The associated modules display the products inside the categories, so it's in the associated modules that you have to change the number of columns and not in the menu options directly.
Menu categories listing = number of columns to display categories
Associated module = number of columns to display products of the categories.
You must not remove the associated modules, but edit their settings.
I just tried to change the number of columns for the display of the products inside "decorating" menu, and it's working fine. Changed from 3 to 1 in the associated module.