Columns were, are and will remain one of the most important architectural and structural elements of the building. However, if we take it in comparison with walls, then the columns have a much more complex structural component associated with the presence of a complex cross-sectional geometry, respectively, and the lining of the columns is also not a simple process.

Also, the column has a limited cladding area and is often very multifaceted, and corner cladding, similar to slope cladding, is one of the most difficult processes for this type of finish. Round columns are also difficult to be lined, they require perfect accuracy in observing the geometry.

Let us consider in more detail what types / methods of their lining are, as well as the main difficulties in this process; the list is:

• facing of square columns;
• lining of polygonal columns;
• facing of round columns;
• facing metal columns of complex shapes.

Cladding of square columns is, in fact, the simplest: there are four planes, which are lined in turn along the lateral guide rails set in advance.

These columns are the easiest to clad both dry and wet, but the easiest option is siding (dry cladding), as all that is required is to align the four corner guides and sew them with siding strips.

Cladding of polygonal columns - the most difficult process that requires special qualifications of the master. The whole difficulty lies in calculating the correct angle of rotation for each face of such a column.

The entire outcome of the work depends on a pre-prepared template, according to which plastering and facing of columns are performed. As for the dry method of facing polygonal columns, although it is not simple, it is much easier than plaster or lining “on a layer”.

Cladding of round columns complicated in that it is a single, closed plane, which must be performed in compliance with the vertical, as well as strict geometry in a circular section.

The main reference point in it is the correctly set two guides, along which the template of the semicircle of the column moves. Accordingly, work is performed in two stages: the first and second half of the column. If we talk about the dry method of facing a round column, then facing products in the form of a semicircle are quite simple to install.

Cladding of metal columns complex shape is reduced, as a rule, to the fact that in the process of preparation for facing it is given a rectangular or square shape. Accordingly, here the most time-consuming stage is preparation for facing.

As a rule, these columns are presented in the form of a T-section, an I-section, a channel and many more complex section shapes, which makes the cladding process “in fact”, as it is, almost impossible, it is incredibly time-consuming; no aesthetics.

It is worth considering the material itself for lining the columns, more precisely, its shape and size, since materials that are correctly selected according to these parameters can facilitate the lining process itself.

Features and types of "wet" lining of columns, advantages and disadvantages

The modern technology of lining columns with a “wet” method, as well as walls, is divided into two stages: preparatory and working. Wherein preparatory stage contains preparation for plastering (when facing "on a layer"), and sometimes the process of plastering itself (if facing will be done "under the comb").

When preparing surfaces, it is important to take into account not only the level, plane, angle of rotation of the faces of the column itself, but also the straightness of the columns, if they go in a row. Thus, first of all, the front and rear faces of the extreme columns are hung, after which, according to the established marks (see “Plastering surfaces”), horizontal cords are pulled along the columns.

Marks of the front and rear faces of the intermediate columns are already placed along these cords, and the side marks on each column will have to be set separately. In this case, as can be seen in the figures, the marks are necessary for the correct positioning of the beacon rails or the template, which is used for plaster preparation for lining "under the comb" or lining "on the layer"; the exception is the lining of the columns with bricks.

Regarding the lining of columns with a wet method various materials, then you can make such a list as the types of lining of the columns:

• tiling of columns;
• facing of columns with stone;
• facing columns with bricks.

- this is a long outdated type of finish, it is the most painstaking and time-consuming.

It is necessary that all the seams and rows converge, it is necessary to perfectly trim the junction in the corners, it is necessary to lay out the plane perfectly smoothly, without “sides”, straightness, much more is needed, and the decorativeness and practicality of such a finish is no better than other types.

Basically, column cladding ceramic tiles carried out indoors, while the column is prepared perfectly, leveled with drywall (“dry plaster”) or “wet”, mortar plaster. To date, its variety is used - porcelain tiles.

is, as it were, an "outlet", a pleasant exception in this difficult task.

The fact is that stone, as a rule, is either laid on the surface of columns in the form of large polished facing blocks, or in the form of products with a natural, chipped structure of deep relief.

In the first case, the simplicity of facing is due to a smaller number of operations for laying facing products, while in the second, due to the relief surface, the eye will not catch all possible deviations.

, that is, in fact, artificial stone, is good in that it excludes surface preparation as such.

The preparatory stage consists of hanging, as a result of which the upper and lower vertical marks of the faces of the columns and their straightness relative to the row are determined.

Bricks for cladding are laid in rows, the main concern in this process is to observe the vertical angles and the thickness of the seam. In addition, the brick can be either with a smooth front surface or with a chipped one, which facilitates the laying process and allows for the possibility of a little skidding.

