How To Decorate Pillars In Living Room: Style Tips & Transform Your Space

Can you decorate pillars in a living room? Absolutely! Pillars, whether structural or decorative, offer fantastic opportunities to enhance your living room’s aesthetic. They can define spaces, add grandeur, and become focal points with the right styling.

Pillars are more than just supports; they’re architectural elements that can dramatically impact your living room’s look and feel. Whether you have grand, classical columns or simpler, modern pillars, there are countless ways to style them to complement your decor and transform your space. From painting and cladding to integrating them with furniture and lighting, these living room pillar ideas can turn an ordinary feature into an extraordinary design statement.

How To Decorate Pillars In Living Room
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Fathoming the Power of Pillars in Your Living Room

Pillars can serve many purposes beyond their structural duties. In an open-plan living space, they can subtly demarcate different zones, like the living area from a dining space. They can also add a sense of height and drama, drawing the eye upwards and making the room feel more expansive. For those with entryway pillar decor aspirations, pillars near the entrance can create a welcoming and sophisticated first impression.

Why Pillars Matter in Interior Design

Defining Zones: In open-plan layouts, pillars act as natural dividers, helping to create distinct functional areas without the need for solid walls.
Adding Architectural Interest: They introduce vertical lines and a sense of structure, breaking up flat walls and adding visual appeal.
Creating Focal Points: When styled effectively, pillars can become striking design features that anchor the room.
Enhancing Grandeur: Tall, imposing pillars can impart a sense of classic elegance and luxury.
Incorporating Functionality: Pillars can house lighting, shelves, or even small display areas.

Exploring Decorative Column Styling Techniques

The way you style your pillars will heavily depend on your existing decor style, the size and shape of the pillars, and the overall mood you want to create.

Modern Pillar Design Approaches

For a contemporary living room, modern pillar design often favors clean lines, minimalist finishes, and subtle integration.

Sleek Finishes: Consider smooth, matte paints in neutral tones like white, grey, or black. Metallic finishes like brushed nickel or bronze can also add a touch of sophistication.
Geometric Accents: Instead of ornate detailing, opt for simple geometric patterns or recessed panels.
Integrated Lighting: Recessed LED strips along the edges or within the pillar can provide ambient lighting and highlight its form.
Minimalist Shelving: If you incorporate shelves, keep them simple and sparse, displaying only a few carefully chosen decorative items.

Traditional and Classical Pillar Embellishments

If your living room leans towards traditional or classical aesthetics, there are specific architectural pillar decoration techniques that will resonate.

Fluting and Reeding: These are vertical grooves that add texture and visual interest. Fluting is concave, while reeding is convex.
Capitals and Bases: These are the decorative top and bottom sections of a column. Common styles include Doric (simple and sturdy), Ionic (volutes or scrolls), and Corinthian (acanthus leaves).
Molding and Trim: Adding decorative molding or trim around the pillar can give it a more finished and ornate appearance.
Faux Marble or Stone Finishes: These can impart a sense of timeless grandeur.

Custom Pillar Finishes for a Unique Look

Beyond standard paint, custom pillar finishes can elevate your pillars to a true design statement.

Textured Paints: Venetian plaster, stucco, or limewash can create a rich, tactile surface.
Wood Paneling or Veneer: Applying wood veneer or thin slats can bring warmth and natural texture to the pillar. This works well for a Scandinavian or Japandi feel.
Wallpaper: High-quality, patterned wallpaper can be a bold choice, especially for accent pillars.
Mirrored Surfaces: Mirrored panels can add light and a sense of depth, making the space feel larger. Use them sparingly for a sophisticated effect.
Metal Cladding: Thin sheets of brass, copper, or stainless steel can create a dramatic, luxurious look.

Creative Pillar Accent Ideas for Your Living Room

The true magic happens when you add decorative elements to your pillars. These pillar accent ideas can range from subtle touches to bold statements.

Pillar Covering Techniques

Several pillar covering techniques can dramatically alter the appearance of your existing pillars.

