Decorating Ideas How to Hide a Pillar in Living Room

Pillars in living rooms—especially structural ones—can be frustrating design obstacles. But with the right strategy, they can transform from awkward eyesores into seamless parts of your décor. This guide will show you decorating ideas how to hide a pillar in living room using smart furniture placement, cladding, lighting, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Use furniture, shelving, and lighting to integrate the pillar into the room.
• Apply wood, stone, or fabric wraps for seamless blending.
• Transform pillars into useful nooks, display zones, or art spaces.
• Use contrast or camouflage techniques depending on your room layout.
• Combine multiple methods for the best results in large spaces.

Use Furniture to Conceal the Pillar Effectively

Strategic furniture placement is one of the easiest ways to disguise a pillar in your living room. This method doesn’t require construction and fits well with most home layouts.

Wrap the Pillar with a Bookshelf

• Create a custom bookshelf unit that fits around the pillar’s sides.
• Use open shelving to keep the room feeling airy.
• Ideal for modern or minimalist interiors.

Incorporate a Cabinet Build-out

• Add a corner cabinet or storage unit directly against the pillar.
• Paint it the same color as the wall to blend in.
• Use closed storage to keep clutter out of sight.

Use Sofa or Sectional Placement

• Position a sectional sofa around the pillar to integrate it visually.
• Place an accent chair or side table next to it to reduce attention.

Table: Furniture Ideas for Concealing a Pillar

Transform Pillar into Functional Shelving or Storage

Why not turn the pillar into an asset? Built-in or floating shelving creates both visual and practical value.

Add Floating Shelves

• Install floating wood or glass shelves directly on the pillar.
• Great for displaying plants, books, or art objects.
• Use matching shelf brackets to keep the look clean.

Built-in Bookcase or Cabinet

• Consider building a small wraparound bookcase around the lower portion of the pillar.
• Paint the shelving the same tone as your wall for harmony.

Use a Decorative Niche

• Create an arched niche in drywall extensions around the pillar.
• Add backlighting to highlight decor elements.

Create a Cozy Nook Around Pillar

Instead of hiding the pillar, reframe it as a cozy lifestyle zone.

Build a Reading Corner

• Place a comfy chair, side table, and floor lamp around the pillar.
• Anchor it with a small rug to visually define the nook.

Coffee Bar or Mini Bar Setup

• Set up a rolling bar cart or small console against the pillar.
• Add glassware, greenery, and soft lighting to complete the look.

Use Framing Rugs

• Rugs can subtly guide the eye around the pillar.
• Opt for layered rugs for a textured, cozy feel.

Apply Decorative Cladding and Finishes

Cladding a pillar is one of the most dramatic ways to hide it or transform it into an architectural feature.

Wood-Wrapped Pillar

• Wrap the pillar in stained wood planks for a warm, rustic feel.
• Use vertical paneling for height, or horizontal for length.

Stone or Tile Cladding

• Apply faux stone, slate, or marble tile around the pillar.
• Adds weight and luxury, especially in open-concept rooms.

Wallpaper or Wall Mural Wraps

• Use bold wallpaper patterns to turn the pillar into an artistic statement.
• Great for maximalist or eclectic interiors.

Accent Painting, Wallpaper, or Mirror Treatment

Camouflage or highlight—either approach can work if done with purpose.

Paint to Match the Walls

• A monochrome look helps the pillar visually disappear.
• Works well in neutral, minimalist interiors.

Use Bold Accent Colors

• Paint the pillar in a contrasting color for a pop effect.
• Tie the color to cushions, rugs, or artwork in the space.

Install Mirror Panels

• Use full-length mirror tiles to visually “erase” the pillar.
• Enhances light and reflects other design elements.

Integrate Lighting and Greenery for Disguise

Smart lighting and plant placement can draw the eye away or soften the edges of the pillar.

Add LED Strip Lighting

• Run LEDs vertically along the pillar edges.
• Can highlight textures or add drama at night.

Use Floor or Table Lamps Strategically

• Place lamps in front or beside the pillar to cast visual shadows.
• Soft, indirect lighting works best.

Incorporate Plants and Vines

• Place a tall potted plant or use wall planters climbing the pillar.
• Greenery adds softness and color.

Table: Lighting & Greenery Uses

Use Pillar as Structural Divider or Art Display

In open-concept layouts, the pillar can act as a subtle zoning tool or gallery element.

Install Divider Screens

• Use folding screens or laser-cut panels near the pillar to zone space.
• Adds height and texture while keeping sightlines open.

Create a Gallery-Style Display

• Hang a series of artworks, mirrors, or photo prints on the pillar.
• Use similar frames and align vertically.

Rotate Seasonal Decorations

• Treat the pillar like a decorating anchor point.
• Swap out themed décor (e.g., wreaths, garlands, textile banners).

