![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOzgpIwt74T8qJBz7D7HQAX9ex1rGlXZoZMhqKH07CEuKsnuEw8WP9nv8v9E3l8P9L_xHZKaQ8E0SAUG56Xr1HtRdRjcuZANIgpEBmpG7QMuzNsICYIqbgZPQyiuwNcmxTqv76S7rkwQ/s320/Romancolumncapital.jpg)
Tree trunks undoubtedly provided inspiration for the first columns ever used in architecture. To this day, wood remains a valid and rather high-end option for both exterior and interior architectural columns. Here I have a little collection of various architectural wood columns.
Perhaps the most important distinction is whether or not to emphasize wood as the material used for any given architectural column. A coat of acrylic paint can easily make a wood column resemble a plastic or composite column, at least if you are looking at a distance. However, for a truly authentic look wood can be irreplaceable. Depending on the level of detail these columns can be quite pricey.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvQHZGguqJiHxzUkEHUYWUmIpq1Mp_Z64vTrcp_45YPskySO8fLtnT81JS6tohbTYsaUDMhJNsCvckdCiw08icQfcwRUigm-opZFR3dlNsL-WvRvHipPbZ2Ux4Zq9FiTSxXwRK5NPa_Y/s320/wood_column_greek_doric.jpg)
Painting wood columns allows designers to emulate and define many traditional styles, even the most extravagant.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lrZpT6M9ffeSKkBjNS9YiRUodzJYK27v4SP2RTeDst77aLRNJ75Sj-fyZLwrURlGAPs-2uqF0UG2YxRXsYXTnjrGCWjH8kb___fOgE71fNog7eKTNhyt79i9sR9wwFhqqiYewmrnsXo/s320/gold1.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotSW2GrDXCw9yNmtz_6AIzBXXGmntbpmWS-umaJOgth_zza5lq4G6IfzKaRe4auUk1KmG5qmVo8B0LJ_eH5MO6Z0Jdw7W2k-esmhPDULonZUuRcLJ0saWMh_qtUB0PqwacVk12W56nAw/s320/gold1.jpg)
Your second option is to expose the natural texture of the wood column. This is particularly desirable if you have the budget for elaborate carving.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibU1VT3D5GI7F9hUNVg9WGgt4dgYCbgMec3jrHsxebH6_usgNmbufKGroK1siCCA4HyssUPMGeogbDrYBXx4XNcx9Sjt4TIvzZK9dHtfjsuy0EPrZzwuTgP1OQQQkrfyZqvAtYdq6bzlw/s320/wood-columns-profile.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkoPYKbGYmnnrOPJ1e5wbA7ovQtp5hoP-or1EFUtpzaGJy4bu1j0ff_OAw5zOLPlTXtgKsHGK3RgAzrXl-wC6KiNbgEOjCadmfDKFnAazOablmmwl887QQ-ozHxp3IFXKsZigbXThPLU/s320/Wood_Column_3.gif)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLUYpvjLUuCkGLL5NhhVg6HjzHtay0eXT7Yl61rUSbOE5osh3lTkEfVkmsC7dV8MHaNOuRl-hp1x1Guuq3whHdxMlWCSHUqFPvuh_k3AsXJCViyinsP-8J_zg1iIIF3d5BZHni5cDHnk/s320/carved_column.jpg)
Finally, in many cases the look of wood columns is needed even when there is no money to be spent on authentic wood.
See also:
Architectural column materials
Architectural columns: their function and purpose