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Classic Design: The Language of Architectural Columns

From high-end luxury homes to the most basic spec-built home, it seems that a traditionally designed house has to have at least one column based on designs from antiquity.

 

Around 2,500 years ago, the Greeks invented what have become known as the classical orders. These orders (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian) were adopted by the ancient Romans, who simplified the Doric to make their own order, the Tuscan. The Romans also combined the Ionic and Corinthian to form the Composite, or fifth classical order. Each order had a distinct meaning. A building designed using the Doric order would have been quite different in tone than a building designed in the Corinthian order.

Each order had a distinct meaning. A building designed using the Doric order would have been quite different in tone than a building designed in the Corinthian order. The same holds true today. While a grand palace may warrant the Corinthian order, Tuscan might be more appropriate for a small home.

What is a homeowner to make of this? Where would one use, say, a Doric in lieu of a Corinthian column? And are there rules for scale, proportion and detail? Here are some ideas to help you sort it out.

 
Check out the guide "How to Choose your Architectural Column Material"

 

Traditional Exterior by Christopher A Rose AIA, ASID

 

Christopher A Rose AIA, ASID
 
1. Tuscan-style columns. America's most popular classical order since the Colonial era has been the Tuscan. Developed by the ancient Romans as a simple, clean and "virtuous" order, it's no surprise that the colonials would use the Tuscan to add style and tradition to their buildings while maintaining those puritanical sensibilities.

 

Traditional Pool by Eric Stengel Architecture, llc

 

Eric Stengel Architecture, llc
 
If you're looking for some gravitas, pair the columns at mid-span and create a three-column corner. This will work especially well when with larger homes where the columns must compete with all the other architecture.

 

Traditional Exterior by Bud Dietrich, AIA

 

Bud Dietrich, AIA
 
Tuscan columns often come factory-produced for lower cost and easy site assembly. Usually made of a composite material, the columns will be low-maintenance and last a long time.

 

Contemporary Kitchen by LDa Architecture & Interiors

 

LDa Architecture & Interiors
 
Whether used on the exterior or the interior, the Tuscan order adds a touch of classical formality and traditional "always been there" feel — without the overall stiffness of the Doric or the exuberance of the Corinthian.

 

Placing the columns at an opening between rooms makes the transition from one to the other all the more special.

 

Contemporary Living Room by 1800Lighting

 

1800Lighting
 
The Tuscan can be livened a little with the addition of fluting and pedestals. Paired up, these columns are used as points defining functional areas in what appears to be one large room.

 

 

Traditional Exterior by Eric Stengel Architecture, llc

 

Eric Stengel Architecture, llc
 
2. Doric: Distinctly Classical. The Doric was the simplest as well as the most masculine of the original Greek orders. There are minimal decorative elements and, in its original form, no base.

 

Here, the Doric order is used to lend a distinctly classical, antique and formal quality to the project.

 

Traditional Living Room by Eric Stengel Architecture, llc

 

Eric Stengel Architecture, llc
 
Certainly the Doric order wasn't devoid of decorative embellishment. Fluting of the column shaft as well as some decorative elements at the capital can soften what can be a plain and almost severe design.

 

Traditional Exterior by Helios Design Group

 

Helios Design Group
 
3. Ionic: Large scale, high style. Moving to the next order, the Ionic is a bit more luxurious than the spartan Doric and Tuscan. As such, it's best used where a little more polish, high style, and bigger scale is warranted. Also, Ionic capitals visually ease the transition from column to pediment. The way the capitals flatten and stretch out make for a nice transitional element.

 

The scale of the architectural column should also be in tune with the scale of the overall architecture. More often than not, classically inspired columns are too thin, making them look like silly toothpicks rather than the robust reminders of antiquity they are.

When in doubt, adhere to the 2,000-year-old rules for scale, one of which is that the column height should be seven times the column diameter.

 

Traditional Hall by Woodmeister Master Builders

 

Woodmeister Master Builders
 
In rooms with richly appointed finishes and details — such as this wall with sconces and larger architectural moldings and trim — using a simpler Doric or Tuscan column would seem out of place, like a discordant note in a musical composition. The Corinthian (next) would be out of place here as well, as its exuberant richness would detract from the elegance of the space.

 

Traditional Home Office by Just Joh

 

Just Joh
 
4. Corinthian: Rational exuberance. The most exuberant and luxurious of the orders are the Corinthian and Composite. Seldom used in modest homes, these orders are richly detailed with plant-like capitals, fluted shafts and richly detailed bases.

 

The Corinthian is the appropriate order in a room that exudes an intricacy of surface detail and a richness of finish.

 


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