Embrace Pillar by Wrapping with Fabric or Trim

Sometimes, instead of hiding the pillar, it’s more stylish to soften or stylize it using fabric or architectural trim.

Use Fabric Wraps

• Drape soft fabrics (linen, muslin, or velvet) around the pillar like a column curtain.
• Use tension rods or adhesive-backed Velcro for easy installation.
• Great for boho or eclectic interiors.

Apply Trim and Molding

• Add decorative molding or beadboard around the pillar.
• Paint it to match or accent the wall color.
• Transforms plain columns into classical architectural features.

Build Adjacent Wall or Cabinet for Flow

In some layouts, especially open-plan rooms, you can subtly absorb the pillar into a larger structure.

Construct a Partial Wall

• Extend a half-height partition or full-height drywall next to the pillar.
• This creates a room divider effect while disguising the pillar.

Add Built-in Storage

• Install a built-in cabinet, bench, or console attached to the pillar’s side.
• Paint or finish it uniformly for seamless blending.

Tip: This approach works best if the pillar is close to an edge or room corner.

Feature Pillar with Bold Material or Textural Contrast

Sometimes, standing out works better than blending in. By embracing contrast, you make the pillar a design feature.

Glossy or Reflective Materials

• Use lacquered panels, acrylic sheets, or metal finishes to reflect light.
• These materials work well in modern and glam interiors.

Raw or Natural Texture

• Wrap the pillar in reclaimed wood, concrete finish, or exposed brick.
• This works well in industrial or Scandinavian themes.

Textured Plaster or Faux Finish

• Apply a Venetian plaster, limewash, or sponge technique.
• Gives a hand-crafted, layered depth to the pillar.

Table: Texture Options for Feature Pillars

Make It Playful or Whimsical

Turn a challenge into a playful design opportunity, especially in family spaces or creative rooms.

Tree Trunk Illusion

• Wrap the pillar in wood texture wallpaper or sculptural bark.
• Add faux branches for a fantasy feel (great for kids' rooms).

Fairy Lights or Garland

• Spiral twinkle lights or seasonal garlands around the pillar.
• Makes it festive and warm year-round.

Chalkboard or Art Display

• Use chalkboard paint on the pillar surface.
• Kids can doodle or leave notes—a living feature!

Best Combinations & Floor-Plan Tips

Combining multiple techniques can lead to better flow and visual balance.

Combine Furniture + Lighting

• A bookshelf around the pillar + a spotlight = sculptural and functional.
• Great for reading corners or artistic statements.

Layered Distraction Techniques

• Paint pillar same as wall, place a tall plant beside, and light it from above.
• Helps pillar fade into the background.

Adapt to Room Layout

• In narrow rooms, keep pillar decor slim and vertical.
• In large living rooms, turn pillar into a zoning device (e.g., separate lounge and dining areas).

FAQs – People Also Ask

How to hide a pillar in living room cheaply?

• Use paint to match the wall.
• Wrap with affordable fabric.
• Add LED lights or floor plant in front.

These are all under $100 and easy to DIY.

Is it okay to leave a pillar exposed?

Yes—if you embrace its architectural presence.

• Paint it a bold color
• Use raw finishes like wood or concrete
• Highlight with art or lighting

This approach can enhance minimalist or industrial styles.

Can I remove a structural pillar?

No, not without professional structural analysis.
Removing load-bearing pillars can cause collapse. Always consult:

• A structural engineer
• Local building codes
• A licensed contractor

Which materials work best to disguise a pillar?

• Wood panels for warmth and style
• Mirror tiles for reflection and openness
• Wallpaper for easy DIY transformation
• Stone veneer for upscale texture

Choose materials based on your room’s lighting, style, and floor plan.

How to choose furniture placement around a pillar?

• Use L-shaped layouts with sofas or sectionals
• Place shelving or storage units directly beside it
• Anchor with a rug or console table to define zones

Avoid floating furniture awkwardly in relation to the pillar. Think in symmetry and flow.

Final Thoughts: Smart Decorating Ideas to Hide a Pillar in Living Room

Hiding or enhancing a pillar in your living room doesn’t have to be a challenge—it’s an opportunity to elevate your interior design. Whether you choose to wrap it in textured cladding, incorporate it with shelving, disguise it with furniture layout, or turn it into an artistic focal point, the right approach depends on your space, style, and creativity.

From budget-friendly DIY fabric wraps to built-in storage solutions and strategic lighting, every idea we’ve covered is designed to blend the pillar seamlessly into your room—or make it stand out beautifully. The key is to treat the column as part of the room’s architecture, not an afterthought.

By combining smart zoning, materials, and placement, even the most awkward pillar can become a design feature you’ll love.

Still unsure which solution fits best? Start small with paint or lighting and evolve over time into more structural or bold treatments. Let your pillar become a proud part of your living room story.