Features and types of "dry" lining of columns, advantages and disadvantages

When facing columns in a dry way, they are guided by all the same principles and rules for deviations from the level, plane, straightness and angle of rotation of the faces of the columns, as in the case of dry facing. However, as such, there is no division into preparing the surface of the column and facing the column; all work is divided into three stages: hanging, installation of the frame, installation of facing panels on the frame.

Hanging is similar to wet plastering, there is only one nuance here: stamps are made from dowels, and not from mortar or tile pieces. Also, a chopping cord marks the direction lines of future profiles, along which fasteners for them are mounted.

The frame consists of guides - upper and lower, which are mounted first of all and from profiles that are mounted in the last stage of the frame assembly, after installing the holder brackets for them.

After the frame is set to the design position and fixed, cladding products begin to “hang” on it, or rather, on the profile, with the help of special brackets and frame self-tapping screws for metal. As for themselves facing materials for the dry method of facing columns, the list is as follows:

• lining of columns with wood;
• lining of columns with composite panels;
• lining of columns with plasterboard.

implies wooden lining or wooden panels.

In this case, the frame can be made of wooden beams.

Whether this is good or bad is a purely financial and controversial issue, you need to consider how much the material will cost with work + impregnation for water resistance and against insects.

Such a lining itself, depending on the type of wood, can even be healing, unless, of course, it is located inside the house. The rest of the advantages, as they say, "there is no friend for the taste and color", that is, someone likes a tree, someone prefers a stone.

- a frequently used, most modern way of finishing the facade, also referred to as a ventilated facade.

These panels are aluminum cladding products that are mounted on metal carcass using special fasteners so that there are gaps between them.

Thus, there is ventilation inside. In addition to composite panels, plastic, glass, asbestos-cement and porcelain stoneware panels are mounted on the same principle - a new type of finishing materials.

Also for facing rectangular columns there is an excellent material - vinyl siding which is much easier to install.

Plasterboard lining of columns , as you may have guessed, takes place indoors and is intended to align them, but has nothing to do with the finish lining.

For a set of drywall frame, as a rule, a UD-27 guide (27 mm thick) and an SD-70 profile (27 mm thick, 70 mm wide) are used.

Drywall is mounted to the profiles using metal screws with a step of 10 cm. natural stone comb way.

This finish is advantageous when the irregularities of the columns are very large in order to perform their plastering or cladding "on a layer".

We are accustomed to seeing columns in solemn interiors created according to the canons of antique or classical styles. Recently, such architectural elements have begun to gain popularity, and now they can be found in many modern interiors.

Columns in the interior: a little theory

Columns in the interior are a great way to express individuality, emphasize design features and demonstrate a subtle sense of taste.

Types of columns

Columns are divided into several types: colonnades, paired columns, semi-columns. Each of them performs a certain role in the interior.

Colonnade

Such an architectural element as a colonnade is designed to visually divide the space into functional zones. Outwardly, it looks like a series of identical columns, united by a common vault or arch. A colonnade made of durable material can perform not only a decorative role, but also replace a supporting structure.

Paired columns

Paired columns imply a logical arrangement of elements in pairs. Designers use them to emphasize certain architectural features and interior details: door and window openings, a fireplace, flights of stairs. And if the paired columns are combined with an arch, then you can easily zone the room without violating its spaciousness.

half-columns

Another variety is semi-columns. They are placed near the walls and, like the paired columns, are used to highlight objects and architectural elements.

Functional features of columns

Columns in the interior can perform different functions depending on the needs of the home owners. The main purpose is the role of supporting elements. This function is necessary in cases where the design project provides for the rejection of load-bearing walls in favor of open space.

The most popular role of columns is decorative. Increasingly, these architectural elements are used as accent details in the interior, which allow not only to diversify the design, but also visually delimit the room, as well as hide unsightly communications and wiring.

What styles are columns appropriate for?

Columns, selected according to stylistic features, can give originality to the design and emphasize its concept. When drafting a future interior, be sure to take into account the characteristic features that are inherent in the chosen direction.

It implies elegant design, concise forms, lack of pretentiousness. White square columns will look neat and noble, and a simple pattern in the form of elongated rectangles will add grace to them. characteristic feature The classical style is symmetry, so the architectural elements are arranged in pairs.

For original interiors in style or wooden columns will do. It can be both elements from a bar, and supports from an unhewn trunk. columns from natural wood allow you to bring natural motifs into the design and create the comfort of a village house. Wooden structural elements are inherent and . The columns, decorated with skillful carvings, will recreate the atmosphere of fairy tales of 1001 nights in the interior.

Gypsum antique columns and semi-columns located along the wall are a great way to embody in the interior. Snow-white supporting elements look harmoniously against the background of shades of blue and blue flowers that are typical for this trend.

Modern styles embody the spirit of city streets, freedom of expression and the absence of conventions. That is why concrete columns are so popular in interiors. They look very conceptual and unusual. Rough textures, no finishing and decor make stone and columns a good find for decorating modern interiors.

