How to build big, bulky, decorative columns

The doorway from the entry to the living room used to be pretty boring — just drywall meeting drywall. I wanted to create something more substantial and interesting, so I built a decorative column on each side and topped it with a pediment. It made a huge difference and added character to an otherwise flat wall.

Now I’ll show you how to build your own decorative columns.

How to build decorative columns

Build Bulky Decorative Columns

1. Base Structure

I used 2x4s and 2x6s for my base structure because that was the size that created proportionate columns for my specific space. You may want to use 2x8s if you have an extremely tall and wide doorway. It’s all about proportions and preferences. For the sake of this tutorial I will refer to the sized that I used — modify as needed.

Secure a 2×4 on one side of your corner wall.  Overlap that with a 2×6 on the adjoining wall.  This will give you a 1/2″ discrepancy in width.

2. Wrap

Cover the 2x framing with 1/2″ mdf on 3 sides.  Leave the end of the 2×6 uncovered evening out the width of both sides of your column to 6″.

How to build decorative columns dimensions

3. Trim

I used prime pine but you can use any 1×2 material.  I mitered the outside corners – check out my tutorial for using painter’s tape with a mitered joint.

Optional: Add horizontal dividers wherever you like to create sections – it’s completely up to you. Personally, my design-oriented brain gravitates toward the rule of thirds.

How to build decorative columns

4. Pediment

I built my pediment by installing a 2×6 and then covered that with MDF.  I didn’t cover the header with 1x material like I did the columns.  I wanted my columns to protrude passed my pediment because it looks really cool when you get to the part where you add the crown molding!

How to build column header

5. Layered Baseboard

I wanted a really chunky look—about 14″ tall. So I placed my lower horizontal divider at 14″ from the floor and built down from there, alternating between two different baseboard styles to create a thick, stacked profile.

  • Use scraps to block out the lower portion of the column with each additional layer you add.
How to build decorative columns in a doorway
  • Miter all your corners
  • My bottom layer is 1/2″ MDF topped with a small cove molding.
How to build decorative columns in a doorwaymiter corners
How to build decorative columns in a doorway paint prep

6. Optional: Applied Trim

I added a small decorative molding to the inside of the “boxes” on my columns to give them more detail.  You can skip this step if you want a simple design or don’t want to hassle with it.  (It is a LOT of cuts.)

How to build decorative columns trim

*Tip – Use a piece of scrap wood as backing when cutting small molding to prevent tearout and give you cleaner cuts.

Build a Column fill and sand

7. Crown Molding

Use my Crown Molding Templates to make that step easy as pie!

8. Optional Additional Trim

I also added a small decorative molding to the bottom of the header. I’m not sure what it’s officially called, but it was an easy addition – just simple mitered cuts, not compound angles like you’d need for crown molding.

How to build decorative columns in a doorway prime and paint

9.  Caulk, Prime and Paint.

Putting all three of those items in one bullet point makes it sound like it will be fast and easy. Maybe easy but probably not fast. Prepping and painting takes as much time as building the whole thing if you do it well. Unless you spray it. Then you just have to fill and sand and then mask off the area…so yeah, that’s gonna take a minute!

But it will be worth it! Obviously I did more to this “doorway” than just build the decorative columns and pediment.

Those elements definitely add a layer of sophistication and architectural interest.

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25 Comments

  1. I did miter the outside corners by running them on my table saw. You can do that, or trim 3/4″ off one side of each box and use simply butt joints.

  2. Norman Scherer says:

    I have the same question as Vaughn who wrote:

    “Sandra, can you tell me how you are getting the outside corner of the column to be square using the 1 x’s? Are you having to miter the entire length of one side of the 1 x with a table saw?”

    I am confused about that too. I don’t understand how you are using the 1 x 2s to get a square outside corner on the entire length by “mitering”. Please explain how you miter the entire length of the 1 x 2s for a seamless outside corner?

    thanks
    Norman

  3. Sandra,
    You’ve inspired me . I’m getting ready to start a long rebuild and remodel project of our home in Idaho, but for now we’re still in New Mexico working healthcare and trying to avoiding COVID . I want to see more of your work – you have a real talent I needed to see. Planning everything on paper for now . You really inspired and impressed me !

  4. Thanks Jay. I used a traditional picture frame moulding. At the big box stores, check the area with the 8′ unfinished trim selections.

  5. Hello Sandra, what is the trim you used for the inside of your column boxes? I’ve been wanting to do this project for years and finally got around to it. My wife looked out countless photos of designs and ultimately selected yours. I’m almost ready to begin and have decided on all the other materials but I’m having a hard time with the trim inside the boxes. I’ve not liked the look of the picture frame/shadow box trims I’ve found so far. Best wishes and keep up the great work!

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