Architectural Elements
Pilaster
A pilaster is a flat, rectangular column that projects slightly from a wall, providing classical architectural ornamentation without the structural requirements of a full column. Featuring the same capital, shaft, and base elements as freestanding columns, pilasters have adorned buildings since ancient Rome and continue to add refined elegance to traditional and neoclassical interiors.
In residential interiors, pilasters frame doorways, flank fireplaces, punctuate walls in formal rooms, and support visual "columns" without consuming floor space. They can be subtle—merely suggesting classical order—or elaborate, with carved capitals and fluted shafts. This architectural element elevates ordinary walls into sophisticated backdrops for traditional furnishings.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Flat column attached to wall
- ✓Projects slightly from surface
- ✓Features capital, shaft, and base
- ✓Classical orders available (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian)
- ✓Decorative, not structural
- ✓Adds formal architectural detail
Types & Variations
Doric pilaster (simple, no ornamentation)
Ionic pilaster (scroll capitals)
Corinthian pilaster (acanthus leaf capitals)
Fluted pilaster (vertical grooves)
Plain shaft pilaster (smooth surface)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use pilasters in pairs to frame focal points—fireplaces, doorways, built-in bookcases. In large rooms, repeated pilasters along walls create rhythm and grandeur. Scale pilaster width to wall proportions—typically 6-10 inches wide.
💡 Pro Tip
When installing pilasters, ensure proper proportions: the capital should be approximately 1/5 the total height, and the base slightly taller than the capital. These classical proportions create the pleasing effect that makes pilasters timeless.