How to beat the columns in the interior?

In pursuit of open space, one has to look for an answer to the question: how to beat the load-bearing structures and make them either visually dissolve or become a focal point in the interior.

Experimenting with styles and materials

The most obvious way to beat the column in the interior is to play in contrast. It can be designed in such a way that it stands out from the background general design. For example, if the interior is designed in a minimalist style with a predominant white color in the decoration, a concrete column will create the desired effect without violating the concept of direction.

What if we bring in modern design classic pylons? Columns opposite in style will create an unusual contrast in the interior and give it interesting features. However, when experimenting with directions, be careful. Not all styles are organically combined with each other, and instead harmonious design you risk getting a tasteless interior.

If the designers of the house intended to use massive supporting structures in the rooms, they can be beaten with the help of. This method is appropriate both for decoration and for a calm style. Depending on the color scheme that prevails in the decoration, brickwork it can be not only a natural shade, but also painted with paint to match the main color.

Columns as a piece of furniture

When the question arises about the design of the interior of the kitchen, many do not suspect that the columns can serve not only as decorative elements. They are often used as the basis for a kitchen island. This layout allows you to visually delimit the room on working area and a dining area.

Another way to play with the column in the interior of the kitchen is to use it as a rack for wine bottles or groceries. Hollow decorative elements are suitable for organizing a storage system.

Support columns often remain in an open-plan living room big size. They will come in handy in order to create a functional media center. Sheathe the structure suitable material, equip it with outlets and a storage system, and all you have to do is hang up the TV and arrange discs with your favorite films in boxes.

Don't know how to beat two closely standing columns? Combine them with shelves, and you will have an original rack at your disposal. The same design can be transformed into a real partition if the back wall is tightly sewn up wood board or drywall. Leave space on the front side for a small ottoman, fasten over it bookshelves, and you get a complete reading nook.

The square column in the corridor can be beaten with poufs. Organize a place for changing shoes by placing an upholstered seat around the support element and several boxes for storing shoes. The columns can also be used as a background for your favorite photos, posters and paintings. Monochromatic architectural elements with a square section are best suited for this.

We hope that our article will help you choose the best option for using columns in the interior.

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 in large numbers, creating a reliable support for the roof and, at the same time, making the monumental building dynamic, as if “floating” in the air. During the time of classicism, both the practical and aesthetic value of this architectural element was actively exploited: massive pillars supported high ceilings with stucco molding, 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 the high cost and heavy weight raw materials production of such decorative element can take a lot of 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 an interior in eco-style, as well as country and rustic style, rough wooden columns are perfect, creating a feeling of unity with nature.

V classic interior often there are carved columns that have a certain symmetrical pattern.

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 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, you can “circle” the dining area with columns, 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 contrasting or consonant with the general color scheme color, or even decorate 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.

The eternal struggle between design and constructive sometimes asks us interesting riddles. It's very easy, while in a trance of anticipation of a new home, to imagine a completely open floor plan of a building, imagining how one room flows into another, giving the impression that your house is much larger than it actually is. But then your architect appears and declares: “Here you will need a column to support the roof!” It's the same shock that the passionate renovation and redevelopment lover feels when he says, "Let's just tear down this wall to get some open space." Here you have to face the concept of "supporting structure".

Indeed, columns are often unavoidable in open-plan buildings. But you always want to somehow beat them so that these constructive elements, if not visually dissolved, then at least bring aesthetic pleasure. In this article, I want to look at just a few of the column designs that will help you get rid of the feeling of a pillar in the middle of the room.

Make the center column pleasant to the touch.

If it is close to your path around the house, it can be nice to touch it at times. A rope was wrapped around this pillar to justify the belief of some feline residents that this large scratching post in the center of the house had been placed especially for them. However, the combination of wood and rope makes the column tactilely pleasant for people too, so much so that when passing by, you want to run your hand along it.

Use the pillar to secure the island.

Consider using a column as a fulcrum to which built-in furniture can be attached, such as kitchen island. Notice in this photo how the floor stays the same and the column, along with the same size ceiling beams, define the kitchen space.

Use a series of columns to mark the difference in floor level.

A row of columns is the ideal place to place one or two steps where the floor level drops. In addition, a series of vertical structures act as a visual cue to look under your feet.

Light up the column.

A niche equipped in a massive column with built-in lighting can be used to display a sculpture or other piece of art.

Decorate your columns.

Imagine the columns themselves as a work of art, and demonstrate artistic painting or woodcarving.

Cover the large column with stone.

The presence of an imposing stone column reminds us of its intended purpose, while at the same time introducing a new tactile material into the interior, which contrasts with the main, more soft material of this room. This, by the way, can be a good idea to connect the internal and exterior finish houses: part of the materials used for the facade of the house can be interspersed in the interior.

