Dining Room Columns

10 years ago

What to do with Dining Room columns? I'm not in love with all the columns around the dining room and they also flank the side of the great room.

Any ideas on how to minimize or incorporate these in a different fashion?

Featured Answer

linlac

10 years ago

We're considering buying a place that has the same type of columns around the dining room. My plan is to build a small knee wall and a square support for the single columns. For the group of three I would add some type of cabinet (bookcase, glass display case, bench?) with the same squared columns. Here's a few visuals but look through Houzz. There are so many different ways to do this.

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Comments (11)

baileysr
10 years ago
You could drywall the area and maybe make a built-in cabinet/buffet instead. Or, if you want to keep the area as open as you can but just don't like the column style, you could redo them in a different style, e.g squared.
shirlpp
10 years ago
It looks like you can get rid of two of them near the dining room, and the two that flank the great room.
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PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
10 years ago
Oh dear, I wouldn't remove any of them without first seeking the advice of a structural engineer. They could be what is holding up your second floor, and the price you pay for "open concept" living. I like bailysr's idea of drywalling them, make the dining room a real room with 2-5' wide openings. It won't feel closed in and then you can have a corner cabinet where those 3 columns are.
hauzzhunter1
10 years ago
Paint them in a stone neutral color and add a few palm plants. Costco has them for next to nothing.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
I agree don’t touch without finding out what is actually needed and what is just decor. I have to admit I would not have bought the house just because of those.
Architectural Notice
10 years ago
They do seem kind of outdated.

I agree with the comment to consult with a structural engineer first and then go from there.
gfc1643
10 years ago
I think they need to be painted a tone of the wall color to help minimize their presence. They are just to stark for overall feeling of the space. I think you will like them once the 'blend in' rather than compete with the furnishings.
Jodie Hamilton
10 years ago
The group of 3, i would remove the one in the middle and put in a solid 2x4 drywalled corner there. The other 2 flank the opening to balance the entries. There are very dated and make the room look choppy.
lefty47
10 years ago
HI -- It is kind of a forest of sorts ! Maybe if you can find the company that built the house they can provide house plans or a solution or information to re-moving all the columns which are a dated 80's -90's feature . Or a contractor can look and see which are supportive . Usually these end up being just decorative . The one on the corner in the group of three might be supportive . Anyway getting rid of all of them will be a big improvement. Adding squared columns or small wall sections will look more up to date .
janimk
10 years ago
As a follow up to the comment of drywalling them out I thought you might like to see my open concept...the post doesn't seem bulky or constricting at all.