Greek Columns

There are many Greek columns today from which to choose. All of them are based on columns from the ancient Greek orders, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These columns are all classically elegant columns.

Greek columns from the Doric order are the least ornate style of columns and the oldest. These Greek columns have vertical flutes, or groves, running up the shaft of the columns. The shafts supported a simple capital, which in turn supported the abacus, a simple square. The whole column supports the above beam.

Ionic columns came after Doric columns. These Greek columns had bases on the bottom. The capitals were decorated with paired scrolls and the shaft continued to have flutes. Ionic columns were typically taller than were Doric columns.

The final classical style of Greek columns was from the Corinthian order. These Greek columns had ornate capitals decorated with stylized acanthus leaves and continued to have fluting on their shafts.

Greek columns have changed throughout the years, starting with the Romans and continuing on through the Renaissance up until today. But they all resemble Greek columns from ancient times. However, today's Greek columns are made from materials about which the ancient Greeks never knew, such as fiberglass and composite stone. These modern materials make Greek columns easier to install and relatively maintenance free.