Drywall Encasing: This is a common method for transforming structural elements into more aesthetically pleasing columns. A contractor can build a new drywall skin around an existing pillar, creating a smooth, paintable surface. This is ideal for achieving modern pillar design or preparing for custom finishes.
MDF or Wood Cladding: Similar to drywall, MDF or wood panels can be applied to create a new surface. This allows for different textures, grooves, or even built-in shelving.
Plastering: For a truly custom and artisanal feel, plastering can be applied directly to a prepared surface, allowing for intricate textures and finishes.
Tile or Stone Application: Smaller tiles, mosaic, or even thin natural stone veneers can be applied to create a rich, textural effect, especially suitable for entryway pillar decor or fireplace pillar enhancement.

Painted Pillar Designs: A Versatile Choice

Painted pillar designs offer a highly versatile and often budget-friendly way to style your pillars.

Monochromatic Elegance: Painting the pillar the same color as your walls can create a seamless, built-in look, allowing other decorative elements to shine.
Contrasting Boldness: Painting a pillar in a contrasting color to your walls can make it a prominent feature, adding a pop of personality.
Two-Tone Effects: Painting the top half one color and the bottom half another can visually alter the perceived height of the pillar.
Accent Colors: Use a bold accent color to draw attention to a pillar in a specific area, like flanking a fireplace or a doorway.
Faux Finishes: Techniques like faux wood grain, marbleizing, or metallic paint can create the look of expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.

Integrating Lighting into Pillars

Lighting is a powerful tool for highlighting and animating your pillars.

Uplighting: Placing small spotlights at the base of the pillar and directing light upwards emphasizes its height and form. This is excellent for creating drama.
Downlighting: Concealed lights at the top can cast a gentle glow downwards, creating a softer, more ambient effect.
Recessed LED Strips: As mentioned earlier, these can be integrated into the edges or panels of the pillar for a modern, subtle illumination.
Sconces: Wall sconces mounted directly onto the pillar can add both light and a decorative element.

Adding Shelving and Display Niches

Pillars can become functional display units.

Built-in Shelves: Incorporate shelves directly into the pillar design, creating spaces for books, art, or decorative objects.
Niches: Carve out small niches within the pillar for displaying a single sculpture or a treasured item. This is a particularly effective pillar accent idea.
Floating Shelves: Attach sleek floating shelves to the sides of a pillar for a minimalist display.

The Art of Decorating Around Pillars

Don’t just focus on the pillar itself; consider how it interacts with the surrounding furniture and decor.

Symmetry: Place identical pieces of furniture or artwork on either side of a pillar to create balance.
Grouping: Arrange seating areas or accent chairs in a way that embraces the pillar, using it as a backdrop or a subtle divider.
Art Integration: Hang artwork on the walls adjacent to the pillar, or even consider a slim, vertically oriented piece of art mounted directly onto a flat pillar surface.

Specific Scenarios for Pillar Decoration

Let’s look at how to style pillars in different key areas of the living room.

Entryway Pillar Decor: Making a First Impression

Pillars at the entrance to your living room or in a dedicated entryway set the tone for your home.

Welcoming Hues: Paint the pillars in a warm, inviting color or apply a rich wood veneer.
Console Table Integration: Place a slim console table against the pillar, accessorized with a mirror, a lamp, and a small plant.
Artful Touches: Mount a piece of art or a decorative mirror on the pillar’s surface if it’s wide enough and the finish allows.
Lighting: Consider subtle uplighting or a small, elegant sconce to illuminate the entryway.
Plant Life: A tall potted plant placed next to the pillar can add a touch of nature and soften its lines.

Fireplace Pillar Enhancement: Creating a Cozy Focal Point

Pillars flanking a fireplace can enhance its visual impact and create a more unified hearth.

Material Harmony: If the fireplace has stone or brick, consider a similar material or a complementary texture for the flanking pillars.
Recessed Shelving: Small recessed shelves within the pillars can hold candles, decorative logs, or small sculptures.
Painted Designs: Painted pillar designs that mimic the fireplace material or provide a subtle contrast can tie the elements together.
Lighting Accents: Small downlights or subtle uplighting can highlight the pillar’s texture and the fireplace’s presence.
Architectural Detail: Adding a complementary cap or base molding to the pillars can echo the fireplace’s design.

