In interior design and architecture, columns are essential structural elements that are often unavoidable. However, their placement can sometimes feel like a challenge—awkwardly positioned and visually intrusive, they may seem like obstacles to creativity, requiring thoughtful solutions to seamlessly integrate them into the overall design.
But what if we saw columns not as a problem but an opportunity? With the right approach and versatile solutions, columns can transcend their functional purpose and become the highlight of a space.
Whether you're designing a home or a high-end commercial space, column cladding with glass can transform into striking decorative elements, adding personality, sophistication, and a distinctive character to the space.
Glass column cladding is an innovative architectural solution that offers a range of benefits, blending aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
Here are the key advantages of using glass for column cladding:
Below are innovative ideas for decorating interior columns, giving them a new purpose that completely elevates the space.
Add Refined Sophistication with Lacquered Glass
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Cladding columns with lacquered glass in a single colour creates a uniform aesthetic that exudes elegance. The smooth, glossy finish of lacquered glass adds a polished touch that enhances any interior.
SGG Planilaque lacquered glass brings a timeless addition to any space, perfect for offices, luxury residences, or hospitality settings.
Playful Colour Contrasts to make a Bold Statement
For a more dynamic and eye-catching look, lacquered glass cladding in contrasting colours can turn interior columns into stunning focal points. Bold colour combinations bring energy and movement to the design, making the column a piece of art rather than a structural necessity.
SGG Colormaxx Dura, Saint-Gobain’s range of lacquered glass in a toughened variant, offers endless possibilities, adding both durability and style.
Add a Reflective Beauty with Mirror-Clad Columns
Mirror-clad columns offer a touch of magic, creating a sense of illusion. By reflecting their surroundings, mirror-clad columns blend seamlessly into the space, expanding the sense of openness and scale.
Mirror column cladding is ideal for smaller areas where you want to avoid visual clutter, making the space brighter and more inviting. However, it also works beautifully in large spaces like ballrooms where elegance and grandeur are key. Explore SGG Mirasafe, Saint-Gobain’s state-of-the-art shatterproof mirrors which combine elegance with safety.
Bring Personalized Perfection with UV-Printed Glass
Columns with UV-printed glass cladding allow for endless customisation choices, from thematic prints to abstract designs, logos, slogans, and much more. The digitally printed glass reinforces brand presence in a subtle yet impactful way, transforming columns into statement pieces with artistic expression.
Signage with Style to Elevate Function and Design
Functional and beautiful, digital printed glass can also be used to incorporate signage and wayfinding elements into column cladding.
This type of glass column cladding solution is suitable for commercial spaces, like airports, malls, and corporate campuses, ensuring navigation and brand identity while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. SGG Colormaxx Canvas, digitally printed glass, elevates the overall ambience, bringing any desired vision to life.
Column cladding has moved far beyond traditional materials, offering endless possibilities to enhance the visual and functional appeal of any interior. Whether you’re aiming for understated elegance, bold statements, or multifunctional designs, Saint-Gobain’s glass solutions reimagine these structural elements, enriching the practicality and beauty of the space.
Where can column cladding be implemented?
Cladding can be utilised in a wide range of settings, such as entrance foyers, hotel lobbies, retail environments, residential interiors, corporate offices, event spaces, and public areas, wherever large open floor plates lead to many exposed columns.
What type of glass can be used for column cladding?
Lacquered glass, mirrors and UV-printed glass can be used for column cladding, each offering unique aesthetics and benefits. Any type of glass can be tempered to boost its strength and resilience.
How can lacquered glass be used for column cladding?
Lacquered glass can be used to create streamlined, modern columns with a smooth, colourful finish, either in single tones or contrasting colour combinations, to create a visually dynamic space.
Is UV-printed glass suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces?
Yes, digitally printed glass is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and fade-resistant, making it an excellent choice for column cladding in high-traffic zones and commercial spaces.
What is the best way to treat columns in smaller spaces?
In smaller spaces, mirrors are an excellent choice for column cladding to minimize visual clutter. By reflecting their surroundings, mirrors create the illusion of openness, making columns blend seamlessly into the space or even appear to vanish entirely.
Jahanavi Arora is an architect by profession and a writer by choice, with over 7 years of experience in architecture and design writing. Read More
