Columns can be used as a structural component of the building or as a decorative element (or perform both functions at the same time). In suburban houses, columns are most often installed as a vertical support for the balcony, canopy above the porch/terrace or arbors (for example, in the traditional English garden). In apartments, columns are installed much less often and, as a rule, with decorative goals.
Columns built to support are made of durable material. It can be wood, stone, steel or even a mixture of synthetic products. Most often, functional-decorative columns are made of stone, or rather from granite or marble. Decorative columns are cheaper to make from gypsum.
As a decorative element of the column, these elements were designed for a long time (according to some historical data, these elements were designed as jewelry in Egypt). But throughout history, the external and internal appearance of the columns has improved, changed and as a result there were many variations. For example, ancient Greek architects developed three styles for the architectural column – Doric columns, Ionical columns and Corinthian columns. Until now, many architects are based on these Greek styles. Doric columns have no base, and are characterized by a tapering shaft (sometimes corrugated). Ionic columns, as a rule, corrugated and narrower, with jewelry; their bases are decorated with simple carvings. Corinthian columns are characterized by complex decorative carved jewelry, and they are the thinnest of the three Greek styles.
Variations of Roman columns also inspire people around the world when they decide to build a house with columns or install decorative columns in the interior. Roman columns, most often, are divided into Roman Doric and Tuscan columns. There are also columns of a composite warrant (such as architectural composition), combining ionic and Corinthian architectural orders (styles of Greek columns). It is also worth highlighting the Solomon columns (twisting, serpentine structures).
Almost every culture has its own styles for creating columns. Modern columns mainly rely on these cultural styles. Nevertheless, you can order a column according to any design, including, even if you draw inspiration from something fashionable today. Now the shelves are even made in the columns, and in most cases the columns themselves are simply made out.