How To Decorate Around Columns

Columns, while architecturally significant, can present decorating challenges. They can interrupt sightlines, disrupt furniture placement, and create awkward, unusable spaces. However, with thoughtful planning and creative solutions, columns can be integrated seamlessly into a room's design, becoming attractive focal points rather than obstacles.

One of the most effective strategies for decorating around columns is to embrace their presence and highlight them as architectural features. This can be achieved by painting the columns a contrasting color that complements the wall color, creating a visual distinction that draws the eye. Alternatively, applying textured finishes, such as faux bois or Venetian plaster, can add depth and interest, transforming the columns into statement pieces.

If the goal is to minimize the visual impact of the columns and help them blend into the surrounding space, painting them the same color as the walls is recommended. This creates a sense of continuity and minimizes their prominence. This technique is particularly effective in smaller rooms where minimizing visual clutter is desired.

Strategically placed lighting can be utilized to enhance the aesthetic appeal of columns. Uplighting, positioned at the base of the column, can create a dramatic effect, emphasizing its height and architectural detail. This approach works particularly well with textured or intricately designed columns. Downlighting, placed above the column, can create a softer, more ambient illumination, highlighting the surrounding area.

For load-bearing columns that cannot be removed, incorporating them into furniture layouts can be a practical solution. Columns can serve as natural dividers between different functional areas within an open-plan space. For instance, a column could be positioned between a living area and a dining area, creating a subtle visual separation without obstructing the flow of the space.

Built-in shelving units can be designed around columns, transforming them into functional storage solutions. This is particularly effective for columns located near walls. The shelves can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of the column and the overall style of the room, providing display space for books, artwork, or decorative objects. This approach maximizes vertical space and adds practical functionality to the column.

Columns can also be used as anchors for decorative elements. Hanging artwork or mirrors directly on the column's surface can create a striking focal point. Care should be taken to select pieces that complement the column's size and shape. For example, a large, vertical artwork can emphasize the height of a slender column, while a series of smaller, framed prints can create a gallery wall effect.

Plants can be strategically placed around columns to soften their appearance and add a touch of nature to the space. Tall, slender plants, such as potted trees or large ferns, can be placed at the base of the column to create a vertical element that complements its structure. Trailing plants can be hung from brackets attached to the column, adding a cascading effect that softens its hard edges.

Creating a visual connection between columns and other architectural elements can help integrate them seamlessly into the room's design. For instance, if the room features arched doorways or windows, echoing the curve of the arch in the decorative treatment of the column can create a cohesive and harmonious look. This might involve adding curved molding or applying a decorative paint treatment that mimics the arch's shape.

Textiles can also play a role in decorating around columns. Drapery panels can be hung from the ceiling and draped around the column, softening its lines and adding a touch of elegance. This approach is particularly effective for columns located near windows or in areas where a sense of privacy is desired. The fabric chosen should complement the overall color scheme and style of the room.

When decorating around columns in a dining area, consider using them to define the dining space. A column can be positioned at the head of the dining table, creating a visual anchor for the space. Alternatively, two columns can be used to frame the dining area, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy.

Mirrors can be strategically placed near columns to enhance the sense of space and light. Placing a large mirror opposite a column can create the illusion of a wider room, minimizing the column's visual impact. Mirrors can also reflect light, brightening the area around the column and making the space feel more open and airy.

Incorporate the column into a room divider. A partial wall, a bookcase, or even a large piece of furniture can be attached to the column, creating a defined separation between different areas within a room while incorporating the column seamlessly into the design.

Ultimately, the most effective approach to decorating around columns will depend on the specific architectural features of the space, the desired aesthetic, and the functional needs of the room. By carefully considering these factors and exploring creative solutions, columns can be transformed from potential design challenges into attractive and functional elements of the interior design.