Decorative columns in the interior: gypsum, polystyrene, polyurethane

Columns are multifunctional decorative elements that have survived to our days from the distant past. They are considered an integral part of the antique buildings and are transforming any interior beyond recognition. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features of this decor.

The most important functions

Modern decorative columns are massive architectural designs. 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, with their help you can hide engineering and technical communications located in an uncomfortable place. In such cases, the columns help not only to fix the defect of the interior, 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 direction.

The presence of such structures allows you to visually adjust the space. To the non-standard modern functions entrusted to these decorative elements, it is possible to classify the zoning of the premises. With their help you can visually divide the living room and kitchen. In addition, inside the falshkolton are often equipped with secret drawers, shelves or minibars.

Materials used for the manufacture of such structures

Most often in modern interiors you can see:

• Concrete columns. Products made of this material are highly durable. Extremely plastic concrete can create the most unexpected shapes.
• Polyurethane columns, characterized by comparatively low weight and easy installation. They are considered the most acceptable option for decorating city apartments.
• Columns made of natural stone. Products from basalt, granite or marble are quite expensive, but despite this, they are widely used in the process of decorating private houses and public buildings.
• Columns made of gypsum and plasterboard. The only weighty drawback of such products is the prohibition on their use for outdoor works and for decorating rooms with high humidity.
• Constructions made of artificial stone, characterized by a rich color scheme. Of this material, imitations of jade, granite, malachite and granite products are often made.

How to decide the choice?

First of all, you need to focus on your own financial capabilities. So, decorative columns from a natural material will manage much more expensively than artificial analogues. In addition, professional designers recommend taking into account the functionality 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 construction is part of the architectural layout of the building, then it is better to choose the 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 allow visually to divide the corridor and the living room. They also can 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 classical interiors. But, despite this, they are present in many other styles. So, Gothic means 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 molding. In the premises, sustained 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 components. Successfully selected and correctly located columns of gypsum or other suitable material will create a special atmosphere.

Variety of constructions

In the design of modern interiors, you can use several different versions of similar products.

To divide the room into certain functional areas, colonnades are recommended. The room in which such elements are present becomes easier to perceive.

For highlighting one part of the interior, you can use paired decorative columns. Usually they are installed on the sides of windows, stairs or fireplaces. The zone in which there are similar structures, is divided into several parts. Paired columns carry no functional load. As a rule, they have a purely aesthetic role.

To visualize the differentiation of space the so-called semi-columns are the best suited. They allow you to focus on one particular detail of the interior.

In which rooms can I install columns?

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 the architects as the main supporting element in the design of the house, then it can not be disposed of by doing an independent redevelopment of the premises. In such cases, it is recommended to find the best option, which allows you to successfully beat it in the interior.

Install such a decor only 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 only be made for polyurethane products that serve as decoration for the fireplace.

The columns look harmoniously in the studio apartments. They will give any room an original and solemn appearance. These architectural objects immediately find themselves in the center of attention of the 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 produce a quick and quality installation.