Arches in the interior: types, materials, photos

One of the most common solutions for finishing a wall opening is an arch. It has been present in interior design for a very long time, and originally had a semicircular shape. However, with the development of modern technologies and the advent of new materials, the appearance of arches has changed..

Interior of a room with an arch

Large wide arch in the interior

Arch room design

Possibilities of decorative arches

The construction of an arch can carry many functions, purposes and possibilities.

In a small room, the arch can visually increase the space (if you replace the door with it, the room will seem larger).
A large space can be divided into zones, which will add coziness and eliminate the feeling of emptiness (it is popular to divide into an area for eating and cooking, transition between the corridor and the living room).
It can carry a stylistic component that will give the apartment a certain direction (often there is an imitation of an arch that performs only an aesthetic function).

Corridor interior with arch

Beautiful arch in the winter

Types of decorative arches

All arches are divided into the following types:

Active arches – mainly designed in such a way that they provide a wide view of adjacent rooms, are able to significantly transform the interior and are made in a complex shape.
Passive – have a simple shape and act as a boundary between rooms.

Active arches include:

oriental;
horseshoe;
lancet;
trapezoidal;
keeled;
semicircular.

Stone arch in the interior

Arch in the interior

Interior design with arch

Passive arches are simpler and are divided into the following types:

classic style – characterized by the correct radius of the arc;
elliptical – the arc is made in the form of an oval;
modern – it is distinguished by an arc with a characteristic rise;
romance – the arc is cut off from above, and rounded on the sides;
portal – the shape of an arch in the form of a rectangle.

What determines the shape of the arch

Before proceeding with the choice of an arch, it is worth understanding what its shape depends on and what type will be relevant in a certain interior.

Door dimensions and ceiling heights – active arches can only be installed in a large room.
The purpose of the room – plays an important role, since the tasks assigned to the arch will depend on it.
Stylistic decoration of the room – the arched opening should be in harmony with the overall interior.

Wide beautiful arch in the interior of the kitchen

Bright room with an arch

Finishing materials

The arches in the apartment are made of various materials, depending on the conditions and stylistic design.

Stone is the most common material used in the construction of an opening. An arc of a certain shape is laid out, which is difficult to do with your own hands. Requires subsequent decoration.
Wood is a practical and convenient solution. Different types of wood can be used, which will significantly affect the total cost.
Drywall is very convenient, since you can give the arch any shape, it is easy to install, a fairly inexpensive option.
Polyurethane – similar in properties to plastic, resistant to moisture. Easy to assemble and beautifully designed.
Chipboard, fiberboard – the cheapest method of erecting a structure, at the same time, it is quite simple and looks great.

Large arch in the interior

Wide arch in the interior

Arch room design

Artificial stone arch decoration

Artificial stone decoration of the arch is popular. Many will say that natural is better, but there are a number of advantages of synthetic material..

It consists of natural components and does not contain any chemical elements or impurities.
Strong enough, looks beautiful and will last no less than natural.
It weighs three times less and is easily used in arched structures of any strength.
Has a low price, easy to transport and can be bought at any hardware store or market.
Can repeat the shape and texture of natural stones.
Caring for him does not require much effort.
Easily mounts to any arched openings.
Resistant to moisture, temperature extremes, corrosion and fungus.
Decorating the arch with artificial stones fits almost any style in the apartment.

Arch in the interior

Interior of a room with an arch

Tile and stone

A bright and memorable solution in the decor of the arch will be the use of a combination of sandstone and acrylic tiles. For example, the outer sides facing the premises are faced with sandstone, and the opening itself is tiled. There is a technique of laid out mosaic tiles, which gives originality and uniqueness to the style. Using a combination of sandstone and tiles looks great and is perfect for creating decorative designs.

Arch in the interior

Living room design with arch

Beautiful arch in the interior

Decorative panels and stucco

Common materials for facing arches are panels and stucco.

MDF panels and overlays are perfect for the classic style..
The use of such elements creates a visual imitation of wood, which is very important in modern design..
Such panels are mounted using glue and nails without hats..
Initially, it is necessary to frame the inner space of the arch, and only after that install the panels.
This process is similar to installing a door frame..
Stucco decoration is a common decor technique, as it is quite simple.
It is attached to liquid nails or glue.
Ideal for hotel or antique style structures.

Large arch in the interior

Wall arch in the interior

An affordable and inexpensive way to decorate an arch is wallpapering

A financially affordable option for decorating an arch is wallpapering. Currently, there are a huge number of different texture and color wallpapers. One has only to choose the necessary sample that will look harmonious and be combined with the style of the room. A simple and quick method of decorating an opening.

During pasting, certain rules should be followed:

first, the outer side of the arch is glued with a small margin;
the remaining pieces must be wrapped inside;
the third stage is wallpapering in the inner part of the arch.

Despite its cheapness and simplicity, this decor has its drawbacks. So the wallpaper can quickly wipe or tear, so it’s better to have a roll in stock..

Arch in the interior

Light room design with an arch

Arch room design

Framing the arched opening with wooden overlays

A laborious and expensive decoration of an arched opening will be framing with wooden overlays. Firstly, wood is not cheap, and secondly, the required elements will have to be ordered, which is also an expensive pleasure. Despite this, this method is quite popular, since the wooden lining gives a classic style and looks very impressive..

We decorate the arch in the apartment with our own hands: decor ideas

Making an arch in an apartment with your own hands is quite simple if you have all the required materials, desire and necessary knowledge. The most common decorating methods are:

sandstone decoration with tiles – a little skills and imagination will be required;
pasting with wallpaper and fabric is the simplest and cheapest way;
decor with curtains is possible;
it is easy to carry out the installation of finished stucco moldings and linings;
the fastest will be the usual painting or using a textured putty.

Arch in the interior of the corridor

Interior of a room with an arch

The use of arched openings in the interior is quite common. The use of inexpensive and practical materials in decorating an arch in an apartment allows you to create the required structure with your own hands, which will become a distinctive feature of your interior. You can create your own, original and unique design that will last more than one year.