Which term describes a decorative column that projects from a wall to give the appearance of a separate post?

Which term describes a decorative column that projects from a wall to give the appearance of a separate post?

• A. Pillar
• B. Beams
• C. Column
• D. Pilaster

Answer: (D)

A pilaster is a shallow, decorative projection from a wall that is made to look like a separate post while staying attached to the wall. It provides vertical emphasis and rhythm along the surface without carrying structural loads. This matches the description of a decorative column-like element that projects from a wall. In contrast, a pillar is a free-standing support, a column is a vertical support that can be freestanding or attached but isn’t necessarily a shallow wall projection, and beams are horizontal members, not column-like projections. Hence, the term that fits is pilaster.

A pilaster is a shallow, decorative projection from a wall that is made to look like a separate post while staying attached to the wall. It provides vertical emphasis and rhythm along the surface without carrying structural loads. This matches the description of a decorative column-like element that projects from a wall. In contrast, a pillar is a free-standing support, a column is a vertical support that can be freestanding or attached but isn’t necessarily a shallow wall projection, and beams are horizontal members, not column-like projections. Hence, the term that fits is pilaster.