Speak Greek How to sell afchitectural columns

offers charm, beauty and character that only an all-natural material can exude. Wood columns are ideal in traditional, upscale homes where attention to craftsmanship and detail is a must to fit the established motif.

PVC and fiberglass columns are typically utilized in exterior applications where less maintenance is desired, budgets are tighter, or weatherability is an issue. And like wood columns, they can easily be painted to match their surroundings or accentuated with various painting techniques.

"Cellular PVC columns are an ideal and cost-effective way to add elegance to exteriors," says Joe Livengood, Crown Column & Millwork, manufacturer of architectural fiberglass and wood columns. "The architectural styling and detail options are nearly endless, plus they are very durable and look great."

Shape & Styling

To select a visually appealing column, one must understand the key design features available. Columns come in tapered and non-tapered profiles. The shaft, which is the core component of the column, can be omate or simple, round or square. Traditionally accurate column shafts are produced with the lower third straight and the upper two thirds tapered, a style developed by the Greeks to create the most pleasing appearance.

Another consideration involves the bases and capitals. The capital is the top portion of a column, a bit larger than the main post area and especially in the Greek tradition, quite ornamental. Capitals and bases come in a range of shapes and sizes to create a unique look matching nearly every d6cor or architectural style.

Location, Location, Iocation

As for interiors, columns are commonly found in grand entryways, foyers and porches. They are also ideally suited for defining formal spaces, highlighting focal points, and establishing a visual transition between rooms. Since open floor plans and great rooms are common these days, one popular trend with homeowners is the desire to create a slight separation between spaces without losing the overall flow of the open-floor concept.

"Wrapping structural posts with decorative columns adds style, yet helps maintain that great-room feel where a solid interior wall would normally break up the flow," Livengood adds. "They're a stylish way to make the most out of available floor space."

Additionally, columns aren't just for large rooms-smaller columns can be easily placed alongside fireplace mantles, underneath kitchen islands and countertops, and even used to visually frame doorways and windows. The location possibilities are nearly endless.

Moving outdoors, columns have been adding curb appeal and making a grand first impression for years. Many builders are utilizing decorative columns as a key design exterior element, adding beauty and character.

Scale & Proportion

Although scale and proportion are often overlooked, choosing a column that is appropriately sized for the space is critical to ensuring the right look and feel. The ancient Greeks discovered the mathematical formulas that created the system of appropriate ratios of height versus width. When these ratios are violated, the structure looks wrong. If columns are too thin or too tall, the space is bound to feel awkward and uncomfortable, so keep those considerations in mind.

Seek Assistance

Knowledgably advising customers on columns is paramount to establishing and keeping strong relationships. Contact your column manufacturer or distributor for more ideas on how to incorporate style and elegance with decorative columns.

Stabilized Weather-