Enhancing Your Interior Columns

Camouflage the columns by painting them in the room's color scheme. To achieve a refined and understated aesthetic, consider painting your columns the same color as your walls. This method not only creates a cohesive appearance but also visually enlarges the space by maintaining continuity throughout.

• If your columns are situated in the center of a room, opt for the wall color closest to them.
• For example, if your walls feature a soft blue hue, painting the columns in a matching shade can be a harmonious choice.

Opt for a contrasting color to make the columns stand out. To accentuate your columns, consider painting them with a color that contrasts, yet complements, the walls. This draws attention to the columns, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the room.

• For example, if your walls are cream, you might opt for a rich, warm brown. Alternatively, if they're light grey, a darker slate hue could be a suitable choice.
• If you have an accent wall, painting the columns in that color can help unify the room's aesthetic.

Choose white or cream for a timeless elegance. White and cream columns exude a timeless elegance reminiscent of classic marble columns found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Regardless of your column's style or your home's color palette, painting them white instantly elevates the overall aesthetic.

• Opt for a cool white to complement cool-toned decor, such as blues and teals. Conversely, warm whites and creams harmonize well with warm hues like pinks, corals, and yellows.

Utilize a brush for solid color application. When painting columns a solid color, using a paintbrush is typically the most efficient method. Opt for a 2 ¹⁄₂–3 in (6.4–7.6 cm) brush for most interior projects. Work in small sections, ensuring to apply new paint to the wet edge for a seamless finish. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat if necessary.

• For latex or water-based paint, choose a brush with synthetic bristles. For oil-based paint, opt for a natural-bristled brush.
• While a roller may be suitable for wide, square columns, narrow or round columns require a brush for precision.

Create a faux marble effect with layered painting. For a marble-like appearance, start by painting the column a solid color using a brush. Then, use a sponge to apply a slightly lighter shade followed by a slightly darker shade. This technique adds subtle depth and texture, mimicking the look of real marble.

• While this method doesn't replicate the intricate veining of genuine marble, it offers a stylish alternative for enhancing interior columns.

Enhance the top of the column with a decorative capital for a luxurious touch. Capitals, often consisting of 2 pieces, can be affixed around the upper part of a column, sometimes anchored into the ceiling. These embellishments range from simple to intricate, adding an air of sophistication to your column.

• If installing the capital yourself isn't preferred, consider hiring a carpenter for assistance. Custom capitals can also be commissioned if desired.

Transform a round column into a square one by constructing a wooden enclosure. For those wishing to change the appearance of a round column or exposed beam to a square shape, crafting a wooden overlay is a viable option. Cut and secure lumber pieces around the column's perimeter, then customize the finish with paint, stain, or distressing.

• If the column is already wood, sand it down to its natural state before staining or applying faux-aging techniques for a weathered look.

Install wall sconces to illuminate columns flush against walls. Columns serve as ideal locations for wall sconces, particularly if you desire to highlight them. Safely attach sconces to columns at eye level, ensuring proper wiring. If electrical work is daunting, enlist the expertise of a certified electrician.

• Prior to any electrical work, deactivate the room's power supply.
• This method accentuates columns and showcases vintage sconces effectively.

Apply cladding to alter the appearance of columns. Cladding, available in panel form, provides an overlay for surfaces like columns, offering a transformation in material. Options include cork, plaster, wood, slate, vinyl, and metals such as brass.

• This technique elevates the aesthetics of simple drywall columns within your home.

Adorn columns with garlands for easily changeable decor. Garlands offer versatile options for decorating columns, whether for holidays, events, or simply enhancing their appearance. Wrap garlands around the columns and secure them with removable adhesive hooks if needed.

• During winter holidays, opt for lush green garlands adorned with ornaments hung using wire.
• Springtime calls for garlands featuring flowers.
• For a playful touch, decorate with garlands embellished with pennant flags for a kid's birthday celebration.

Enhance columns with draped fabric for a chic, romantic vibe. Hang lightweight fabric from the ceiling using hooks, allowing it to drape around the column or cascade elegantly downwards.

• Sheer fabrics like tulle are ideal for weddings or formal occasions.
• Select silky fabric that complements your interior decor for an everyday aesthetic.
• Alternatively, consider purchasing or renting column slips for a convenient decorative solution.

Illuminate columns with string lights for a simple yet bright transformation. String lights are versatile decor elements suitable for dressing up columns. Hang them from the ceiling and wrap them around the columns, adjusting the spacing as desired.

• Depending on factors like spacing, light style, and column width, you may require multiple strings of lights for optimal coverage.