How to make a bollard blend in

Bollards are used as a practical solution to improve safety in some environments and to control the traffic in others. However, let’s face it, sometimes they are a bit of an eyesore. And those bollards stand out like a sore thumb – and not in the attractive, appealing kind of way! 

Here we’ll teach you some of the ways you can make a bollard seamlessly blend in with its surroundings. Whether integrating it into an urban landscape or camouflaging it into a natural setting, our ideas here are focussed around how to make a bollard blend in to its surrounding environment.

Choose the right colour and material for a bollard to blend in to its surroundings

When you’re trying to work out how to make that bollard blend in, start by looking at the direct surroundings. What is the environment the bollard is sitting in like? What are the primary colours around it? Are they industrial concrete and steel? Or is the bollard sitting in a natural area like a park or near the water? Why do you want to hide the bollard if it’s there for safety and security?

This naturally brings to mind two key things – colour and material selection. Using appropriate colour and materials are crucial in planning whether a bollard will blend in with its surroundings.

If you want a bollard blend in, then colour and materials, including texture, should match in to make it seamless. For example, if it’s in parkland full of greenery, then the bollard with earthy coloured tones would effortlessly blend in. Think of materials such as distressed timber, or worn bronze, that will also weather in the elements. 

In the same vein, think of what blends in for a concrete jungle urban environment. Here, materials such as grey raw concrete, or galvanised or stainless steel, will blend into that cityscape. And in these circumstances, you may want an architectural bollard.

Use natural elements to help the bollard blend in

Another way of making a bollard blend in, is to Incorporateing natural elements around  it. For example, you can enhance the aesthetic  appearance of a security bollard by planting decorative flowers around it. By doing this, you will make the area around the bollard much more attractive, and pleasing to the eye. This is especially the case in stark urban environments. Those dominated by concrete, steel and the overwhelming colour is boring grey. Adding a pop of colour with flowers, or even evergreen bushes, definitely makes the bollard blend in. This works for a fixed bollard, for example, but not for a moving bollard, like an automatic parking bollard.

Use Artistic Coverings to make a bollard blend in

We can use art to creatively make a bollard blend in!  By customizing the bollards with artistic colour or themes, you can even use the bollard to convey a message.

You can even use artistic media such as artistic decals, mural paintings or even vinyl wraps to create captivating art. And so you turn a plain, ordinary and non-descript bollard into a creative artwork, that blends in with its  surroundings.

Incorporate Lighting

When it comes to making a bollard blend in, think about why you’ve got the bollard there to start with. Is the bollard used to protect, or deter cars from coming too close to buildings or pedestrian access ways? If so, then you should consider illuminating the area around the bollard by placing lights around it. Did you notice that when you throw light on the area surrounding it, the focal point moves away from the bollard itself and more towards the illuminated area. Using soft and ambient lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere concealing the bollard at night time.

Consider Decorative Elements

You can help a bollard blend in by adding decorative elements. Things like functional and practical chains, ropes or banners that complement the surroundings. For example in a beach setting, you can add a rope adorned with sea shells or starfish. This will turn a plain boring bollard into a decorative bollard. And it will also turn this decorative bollard into a functional one which blends in beautifully with its beachside surroundings. 

Another great example of putting a creative idea to work is to turn bollard into artwork. On the famous Geelong bollard Trail along the coast of Victoria, bollards have been turned into art. Local artists have used their creativity and inspiration from the surroundings to turn bollards into fun and interactive art. With a historic and relevant story-telling bent, the Geelong Bollard Trail has become a fabulous tourist attraction! With the neighbouring seaside as inspiration, these bollards have been decoratively turned into bathers, surf-lifesavers, and firemen too! Lots of fun to make bollards blend in and also stand out, but with an attractive bent!

There are so many options to make a bollard blend in

You can make a bollard blend in with a few simple steps. As easy as selecting the right colour, texture, and natural elements, with artistic creativity and a splash of paint! It’s all about creativity and attention to detail. Following these simple steps will both ensure that the bollards serve their purpose and also make them visually appealing.

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