Pillars in Open-Plan Living Spaces: Zoning with Style

In open-plan homes, pillars are invaluable for defining different zones without sacrificing the sense of spaciousness.

Living Area Dividers: Position pillars to subtly separate the living room from the dining area or kitchen.
Creating ‘Rooms’ within a Room: Use pillars to frame a reading nook or a seating area within the larger living space.
Integrated Features: Consider building in low shelving units or media consoles that connect to or flank the pillars.
Material Contrast: Use a different finish or color on the pillar to visually distinguish the zone it helps define.

Choosing the Right Pillar Style and Finish

The best approach to styling your pillars involves considering the overall aesthetic of your living room.

Material Considerations

Drywall: Versatile, paintable, and can be shaped into various forms.
Wood: Offers warmth and natural beauty, suitable for many styles from modern to rustic.
Stone/Brick Veneer: Adds texture, character, and a sense of permanence.
Metal: Provides a contemporary, industrial, or luxurious edge.
Plaster: Allows for custom textures and finishes, from smooth to highly decorative.

Color Palette and Texture

Neutral Tones: Whites, grays, beiges, and blacks are timeless and versatile, allowing other decor elements to stand out.
Bold Accents: A pillar can be a fantastic place to introduce a vibrant color or a striking pattern.
Textural Contrast: Pair smooth walls with a textured pillar, or vice versa, to create visual interest.

Practical Tips for Pillar Decoration

Measure Carefully: Before undertaking any significant changes, measure your pillars accurately to ensure custom elements fit perfectly.
Consider Scale: The size of the pillar should inform the scale of your decorative elements. A small pillar might be overwhelmed by very large artwork, while a grand pillar can carry more substantial styling.
Lighting is Key: Don’t underestimate the impact of lighting. It can transform a plain pillar into a dramatic feature.
Maintenance: Choose finishes that are easy to clean and maintain, especially in high-traffic areas.
Professional Help: For complex finishes or structural modifications, consider hiring a professional contractor or designer.

Common Pillar Styles in Living Rooms

Pillar Style	Description	Best For
Square/Box	Simple, geometric form with four flat sides.	Modern, minimalist, transitional, industrial styles.
Round	Classic cylindrical shape, often associated with traditional architecture.	Traditional, classical, elegant, transitional styles.
Tapered	Wider at the base and narrowing towards the top.	Adds a sense of height and elegance, suitable for classical and transitional.
Fluted/Reeded	Features vertical grooves (flutes are concave, reeds are convex).	Classical, traditional, Mediterranean styles. Adds texture and detail.
Twisted/Solomonic	Features a spiral design, creating a dramatic and ornate effect.	Baroque, eclectic, or statement-making interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to clean decorative pillars?

The best cleaning method depends on the finish. For painted pillars, a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water is usually sufficient. For textured finishes like plaster or stone, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.

Can I paint over existing pillar finishes?

Yes, in most cases. However, proper preparation is crucial. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any loose material. Lightly sanding glossy surfaces will help the new paint adhere better. For complex finishes like wallpaper or metal cladding, removal might be necessary before painting.

How do I make a small living room feel bigger using pillars?

To make a room feel larger, keep pillar finishes light and neutral, matching them closely to your wall color to create a seamless look. Consider using mirrors on pillar surfaces or flanking them with mirrors. Strategically placed uplighting can also draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height.

Should pillars match the wall color?

Not necessarily. While matching the wall color can create a cohesive and spacious feel, using a contrasting color can make the pillar a deliberate design feature. Consider the overall color palette of your room and the statement you want to make.

What are the most common pillar accent ideas?

Some popular pillar accent ideas include adding built-in shelving, integrating lighting (uplighting or LED strips), applying textured paint or wallpaper, cladding with wood or stone veneer, and strategically placing art or mirrors nearby.

By thoughtfully considering these living room pillar ideas, decorative column styling techniques, and pillar accent ideas, you can transform ordinary pillars into captivating design elements that significantly enhance your living room’s overall appeal and transform your space.