Arched structures in the interior: style, types, design and decoration.

Design Features

The beauty of the arch is that it can be made in accordance with any style of the apartment, it will look harmonious both in a classic interior and in modern trends.

• For a compact room, it is better to use a minimalist arch, in a spacious apartment, the opening can be of an unusual shape.
• White is considered a classic and universal color for an arched opening.
• With the help of an arched opening, it is convenient to divide an apartment into zones, only partially isolating the rooms.
• An arch in the interior will emphasize the features of the style and will also perform a decorative function.

The photo shows a wide arched opening in a classic style. Geometric shapes are repeated in the kitchen set.

Installation location

Doorway

The most common method of using arches in an apartment is as interior partitions. Thus, the rooms are visually separated from each other, but retain a common space. Most often, an interior arch unites the living room area with the kitchen area.

The arch above the doorway of the entrance door is the beginning of the interior of the apartment and a continuation of the entrance door. The finishing can be unnoticeable or, on the contrary, draw attention to itself, for example, with the help of artificial or natural stone.

Dividing a room into zones

An arch can also divide one room into two different zones. For example, a bedroom, a sleeping area from a dressing room or a recreation area. The arch above the bar counter will visually separate the kitchen area from the living room. Even a small indent above the ceiling will visually separate the room.

The photo shows the dining area with a transition to the living room. The arch is made of plaster and repeats the relief of the ceiling plinths.

Decorative arches on the wall

A good interior solution to give the apartment individuality. Graceful arches will support the interior in any style. A smoothly shaped arch can frame a painting, mirror, photographs or wallpaper with a different background.

The photo shows a stylish compact living room. A mirror framed in an arch visually increases the space.

Niche arches

A beautiful way to play up the useful space in the wall. Several shelves, a TV, a small sofa or a desk can be installed in the niche. An arch of the right shape will emphasize the style of the apartment interior.

Window

Window openings in the form of semicircular arches will decorate and make the classic interior of the apartment more delicate. It is more appropriate to use such windows in country houses and private houses.

Types by shape

In the form of an arc

The classic version is suitable for any type of layout, it has a horseshoe shape and makes an even semicircle.

The photo shows the interior of an apartment in the new classic style. The walls are finished with gray plaster.

Square and rectangular

The arched opening has right angles and is suitable for interior design in any style. The width and height depend on the area of the apartment. A high rectangular arch will visually make the room taller.

Ellipse

An ellipse-shaped arch looks very original in the interior of an apartment, it has the shape of an oval, but with obtuse angles at the rounding point. Wide rooms are well suited for an arch of this shape.

Trapezoid

Has the shape of a trapezoid, four obtuse angles. An ideal option for the interior of an apartment in a modern style.

Half-arch in an apartment

Half-arch, also called Thai arch, combines two types, a portal and a classic. On one side it has a right angle, on the other a rounded shape of any radius.

Unusual shapes

In addition, arches can be of a completely unusual shape, for example, in the oriental style in the form of a dome. This option looks great in any color scheme and will become a real “highlight” of the apartment. The pointed shape will make the room taller, and the horseshoe shape will make it wider.

Materials for making an arch

Drywall

The most common option, at a low price with its help you can create an arch of any shape. A plasterboard structure is much easier to install, unlike monolithic arches made of brick and stone.

The installation is carried out using a metal frame and plasterboard sheets. After the structure is assembled, it requires finishing. To do this, it is puttied and sanded. Afterwards, they begin to sheathe in accordance with the interior design.

Wood

Stone and wood are noble materials and are not so easy to handle. A wooden arch goes well with different styles, but requires regular maintenance. To prevent the material from cracking, you should buy wood treated with special coatings.

MDF can be an analogue of natural wood. The material is much cheaper, does not require special care and is not subject to decay.

Brick

A brick structure is more suitable for a living room in a country house, since it is quite massive, but if you want to see it in a city apartment, you can get by with brick veneers.

Gypsum

A plaster arch allows you to turn an ordinary doorway into a real work of art with the smallest details, while the cost will be very affordable. You can buy a ready-made plaster finish or create it yourself.

