Types of Column Capitals: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian & More
Quick Answer: A column capital is the architectural element at the top of a column shaft. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian are the three best-known capital styles from the classical Greek orders, but they are not the only types of column capitals. Tuscan, Roman Ionic, Roman Corinthian, Scamozzi, Temple of the Winds, and many other designs offer different levels of detail and ornamentation. Some of the easiest features to look for when comparing capital styles are simple moldings, scrolls or volutes, and carved leaf details.
Column capitals are one of the most recognizable features of an architectural column. Positioned at the top of the shaft, the capital creates the transition between the column and the structure above while contributing significantly to the column’s overall appearance.
Some capitals have simple, restrained profiles, while others incorporate scrolls, leaves, and elaborate ornamental details. Understanding these differences can make it easier to identify an existing capital, compare styles for a new project, or find an appropriate replacement.
What Is a Column Capital?
A column capital is the uppermost portion of a column, located above the shaft. In classical architecture, the design of the capital is one of the primary features used to distinguish one architectural order from another.
Individual portions of a capital may include the abacus, at the top of the capital; the echinus, which forms part of the transition below it; and necking, located near the transition between the capital and column shaft. The exact shape and arrangement of these elements vary considerably between capital styles.
Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian are the three principal Greek orders. Roman architecture introduced and developed additional orders and variations, including Tuscan and Composite. For a broader look at column styles, components, terminology, and architectural orders, see our Architectural Columns 101 guide.
Types of Column Capitals
Column capital styles range from relatively simple profiles with minimal ornamentation to highly detailed designs featuring scrolls, foliage, and other decorative elements.
In our experience, Tuscan is one of the most commonly selected capital styles for residential columns. Among decorative styles, Roman Corinthian, Roman Ionic, Scamozzi, and Temple of the Winds are among the options customers choose most often.
The following examples show some of the most recognizable column capital styles and the details that help distinguish them.
Tuscan Capital
Tuscan capitals are known for their simple, clean appearance. They typically use smooth, rounded moldings rather than carved leaves, scrolls, or other elaborate ornamentation.
The restrained profile makes a Tuscan capital easy to distinguish from more decorative Ionic and Corinthian-inspired designs. In the traditional Tuscan order, the overall column typically has a smooth, unfluted shaft.
Doric Capital
Doric capitals are also relatively simple and use little ornamentation. A traditional Doric capital typically features a square abacus above a rounded or curved echinus, creating a strong transition between the shaft and the structure above.
In the classical Greek Doric order, columns traditionally had fluted shafts and no separate base. Modern Doric columns and capitals may vary from these historical proportions and details.
Tuscan and Doric capitals can look similar at first glance because neither relies on the scrollwork or carved foliage found in more decorative styles.
Tuscan vs. Doric Capitals
Tuscan and Doric capitals are closely related in appearance, and both are much simpler than Ionic or Corinthian-style capitals. However, they are distinct designs. As shown above, the Tuscan capital has a more rounded profile through the lower portion of the capital, while the Doric profile is broader and flatter. The exact proportions and moldings can vary between architectural column designs, so comparing the profiles directly is often the easiest way to distinguish them.
Roman Ionic Capital
Roman Ionic capitals are most easily recognized by their prominent spiral scrolls, known as volutes. These scrolls are the dominant visual feature of the capital and create a noticeably more decorative appearance than Tuscan or Doric profiles.
Ionic capital designs have developed in different forms over time. Roman Ionic capitals share the characteristic volutes associated with the Ionic order while differing in proportions and detailing from some Greek Ionic designs.
Scamozzi Capital
Scamozzi capitals are Ionic-inspired and also feature prominent volutes. What distinguishes the Scamozzi design is the arrangement of those scrolls around the corners of the capital.
This creates a more consistent decorative appearance when the capital is viewed from different sides. Comparing a Scamozzi capital with a Roman Ionic capital is one of the easiest ways to see how the arrangement of similar architectural details can produce a noticeably different capital.
Roman Corinthian Capital
Roman Corinthian capitals are considerably more ornate. One of their defining characteristics is the use of acanthus leaves, typically arranged in layers around the capital.
Additional stems, scrolls, and ornamental details rise above the foliage, creating the dense and highly decorative appearance associated with Corinthian capitals.
This foliage is one of the easiest ways to distinguish a Corinthian capital from an Ionic design, where prominent volutes are usually the most recognizable feature.
