Pilasters are another trick in interior design, which will certainly be appreciated by the true aesthetes, who are possessed by an elegant, refined and unique picture of their home. Pilasters in the interior – an indispensable element of luxurious design – are a kind of half-columns, which, unlike standard columns, are built into the walls. They do not take up much space in the room, because they are only protruding for a few centimeters from the walls. This design element is used mainly in the Greek style and optionally in some other style directions. False semi-columns in the interior can be presented in completely different ways: pretentiously and more strictly, laconically.
Contents:
- Basic functions
- Photo examples
- Polyurethane pilasters
- Furniture decorative pilasters
- Pilasters for house exteriors
The first pilasters that appeared in Ancient Greece, were made of granite, marble and were used only as decoration of facades. Already in the era of classicism, people began to decorate luxurious interiors with pilasters.
Basic Functions of Pilasters
The design of the half-column is a narrow trunk, a capital, and a base, which are decorated with all sorts of patterns and ornaments. Pilasters are made separately, and then they are connected to a wall inside or outside the building. But in any case, this architectural element has a decorative function only. Pilasters serve for:
- symmetric decoration of portals with columns;
- accenting corners;
- unification of floors;
- separation of facades.
It is often possible to meet half-columns which are a luxurious continuation of stucco moldings or floor skirting. Pilaster capitals, effectively executed in the artistic plan, are the ideal complement to the facade.
Given the architectural features of the building, you can choose the optimal design of semi-columns (semicircular, rectangular, complex shape). Pilasters indoors visually divide space into several zones and perfectly harmonize with other elements of the interior:
- plaster molding;
- fireplace portal;
- a gallery of art paintings;
- furniture in the antique style (it is fine if the room has a closet with pilasters);
- forged massive chandeliers that hang from the ceiling.
With the help of half-columns, you can achieve a visual effect of raising the ceiling. However, any vertical decor perfectly copes with this task. The design can cover the defects of the walls. It is also convenient to hide all kinds of communications (pipes, wires) behind it.
To the note: in the dark rooms, the installation of vertical white pilasters will provide noticeable clarification. In turn, architectural dark semi-columns – an indispensable attribute of the Gothic rooms. Pilasters can decorate not only the walls and facades – they will be a wonderful decoration of doorways and fireplaces’ portals.
Varieties of Pilasters: Photos of Examples in the Interior
There are 3 main directions of such architectural semi-columns: the style of the Georgian, the Greek Renaissance. There are other stylistic concepts, but they all combine the elements of the previous ones:
- Italian Renaissance.
- Beaux-arts.
- Neoclassical.
Band pilasters combine the diagonal and vertical bands, which run along the entire length of the trunk. In addition to bands, they can be decorated with interesting patterns, horizontal rings.
The designs of the Greek Renaissance resemble white marble. The capitals and the base shaft can be represented by one of the following options:
- Ionic – the bases and capitals are symmetrical and beautifully decorated;
- Doric – the shaft is made of profiled plates on the capitals. There is no base;
- Corinthian – the bases and capitals are decorated with complex patterns and heraldic lilies (Fleur de Lis).
The half-columns of the Georgian Renaissance are rectangular, high, and perfectly smooth. Their basis has three levels, and below the capitals, there are symmetrical graceful spirals.
Pilasters made of Polyurethane: Examples in the Interior and Description of Characteristics
Polyurethane pilasters today are very popular and are in a wide range on the market. First of all, this is due to the high operational and technical performance of this material:
- strength;
- ecological compatibility;
- ease of installation;
- lightweight;
- resistance to temperature drops;
- a variety of design in terms of design and texture;
- the possibility of coloring in a different color;
- affordable price.
Even if you have an average level of income, you can easily realize your dream into reality by transforming the dwelling with equally elegant pilasters made of polyurethane. By the way, unlike foam plastic, they are more qualitative in terms of strength characteristics.
To the note: one pilaster in the room looks at least ridiculous. Such designs will only look harmoniously in pairs, for example, on both sides of the niche, the door, in the corners of the room.
Decorative Pilasters in Furniture
Another way to display interesting decor is a vertical furniture pilaster, which is more often used in the decoration of kitchen facades. This element gives the kitchen set a special elegance and expressiveness. Typical styles for furniture pilasters are Classic, Victorian, and Baroque.
Often when installing ready-made kitchen modules that were purchased not according to individual sizes, unplanned voids appear in space. There is nothing to put in them and they look unattractive. In these situations, designers often decorate these places with pilasters. The result is a complete, harmonious, and unique design.
The installation of vertical structures of heat-resistant material on both sides of the furnace reliably protects the nearby furniture modules from high temperatures, which will prolong their service life. Typically, the furniture decor is made of solid wood or MDF. The latter are covered with veneer, polymer film or protective enamel. Surfaces often give a beautiful texture by patching.
Furniture is effectively transformed with such decorative overlays. It looks rich and respectable. Mount pilasters on specially prepared inserts for them. Decorative overlays ideally cover gaps between the adjacent modules, thanks to which the design looks monolithic.
Often furniture pilasters adorn the most standard wooden boxes, and on top carved cornices are placed. As a result, luxurious stylish facades are obtained.
Photos of the House Facade’s Pilasters
