the shaft of these structures. Above these channels sits the capital, and above that sits that slab called the abacus, which is connected to the Entablature.
What are the characteristics of ancient Greek architecture?
These columns are known for their impeccable detail, balance, and beautiful art . Greeks loved building. They designed and built many different types of structures, which many of them are still standing today. These Greek buildings had a great sense of art and design, and their passion and work-ethic are still evident in these buildings today. Their dedication and passion for building are mostly due to the fact that they built many structures for their gods. Take a look at some of the different types of columns created by the Greeks:
Which two structures use ionic forms?
Being taller than Doric columns, Ionic structures include an entasis, which is a curvature on the surface that is used solely for decorative art. The Colosseum in Rome (the 2nd level) and the Basilica Palladiana are two famous structures that utilize Ionic form.
Where did the Corinthian style get its name?
The world Corinthian got its name from the city of Corinth in Greece. Out of all of the column types, the Corinthian style is by far the most decorative. And similar to the Ionic order, Corinthian types also have an entasis.
What is the best example of Doric columns?
The Lincoln Memorial, part of the public architecture of Washington, D.C., is a good example of how Doric columns can create a symbolic memorial to a fallen leader.
What is a doric column?
With a plain capital and a fluted shaft, Doric is the earliest and most simple of the Classical column styles developed in ancient Greece. They are found on many Neoclassical public schools, libraries, and government buildings.
What type of columns were used in 19th century homes?
Many 19th century homes of the Neoclassical or Greek Revival style used Ionic columns at entry points. This type of column is more grand than the Doric but not quite as flashy as the Corinthian column, which flourished in larger public buildings.
Why were Corinthian columns rarely used in Greek Revival houses?
Because of their expensive lavishness and scale of grandeur, Corinthian columns were rarely used on Greek Revival houses of the 19th century. When they were used, the columns were scaled down in size and opulence compared with large public buildings.
Why are composite columns considered classical?
Composite columns are considered "Classical" because they are from ancient Rome, but they were "invented" after the Greeks' Corinthian column. If homeowners were to use what might be called Corinthian columns, they may really be a type of hybrid or composite that is more sturdy and less delicate.
What type of columns were used in Antebellum mansions?
Many of the great plantation homes, such as Long Branch Estate, and other Antebellum mansions were constructed with Tuscan columns. Because of their simplicity, Tuscan columns can be found almost everywhere, including on 20th and 21st-century homes.
What is the best material for a Tuscan porch?
For this reason, you can buy them in a variety of materials — solid wood, hollow wood, composite wood, vinyl, wrap-around, and original old wood versions from an architectural salvage dealer.
What are columns used for?
While columns can be viewed simply as an upright pillar used for decorative purposes, or on the exterior of a home to support a roof or within a home to support ceiling beams, there is no minimizing the visual effect that classical or contemporary architectural columns can add to a home’s decor. Depending on the style of columns used, they can add ...
What is aluminum column?
Aluminum is a maintenance free column that is factory powder coated against surface oxidation/discoloration and are available in multiple factory-applied paint finishes.
What is the best material for porch columns?
Here are some pros and cons of several widely used architectural column materials: PVC – is a durable, budget-friendly option for decorative porch columns, and they are moisture, pest, and rot resistant. PVC columns are available in many contours and is also the preferred material for custom-designed columns.
What is PVC column?
PVC columns are available in many contours and is also the preferred material for custom-designed columns. PVC column pricing will usually include the entire assembly for one price and homeowners appreciate how very easy they are to install.
What do exterior columns do to a home?
Besides being a structural support replacement for deteriorated or unattractive front posts, exterior columns will also add a stunning visual effect to your home’s front entrance or front porch. Many homeowners are seeing the value of remodeling the home’s entrance, as a way of increasing curb appeal or establishing true architectural style. While the front porch has declined as a place of outdoor relaxation, it is still what gives a home its distinct character and makes a positive first impression upon visitors.
What do columns add to a home?
Depending on the style of columns used, they can add either graceful elegance or visual power to a home’s entrance or interior. Types of Architectural Columns. One architectural feature that will determine a home’s style of construction is the type of posts or columns installed on the front porch.
How should architectural columns be stored?
They should be stored indoors, in their original shipping crate or stored standing in a safe and dry location. Avoid storing columns in temperatures below 40 degrees F to avoid material becoming brittle and easier to crack.