Temple of the Winds Capital
Temple of the Winds capitals feature a distinctive variation of Corinthian foliage without the prominent volutes found on many Corinthian capitals. The design uses a lower row of acanthus leaves with taller, palm-like leaves rising above them, creating a noticeably different profile from the denser layers of foliage and scrollwork seen on Roman Corinthian capitals.
These are only some of the many column capital styles found in classical and modern architecture.
Round vs. Square Column Capitals
Column capitals can be designed for both round and square column shafts.
The same general capital style can look noticeably different when adapted from a round column to a square one. Decorative elements, corners, proportions, and the transition into the shaft may be arranged differently to work with the shape of the column below.
This is particularly noticeable with highly decorative capitals.
A round and square version may share the same overall design while distributing individual details differently around the capital.
When comparing capital styles, it is therefore helpful to look at the version designed for the actual column shape rather than assuming a round and square capital will look identical.
How to Choose a Column Capital
Choosing a column capital involves both appearance and the physical characteristics of the column.
Start by considering how much architectural detail you want the capital to contribute. Tuscan and Doric capitals have relatively restrained profiles. Roman Ionic and Scamozzi introduce prominent scrollwork, while Roman Corinthian and Temple of the Winds capitals use more extensive foliage and ornamentation.
The surrounding architecture can also help guide the decision. Existing columns, moldings, trim, cornice details, entry features, and other architectural elements can provide visual cues when comparing capital styles.
The shape and dimensions of the column are equally important. A capital needs to correspond to the size and configuration of the shaft, particularly when working with an existing column.
There is no single capital style that is right for every building. Looking at the actual profiles and decorative details side by side allows the homeowner, architect, designer, or builder to choose the appearance that works for the individual project.
Replacing an Existing Column Capital
When replacing a damaged, deteriorated, or missing capital, identifying the architectural style is only part of the process. Dimensions and existing conditions are also important when determining what is needed.
When gathering information for a replacement capital, it is helpful to have:
- Clear photos of the entire column
- Close-up photos of the existing capital
- Photos from multiple sides when possible
- Overall column diameter or width
- Capital height and overall width
- Dimensions of the shaft where it meets the capital
- Whether the column is round or square
- Existing material, if known
- Architectural drawings, plans, or original specifications, if available
For restoration work, documenting as much of the original capital as possible can be particularly useful. Even when portions are damaged or missing, photographs, measurements, drawings, or surviving architectural details can provide valuable information about the original design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Column Capitals
What is the top of a column called?
The architectural element at the top of a column shaft is called the capital. Capitals range from relatively simple molded profiles to highly decorative designs incorporating scrolls, foliage, and other ornamentation.
What are the three main types of Greek column capitals?
The three classical Greek orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each has a distinctive capital design, but these three orders do not represent every type of column capital found in architecture.
What is the difference between an Ionic and Corinthian capital?
Ionic capitals are most easily recognized by their prominent spiral volutes, or scrolls. Corinthian capitals are more heavily ornamented and are particularly recognizable for their use of acanthus leaves and additional decorative detailing.
What is the difference between Roman Ionic and Scamozzi capitals?
Both styles feature the scroll-like volutes associated with Ionic architecture. The Scamozzi design arranges the volutes around the corners of the capital, creating a more consistent appearance from multiple sides. Roman Ionic capitals use a different arrangement of the volutes and surrounding details.
Are column capitals available for both round and square columns?
Yes. Column capitals can be designed for both round and square columns. The proportions and arrangement of decorative details may differ to accommodate the shape of the shaft.
Are there more column capital styles than Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian?
Yes. Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian are the three classical Greek orders, but many other capital styles and variations exist. These include Tuscan, Composite, Roman Ionic, Scamozzi, Temple of the Winds, Greek Erechtheum, Greek Angular Ionic, Empire, and other classical and decorative designs.
Explore More Column Capital Styles
The styles shown in this guide are only a selection of the column capitals available for architectural projects.
Architectural Mall offers additional capital styles for round and square columns, including Greek Ionic, Greek Erechtheum, Greek Angular Ionic, Empire, Modern Composite, and other decorative options not covered individually in this guide.
Explore our Column Capitals page to view additional styles and options, or visit Column Capitals and Bases for an overview of both components.
For replacement or restoration projects, send us photos, measurements, drawings, or information about the existing column, and we can help determine the available options for your project.
