Exterior Ideas for a New Wood Decorative Column

Decorate with Fabric

• A piece of fabric draped over a column gives it a classic, tasteful look. If you have two or more columns in the same area, consider draping the fabric between the columns. For example, attach one end of the fabric to one column with a staple gun or small nail. Pull the fabric across to the next column and secure it again. You can even arrange columns in a square and add the fabric, creating a private spot for relaxation. Choose lightweight fabric or gauzy fabric that will not overwhelm the look of your columns.

Wrap in Lights

• For special events or holidays, wrap a column in lights. Twinkle lights or fairy lights feature white lights on a strand that twinkle and softly blink. The lights can add a decorative element to a wedding or anniversary party. Rope lights use small light bulbs inside a plastic casing that lets you bend and twist the lights into different shapes and designs. Wrap red and white lights around a column for Valentine’s Day and pick orange and black lights for Halloween. Red and green lights give the column a festive look during the Christmas holiday season.

Add Some Color

• Add a splash of color to the columns with a new coat of paint. Using several colors that complement or match the design of your home. If your home features white siding with green shutters, use white as a background color on the columns and green as an accent shade. Consider painting the base and top of the column in one color and using a different color on the shaft.

Flower Power

• Flowers and plants added to a column recreate the look of an old-fashioned garden. Plant hooks that screw into the surface of a column keep your plants from sagging. Use the hooks for hanging baskets filled with your favorite flowers or even arrange several baskets down the side of a column and grow your own herbs. Crawling or climbing plants like ivy are another option. As the plants creep up the side of a column, the vegetation will hide any damage, defects or weathering on the wood.