How to Make Inexpensive Kitchen Columns

Create a column out of cardboard. The size of a cardboard sheet needed depends on the desired size of the column. For a square column, determine the height and thickness. Use a box cutter and cut a square piece of cardboard that equals the height by five times the thickness of the column. Measure and mark four equally spaced lines down the length of the cardboard. Fold the cardboard along the lines to create five sections. Overlap and glue the end flaps together to create a four-sided box. For a round column, use a cardboard rug tube.

Hide the exposed seam where the overlapping flaps were glued by running a strip of brown packing tape down the corner.

Make a base and a capital for the column. Cut two squares out of foam board that have slightly larger dimensions than the column. Cut foam using a sharp knife.

Adhere the base and top to the ends of the column. Place beads of construction adhesive around the top and bottom rims of the column and firmly press the foam blocks onto the column ends. Allow the construction adhesive to dry.

Paint the column with at least two coats of primer to conceal all signs of cardboard and foam. Allow one coat to dry before adding another. Use plastic primer to ensure that it adheres to the foam.

Paint the column, using a color that matches the colors of the kitchen. Leave the paint to dry.

Coat the column with a layer of decoupage glue. Decoupage glue will add a strong, protective and translucent glaze and will help to unify the parts as a single column. Both matte and glossy decoupage glues are available. If desired, imbed pieces of craft paper in the glue layer to add texture and extra decorative elements.