What can I do with large column going through living/dining room?

EJ
by EJ
Hi! We have an old house (built in 1910). Things are a little out of wack, including the walls, floors, etc. I am okay with most of it, but we have this rather large column (chimney?) that comes straight up through the living/dining room. Whatever is covering it bubbles up when we paint it, and it needs painting, or some kind of cover now. Ideas?
  20 answers
  • Karen Krysowaty Karen Krysowaty on Jul 31, 2017

    If it is a chimney you may want to check if there are any leaks at the roof line-that could be causing the bubbling. We opened our chimney so the brick showed through in the bathroom and I loved it

    • EJ EJ on Jul 31, 2017

      I do think it is an old chimney, but there is nothing pretty under there to expose, just some crumbling brick and duct work.

  • Phyllis Cheney Phyllis Cheney on Jul 31, 2017

    Why not rock it to give it a new look

  • Judyms9 Judyms9 on Jul 31, 2017

    Cover all four sides with bead board or any wall board, paint and consolidate a family photo gallery on it. It will look intentional, an interesting focal point.

  • Donna Marie Ledington Donna Marie Ledington on Jul 31, 2017

    There might be oil based paint under there that is causing the latex to bubble. You might try covering the existing surface with paintable wall paper and then you can finish it however you want. I am in the process of covering some poorly installed stair risers with a bead board patterned paintable wallpaper in a house we are preparing to sell. That stuff covers a lot of sins. I purchased mine through Home Depot online and picked it up at the local store.

  • EJ EJ on Jul 31, 2017

    Are corners difficult to wall paper?

    • Donna Marie Ledington Donna Marie Ledington on Jul 31, 2017

      If it were me going that route, I would wrap the paper around the corners. Start in the middle of a short wall and go from there wrapping around each corner till you meet up with the beginning. Overlap slightly (an inch or two) then use a straight edge tool (metal yard stick or a level) and a sharp utility knife to cut down both layers giving you a clean join.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jul 31, 2017

    That looks like a great place to cover it with a decorative rock.

  • Vanessa Hayman Vanessa Hayman on Jul 31, 2017

    yup def rock it

  • Karen Dickinson Karen Dickinson on Jul 31, 2017

    Wrap it with burlap, then hang your framed artwork or photos on it.

  • Ellis Ellis on Jul 31, 2017

    You could get a carpenter to cover it in wood paneling to match the style of your house's woodwork. Then stain or paint to your choice. If it is not very big, there are companies that make kits to cover them. I have seen them in magazines like This Old House or Family Handyman, etc., to cover basement columns.

  • Ellis Ellis on Jul 31, 2017

    My tablet was slow displaying your picture. Could this be a chimney? It looks about the size of one...a friend has one going right up the middle of her house.

    • EJ EJ on Jul 31, 2017

      Yes, it is. I just inspected to find out! However, the brick is not attractive and there is duct work attached to it as well.

  • Muriel Frank Muriel Frank on Jul 31, 2017

    When papering around corners,, overlap the paper about 1/2 inch . Don't worry about matching pattern if you are painting over it.

  • G G on Jul 31, 2017

    I used to be a decorator and there are things you can't get rid of so embrace them and make them a focal point. Try a tissue paper paint treatment. And paint it colors to go with your decor. I have done them in dark stains and also colors of beige to look like marble columns. http://themagicbrushinc.com/tissue-paper-101-a-tutorial/. It's an easy treatment to do.

    • EJ EJ on Jul 31, 2017

      This technique looks great! I am afraid I would just make a big mess, though!

  • Gayle Tucker Gayle Tucker on Jul 31, 2017

    First you need to determine if the column is load bearing. Go to Youtube for instructions on how to identify. If it is load bearing you will need to distribute the load with either a laminated beam or a steel one. This can be really expensive. Another option if the column is load bearing is to reduce the size of the column but let it remain where it is in a smaller version. Still can be expensive. Or, make that column a feature by beefing it up to be shelving or a water feature or an art wall using downward lighting to grab everyone's attention with its good looks and creativity.. Splurge on a really nice piece of art or wall sculpture. Or add faux stone to make it look intentional and part of your overall plan.

    If the column is not load bearing, cover your floors and tear it out. Patch the ceiling and enjoy your new open room.

  • G G on Jul 31, 2017

    It is really easy to do and the beauty of it is you can't make a mistake. Since the paper is wadded up and wrinkly, who is going to know there is a mistake?

    • See 3 previous
    • G G on Jul 31, 2017

      Good Luck and be sure and post photos when done. Years ago I did it to white builder columns in a 2.5 million $$$ house and it was gorgeous and the homeowners loved it. Wish I still had a photo to show you but all are put away.


  • Benita Cicero Benita Cicero on Jul 31, 2017

    Have thought about covering it in fabric? Measure the column, and buy fabric you like could be a colorful print, or an great textured look. Buy the length of cloth the height of your column, and cut to 1 in wider than the total width of combined sides. cover your floor to protect it. Use liquid cornstarch to dip cloth...might need an extra set of hands. Start at top of column smoothing as you go down one side. Carefully make sure cloth is not crooked. Continue with each side and overlap the 1 inch extra cloth. Try to pick fabric that does not fray easily and compliments your room.

    • See 1 previous
    • EJ EJ on Jul 31, 2017

      My linen is in a roll, so I cannot choose the size for the width, and my column is 8ft tall. The roll on linen is 58 inches wide. The four sides of the wall are 20" on two sides and 29" on the other two sides. Linen does fray, but maybe I could iron the edge under?

  • Kelleysgirl Kelleysgirl on Jul 31, 2017

    If you simply want to paint, use Zinsser oil based primer- it should cover any surface, and you can paint over with latex. It does have a strong smell, just so you know, and not as cheap as Kilz, but works great. Or, you could use wood planks to cover it all the way around.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kelleysgirl Kelleysgirl on Jul 31, 2017

      Probably a couple of hours, but I can't say for sure. I would definitely use fans and open windows and make sure kids and pets are out. I have used it on furniture outside, so I don't know exactly how long the smell would last. But its a great primer.

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Jul 31, 2017

    Wallpaper is back in! How about some of the new style grass like wallpaper Such as some of the ones here:


    https://www.designyourwall.com/t/grass-cloth-and-naturals

  • Karen Krysowaty Karen Krysowaty on Jul 31, 2017

    I still feel that you might have some type of leakage there if you are getting bubbling You might need to have the chimney caulked. Good luck

  • Barb Barb on Aug 01, 2017

    Well depending what your budget it, you could add a smaller wall on each side and a add fake fireplace. Here are few photos to help with your project💫