Architectural Elements
Column Capital
A column capital is the decorative top portion of a column that provides the visual and structural transition between the vertical shaft and the horizontal element (entablature or arch) above. Classical column capitals follow distinct orders—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—each with specific proportions and ornamentation that have defined Western architecture for millennia.
In interior design, columns with appropriate capitals add classical grandeur to entries, define spaces within open floor plans, and create architectural rhythm along walls. While structural columns require proper capitals for their support function, decorative columns can use capitals purely for aesthetic effect. The capital choice immediately communicates the intended level of formality and classical reference.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Decorative column top
- ✓Transitions shaft to entablature
- ✓Follows classical orders
- ✓Defines architectural style
- ✓Various ornamentation levels
- ✓Proportional to column size
Types & Variations
Doric (simple, cushion-like)
Ionic (scroll volutes)
Corinthian (acanthus leaves)
Composite (Ionic + Corinthian)
Tuscan (simplified Doric)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Match capital order to room formality—Doric for dignified simplicity, Ionic for refined elegance, Corinthian for grand formal spaces. Capitals must be proportional to column diameter and room scale.
💡 Pro Tip
For load-bearing columns, ensure capitals are structural as well as decorative—they must properly transfer loads. Decorative columns can use lightweight polyurethane capitals that look authentic without structural requirements.