Furniture Placement When Using Decorative Columns

Purpose

• Laurie Erickson and Chet Zebroski, partners in Erickson Zebroski Design Group of San Francisco, consider columns a ''transparent wall.'' In their remodeling work, they often use columns to open up an older, traditional floor plan and allow light into a room. Columns can also direct people from room to room, doing the work of a doorway without the enclosure.

Entry Columns

• If a pair of columns is used as an entryway to a room, make sure the furniture does not impede the flow of traffic. Place the furniture away from the columns, leaving a corridor at least 3 feet wide for entry and exit, according to ''New Decorating Book.''

Room Dividers

• Columns are often used decoratively to divide a space into different areas, such as those between a dining and living area. In this case, place the furniture around a central point in the room, according to ''New Decorating Book.'' Use an area rug as an anchor, placing furniture around it. If the room is used for conversation, position chairs and a sofa toward each other on the rug. Leave 14 to 18 inches between a coffee table and sofa. If the space is used for television viewing, place the seating to face the screen. If a focal point such as a fireplace exists, orient the seating toward the focal point. A rug creates a natural island for a large table and chairs in a dining area. Other pieces, such as china cabinets, can be placed against the wall.

Large Spaces

• In one large living space, such as a loft, columns can create distinct areas without the loss of openness. In an oversized space, a large piece of furniture such as a sofa can be placed between or in front of columns. Furniture groupings can also float in areas cordoned off by columns. Make sure furniture backs are in good condition before floating furniture in a room. Designer June Shea of Shea Studio Interiors says placing furniture on an angle works well in a very large room with columns. If the sofa is floated in a room, ensure that a power supply is in the floor for tables and lamps, so cords don't create a safety hazard. A console with a pair of lamps behind a floating sofa also works well.