An Introduction to Tuscan Columns

Most people divide the main styles of classic column into three different categories: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Some then further refine the descriptions by whether they are Greek or Roman versions of these three main orders of columns. Tuscan columns, however, are a separate order of column from any of these three. In fact, Tuscan columns are even simpler than the early Doric orders and are a reflection of later Roman styles that were designed to be more masculine and severe.

The Tuscan style gets its name from the Tuscany region of Italy, where this style of column was often used on the country villas and estates owned by members of the Senatorial class and the upper levels of the Roman Legion. Today, many home owners replicate this warm but rustic style in their own homes, relying on Tuscan columns to add the feel of an authentic Tuscan villa.

Traditional Tuscan columns are plain and unadorned. They are not fluted and have a simple base and capital that generally consists of a simple round on a square base at the bottom and a simple round holding the square plinth for the capital. The height of most Tuscan columns is seven times the diameter, although there are variations today. In general, Tuscan columns have simpler, cleaner lines that have often been used for military buildings and other “masculine” architecture over the years.

U.S. Popularity of Tuscan Columns

In the United States, Tuscan columns became particularly popular in New England, where simple, strong lines were preferred for homes. They were often used in gardens and on porches as well. The Georgian style of home often uses the restrained beauty of Tuscan columns to support entryways and porches. In some cases, a Tuscan column may feature a single, plain, raised ring around the shaft near the top, several inches down from the capital. This is the only adornment you will usually see on a Tuscan column.

Today, Tuscan columns are very popular for arbors and pergolas, particularly if a rustic, earthy style is the goal. Generally, Tuscan columns appear to be well-grounded and solid, making them ideal for country homes and bungalows.

Tuscan Columns Give Way to Newer Forms

Over time, the classic Tuscan style evolved in the last few centuries. The arts and crafts movement produced some beautiful columns that combined a more contemporary, square shaft with the simple base and capital of Tuscan columns. Variations continued as the Mission style came into favor. These sometimes used square columns that tapered from a wide base to a narrower capital, again using Tuscan elements in combination with the sharper, cleaner lines of the square column.

Today, any column that has a Tuscan base and capital is generally considered a Tuscan column. The variations include round and square shafts, a tapered shaft and even, in a few cases, square shafts with paneled insets. The key to determining whether a column is Tuscan today is how simple the base is. The simpler the base, the more likely it is to be one of the wonderful Tuscan columns seen in and on so many homes today.