The subject of this paper is the analysis of the loss of stability of columns loaded with compressive force due to buckling. In the analysis of hot-rolled steel IPE sections, the influence of the imperfection of the bar (initial curvature) and the eccentricity of the load on the occurrence of buckling was observed. The parametric analysis led to the conclusion that bar and load imperfections have a significant influence on the critical force, which can be reduced by about 50% with an increase in the value of the imperfections. It was then observed how the stiffness of the IPE profile in the weaker plane increases with the installation of one or more lateral stabilisations. Based on the analyses performed for different buckling lengths and positions of the lateral stabilisation, a trend was found that for IPE sections with larger dimensions, the lateral stabilisation should be placed at a smaller distance to obtain approximately equal critical forces in both main planes. The paper also provides guidelines for the design of elements subject to buckling, accompanied by solved examples for the design of articulated bars. Based on the parametric analyses carried out and the diagrams obtained, conclusions were drawn about the behaviour of IPE steel sections at risk of buckling.