The photo shows a living room with an unusual symmetrical arch. The finish is made of plaster and complemented with moldings.

Plastic

Foam plastic is the most affordable material of all listed, it is easy to cut out the frame of the arch from it, a special mesh is used to increase strength. Polyurethane arches are highly durable, wear-resistant, resistant to moisture and external influences. In addition, the material is easy to attach with glue.

Finishing options

Decorative stone

Decorative stone is much cheaper than natural stone and is easier to work with. In a city apartment, decorative stone will be the best solution also due to its space saving. The material has a wide color palette and a wide variety of shapes. Suitable for finishing the entrance and interior arch.

Decorative brick

An ideal material for finishing the interior of an apartment in the loft and Provence style. The material can be piece or in the form of panels. The light color of the brick is suitable for finishing a more delicate interior, as well as for an apartment with a small area. Dark brick allows you to fully reveal the idea of the interior in the loft style.

Wood

The color of the wood can change the character of the interior. Light or bleached wood can decorate both a classic and a modern interior of the apartment. Dark shades, such as wenge, will stand out against the light background of the walls and draw attention to the arch itself.

Wallpaper

An arch can elegantly and unpretentiously fit into the interior, having a common finish with the surface of the walls. You can also interestingly play up a wall with an opening by pasting it with photo wallpaper.

Mosaic

Modern mosaics are made from different materials, such as glass, ceramics, stone and others. The finishing can be done only on the inside or extend onto the wall.

Plaster

With the help of decorative plaster, you can give the arched opening a different texture. The end part can be decorated with spotlights.

The photo shows an apartment in a modern style. The arched opening connects the room with the balcony. The interior is decorated with plaster with a wave pattern.

Painting

One of the simplest, but nevertheless popular finishing methods. The arch in the wall can be of a different color, thereby drawing attention.

Tile

Can have absolutely any color and texture and can echo other details in the interior. A big plus is durability and ease of maintenance.

Mirror design

A mirror is an amazing material. It looks impressive and helps to visually enlarge a room. In addition, mirrored details shimmer beautifully in the light.

Plastic

A budget finishing option. Plastic panels can be miniature, only protecting the corner area, or in the form of wide strips, imitating, for example, wood or stone covering.

Cork

Arched openings with cork trim along the inner line will look interesting, this will become an unusual highlight that can be seen in other interior details.

Glass

An elegant way. Part of the arch can have a glass insert. Glass can be matte, transparent or stained glass.

Design and decor

With columns

Decorating an arch with columns will look appropriate in the interior of a spacious apartment or country house. The shape of the columns follows the general style of the interior and can be supplemented with decorative elements, such as moldings.

With moldings

A beautiful and simple way of finishing. A wide variety allows you to choose an option that suits the interior of the apartment. Moldings are attached with liquid nails, can hide unevenness and protect corners.

With backlighting

The interior arch can be decorated with spotlights or built-in lamps, the lighting is mounted on the inside. An arch in a wall can be decorated with LED strip.

Figured design

An arch can have a completely unusual and unique shape that will decorate walls and interior openings. Smooth shapes can correspond to a classic or oriental style. Straight lines or shapes complemented by metal details are suitable for a modern interior.

Painting

Hand painting will make the interior unique. The style of writing can be completely different, but it should echo the general furnishings in the apartment. Stencils can be used as an analogue of hand painting.

Stucco molding

Stucco moldings correspond to the classic and bohemian interior in the apartment. They can become an elegant detail and only complement the arch decoration or almost completely cover the area of the opening.

With shelves

Shelves can be part of the arched opening. This technique not only looks interesting, but also provides additional useful storage space in the apartment.

Curtains on the arch

Dense textile curtains will help to isolate the room from the common space. Thread curtains perform more of a decorative function. The materials can be similar to other textile items in the room or apartment.

Corner decor

A flexible corner is a minimalistic and laconic way to decorate an arch and protect corners from damage. The color can be close or identical to the wall decoration or contrast with the general background.

Unusual and original design

The arch can also have an unusual shape, for example, an asymmetrical one, or be decorated with unusual details.

