What Are the Three Types of Pillars?

Doric

• The simplest of column styles, Doric, was created by the Dorians of ancient Greece. Famous structures featuring columns of this style include the Parthenon in Greece. Doric columns feature stout bodies, widest at the bottom, and plain surfaces with a square piece called an abacus connecting the capital to the building. The Romans added a base to their version of the Doric column, which was also thinner than the Greek style. Doric columns are considered the most masculine style and traditionally appear in public buildings.

Ionic

• Decorative Ionic columns, originally designed by the Ionians of ancient Greece, are considered the most feminine type of pillar. They traditionally see a lot of indoor use or appear on small buildings because of their slender shaft and decorative capital. The capital features two volutes (spiral shapes that resemble scrolls) on either side of the shaft. The Colosseum and the Temple of Fortuna Virilis--two famous Roman landmarks--both feature Ionic pillars.

Corinthian

• Corinthian pillars are the most elaborate column style created by the ancient Greeks. These columns typically feature a very slender, fluted shaft and a capital carved with leaves in the design of the acanthus (a Mediterranean thistle plant). The Romans used this column design more than the Greeks, adding more ornate features. Like the Ionic style, Corinthian columns include a decorative base. The Roman Pantheon features famous examples of Corinthian columns.