Turn the column into a media center.

Not sure where to put your TV in an open-plan apartment? Why not turn a constructive column into a media center? Even if you do not do this right away, it may be wise to place an outlet block near it.

Turn two columns into shelving.

Use the two columns standing next to each other to create a rack for commemorative photographs and figurines. If it is sheathed with the same material from which other built-in furniture is made, no one will even know that these are load-bearing columns.

Make a wine cabinet.

Surround a column standing near a cozy gathering corner with a cabinet body and you will get the perfect place to store wine. Something similar can be done, for example, for shoes, CDs, or something else, depending on the location of the column being decorated.

Make room for a minibar.

Use the column as an opportunity to place a minibar. Thanks to the wide column, you can organize a niche in which he will “hide”.

Let your column tell the story.

Consider using old wooden poles or poles as load-bearing columns (after checking for strength and restoration, of course with your architect).

Make a room divider.

If a row of columns is located between two spaces with different functions, attach a low cabinet or shelving to them, which will not only be a storage place, but also visually divide the space.

Here is another example of a storage system between columns that works as a space divider. The open, floating shelving system here looks completely different than in the previous photo, however, the effect achieved is similar.

Bar counter.

Another way to separate the kitchen from the rest of the space. Here the bar counter is located between two columns, beautifully framing the kitchen with horizontal and vertical lines.

Use a column to mark an intimate space.

This column looks more like a partition. The front side of the column is decorated with built-in shelves, but it also separates the public part of the house from a more private area.

Decorate the columns with artwork.

These two large white columns are like empty canvases for posters or paintings. The backlight will make the works of art even more visible.

Use a series of columns to set the rhythm.

The repeating pattern is pleasing to the human eye. Use columns, and even beams, to create a sense of rhythm when the space is monotonous.

Use the column material to bring a piece of nature into the interior.

Depending on your location in the world, you can choose the most suitable tree trunks for your purposes.

Place around the seating column.

Have you seen how they do it in shoe stores? Part of the column can even be arranged in the form soft back. And you can place a bench between two columns. This will be a convenient place in the hallway to change shoes.

Creating contrast between materials.

Decorate the column as if it were an accent wall. Let its finishes contrast in color or texture to add flair to a room with minimalist décor.

Create contrast between styles.

Classic elements in a modern interior can look very interesting. A classically designed column will create the right contrast of styles in a modern setting.

Be extraordinary.

Show off your playful side with these fun columns that look like something out of a Disney cartoon. Instead of trying to make the columns invisible, on the contrary, draw attention to them.

What other interesting ways to design a column can you suggest?

They not only hold the ceiling...

What do you think, dear participants of the Design Museum, what else, not covered here, can serve as a home decoration? Anything, you say, would be a fantasy.

And, of course, you will be right. Here are examples of how you can create an original decor element from such an absolutely functional structure as columns.

1. Project

Decide on the type, size and location of the columns already when planning your home. And it turns out that in order for the second floor not to fall on you, bulky columns should stand in the middle of the living room.

Everything has its place

2. Furniture

It doesn't matter if you built new house or there were already columns, plan how the furniture will be placed in relation to them.

If there is no other possibility, then do not be afraid to organize them around a chair or table. In the event of a celebration, you can seat more guests.

3. A bit of luxury

If you like luxurious interiors, then the columns in classical style- exactly what you need. Marble (natural, if you are an oligarch, or artificial), decorated with stucco, supporting arches. They will add chic to the living room, and the porch, and even the bathroom.

Greatness can be felt in soap suds

4. Periods of development

Architecture evolved, and the columns changed with it. Research this question or consult with an architect about which style will suit your home.

5. Column as a trellis

Green columns

6. Finishing

There is a huge amount of materials for the production and decoration of columns. In a modern interior, steel ones will look good, in a classic one - marble or plastered ones. Yes, and in our age of the reign of drywall, almost any form can be created.

7. Imitation

Although initially the columns had a very specific function of support and support, nowadays more and more designers use artificial columns to decorate or limit space. They will look great in the hall, dining room or on the open porch.

Great interior decoration

8. Part of the interior

In addition, columns can be used to delimit a niche with a TV or a fireplace, and place bookshelves between them. In large rooms, columns can be used to delimit zones, create portals that imitate a passage.

9. Break - do not build

If you suddenly want to destroy the column during the repair to increase the area or redevelopment, first consult with the experts. And then you can be left not only without a column, but also without a house.

10. Outdoors

In the courtyard or on the terrace, columns can also delimit zones. For example, a zone for rest, eating, games. The columns around the house, made in the same style and successfully contrasting with the wall decoration, will draw attention to the whole house.

Zone delimitation