About Half Decorative Pedestal Columns

Columns are architectural structures that originated with the ancients, and were designed to bear the load of a monument or edifice of a building or portico. They could measure dozens of feet high. A pedestal, however, rarely exceeds 150 centimeters because, except in special architectural applications, they aren't used to bear a load. Columns can also be decorative, when the design of a given architectural family or order of columns is executed correctly. A pedestal's purpose is almost always decorative. Does this Spark an idea?

Corinthian Order

Columns and pedestals that follow the Corinthian order are willowy in comparison to the other orders. The hallmark of the Corinthian order is the top, which features, among other ancient motifs, the acanthus leaf. The Corinthian column may tower over the person standing below. The Corinthian pedestal will stop on average at less than 150 centimeters, but it will bear the signature acanthus leaves on its capital. However, every element of the pedestal will be in scale with its overall height.

Greek Doric Order

Columns and pedestals that follow the Greek Doric order are rather plain compared to the Corinthian order. The body or shaft slowly narrows in an upward movement. Scale is again followed in the execution of either. The Greek Doric pedestal would be ideal to use in a group of four, as the base of a glass-top table, if the pedestals were custom made.

Roman Doric Order

Columns and pedestals fashioned after the Roman order are not particularly ornate either. However, even though they are a bit more slender, they do have a base and more splendid motifs than their Greek cousin. The decorative use for a pedestal after the Roman Doric Order is well suited, even in a minimalist setting.

Pedestals for Plants

Pedestals of any order have long been used as an artistic display for ferns, or other plants with draping fronds or long stems that do not stand erect. The pedestal serves as a discreet stand, with the plant sitting at its crown. These may be made from wood as well as stone.

Pedestals for Objects of Art

Pedestals used as a display structure for stone busts and other objects of art should appear as a cohesive unit of the piece on display. The art object should not be visually dominant. Avoid displaying precious art on plastic pedestals, which might topple and damage, if not ruin, the piece of art on display.