Column Archetypes and Their Origins

Doric, Ionic, & Corinthian.

The history of the three major styles of Greco-Roman classical collumns — Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian — dates back thousands of years. Each style of column has its own character and was used for a different purpose in the ancient world.

Assorted columns stand in the yard at Buffalo Architectural Casting.

Ionic columns are known for their ornate sculptural details and volutes, or decorative scrolls. This style of column originated in eastern regions of Greece and Asia Minor, and was first seen in European architecture in the mid 6th century BC. The Ionic column was often used in the interior of buildings and to support a roof in large public spaces.

An Ionic columns scroll being finished by one of our sculptors at BAC.

Doric columns are the oldest of the three types and are known for their plainer form compared to the Ionic and Corinthian columns. This style of column originated in the Peloponnesian region of Greece and was used primarily in the exterior of buildings. The Doric column is characterized by its tapered top, called an echinus, and its lack of ornamental elements.

A set of finished Corinthian capitols.

Corinthian Columns, originally associated with the architecture of ancient Greece, represent a classic and timeless style. These magnificent columns are an iconic symbol of the ancient Greeks, and their ornamental designs continue to be popular today in interior design, architecture and landscaping. The origins of the Corinthian Column began in the Greek city of Corinth and date back to the 5th century BC. The column’s defining characteristic is its intricate bell-shaped capital, which is decorated with acanthus leaves and sometimes rosettes. This type of column was particularly popular among the elite in ancient Greece, as it signified their wealth and station in life.