Photos in the interior of rooms

Hallway and Corridor

The arch in the hallway can be located above the entrance door or separate the hallway from the living room and other rooms of the apartment. The corners of the entrance arch should be protected from dirt. The interior opening can be rounded at the top without touching the walls.

The photo shows a classic interior with pastel peach wall decoration. The high arch has a similar relief with other elements.

Kitchen

The arch will be a good idea for decorating the interior of the kitchen combined with the living room. The room will remain common, but will be visually divided into relaxation and cooking areas. A bar counter installed in an arched opening will become an extension of the kitchen.

Living room

In the hall, arches can decorate the walls, forming small niches. You can install shelves in them, hang paintings, photographs or leave them empty.

The photo shows a classic living room. A wall with an arched opening separates the room from the rest of the space.

Bedroom

An arch can divide a bedroom into two zones. Sleeping and active area, such as a dressing room, vanity or seating area.

Children’s room

The interior arch in the children’s room can have an unusual shape and be decorated with additional elements. For example, artificial vegetation, toys and lanterns.

Bathroom

The option of decorating the bathroom with an arch will look appropriate in a spacious room. The arch can separate the bathtub or decorate the countertop with a sink and mirror, creating additional lighting with the help of spotlights.

Balcony and loggia

A large arch will visually separate the balcony from the room, preserving the common space. This method is suitable for rooms with combined loggias and balconies.

Styles

Classic

A classic interior will be decorated with an arch with correct symmetrical shapes. The decoration can be made of plaster, wood or plastic panels. Elegant decorative details, such as stucco, will not be superfluous. But there should not be many of them, only as an elegant addition.

The photo shows an interior in a classic style. Sliding doors form an arch and unite the space.

Modern

In a modern style, such as minimalism or high-tech, decorative finishing may be completely absent. A simple doorway shape can be finished with the same material as the walls.

Loft

The ideal material for finishing an apartment in the fashionable loft style can be considered brick and its imitation. An arch in a brick wall with a scuff and aging effect looks harmonious. To make the interior of the apartment lighter, the brick can be painted in a light shade.

Scandinavian

The interior of the apartment in the Scandinavian style is light, airy and not overloaded with unnecessary details. The arch can be made of bleached wood, plaster or painted brick. Finishing in the Scandinavian style is done mainly from natural materials.

Country and Provence

The two directions are united by provincial comfort. The Provence style is lighter and more elegant.

• A country-style arch can be finished with stone, brick or wood, emphasizing the texture of the natural material.
• A Provence arch can be made of the same materials, but with a light-colored finish, for example, painted brick or bleached wood with an aged effect.

Oriental style

It is difficult to imagine an oriental apartment interior without an arched opening of a beautiful rounded shape. The arch can be complemented with beautiful inserts and panels. The wall arch does not require additional elements.

Features in a small apartment

In standard small apartments, studios or Khrushchev-era buildings, an arch will help save space.

• In a one-room apartment, an arch will separate the sleeping area from the living room;
• Dense curtains isolate one room from another;
• In a studio apartment, an arch will separate the kitchen from the living room;
• In a standard Khrushchev-era building, an arch can become a passage to another room or kitchen;
• In a narrow apartment, using an arch with a curtain, you can save space, having abandoned the door.

The photo shows a small studio apartment, an arched opening separates the kitchen from the living room.

How to make an arch with your own hands

Before starting repairs, you need to decide on the size and material. There are no strictly defined sizes, the opening should be comfortable for daily use. Standard dimensions of the doorway are 70-80 cm in width and about 2 meters in height. They can be changed, making them wider or narrower.

The most common way to make an arch is from plasterboard.

• To erect the structure, you will need several sheets of plasterboard of different thicknesses, guides, a rack profile and reinforced arched corners.
• They are attached to the walls and ceiling using self-tapping screws with plastic dowels guides.
• After the semicircle has been cut out of the drywall, it can be attached to the guides.
• A guide profile is attached to the inside of the drywall, repeating the line of the resulting arc.
• A strip equal to the depth of the doorway is cut out of the drywall and attached to the guides using self-tapping screws.
• After the work has been done, the arch is ready for cladding.