Column Installation 101

I know that's exactly what I thought in seventh grade social studies class. We were studying the ancient Greek cultures and, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what was so important about Greek architecture.

If you think back to seventh grade social studies, I bet you'll also (begrudgingly) remember the three types of columns typically used in Greek design.

The Doric column is the oldest and the simplest of the Greek columns. It has fluted sides, a smooth and rounded top, and it does not have a separate base.

The Ionic column is also fluted, but is slightly more slender than a Doric column and it sits on a rounded base. Ionic columns have scroll-shaped ornaments on the top. As a kid, I always thought these columns were called Ionic because they resemble the capital letter I.

The Corinthian column is the third type of column in classical architecture. It is also fluted, but the top of the Corinthian column is highly decorative, with olive or laurel-leaf designs. The Corinthian column sits on a rounded base similar to the base of an Ionic column.

Not long ago, my cohost, Shari Hiller, and I were asked to decorate a formal dining room in an old, neoclassical-style home. Since the exterior of the home used several columns, we felt the addition of columns to the dining room was certainly in keeping with the character of the house.

The furniture and accessories in the dining room were very large. We felt the columns were a good addition because they visually scaled down the furniture, helping it to be a better fit for the room.

I found a broad selection of columns available for both interior and exterior use. Although they might seem daunting, installation is not very difficult. Having a partner to help you with this project is a real help, however. If you think you'd like to install columns in your home, here's what you'll need:

a fluted column
top and bottom caps
3/4" plywood
base molding
L-brackets
finish nails
spackle
hot glue gun
glue
braided trim

To begin this project, I created a base measuring 7-1/2-inches high and 13 inches wide (although your measurements may differ). To make the base, I cut four plywood sides to size and then cut an angle with a table saw blade set at a 45-degree tilt.

The top of the base box was a 13-inch square. Using the same table-saw setting, cut angles on all four sides of the top. Attach small cleats to provide a nailing surface and then put the base together.

To make the base more attractive, add base molding. Prime and paint all the pieces as desired.

Once the pieces have dried, slide the bottom and top rings onto the column. Once you have established the placement of the base, place the column into position. To connect it to the base, screw four evenly spaced brackets into the column sides and then secure in place on the base.

Slide the bottom ring into position. It should fit easily over the brackets since it is bigger than the column. Secure it in place with finish nails.

Square the top ring with the bottom column support. Press it tightly against the ceiling and then attach it to the column with finish nails. It isn't necessary to attach it to the ceiling, as the pressure from the column should hold it in place.

To finish the project, fill in all the nail holes with spackle. Sand these areas lightly and touch up with paint. The final step is to hot-glue the braided trim in place to cover the gap between the column and the bottom ring.

Columns are a great way to add architectural detail to create a classic design in a formal living space. Numerous column designs are available, including the three traditional Greek columns.

I must admit I was feeling pretty proud when this project was completed. When the homeowners asked what type of column we'd installed, I answered with confidence. I suppose some of the stuff we learned in seventh grade was worth memorizing after all.

(Matt Fox and Shari Hiller alternate writing this column. They also are authors of Real Decorating for Real People and co-hosts of the Home & Garden Television show Room By Room.)