Drywall arches: photos, types, shapes, finishing options, design of interior arches

[ads1] We all strive to make our home unique, original, and stylish. Doorways deserve special attention in the interior. In standard city apartments - small-sized and familiar Khrushchev-era apartments - instead of ordinary interior doors, folding or sliding ones are often installed, but for the last 5-10 years, interior arches have remained a trend: made of plastic, plasterboard, aluminum profiles, natural stone, wood, brick, MDF boards. Decorating the interior with arches is a popular design technique. By installing such a structure instead of a door, it is possible to significantly visually expand the space when every corner of the room can be seen from every point without any problems.

Arches are often decorated with decorative elements: overlays, cornices, lamps, strips, banquettes, the design of which is in tune with the chosen style. In addition to the decorative function, the designs can also have practical applications: increasing the size of arches, hiding seams and other defects.

An interior arch will be appropriate everywhere: between the kitchen and the corridor, the hallway and the living room. All this is possible thanks to the variety of shapes, colors, sizes of arched openings and execution styles. In the photos presented, evaluate the design of the arches and the harmony of the interiors with them.

When thinking about the layout of the premises in the apartment, decide immediately how the transition between adjacent rooms will be designed. If it is necessary to maintain a certain style in the interior of an apartment, to combine adjacent rooms, in the absence of sufficient area and with a minimum of free space, interior arches of various shapes and sizes are increasingly being used.

This trend remains at the peak of popularity today due to the wide possibilities for decoration: you can easily find arches of any design and color, and if necessary, build similar structures with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

We suggest starting with the main thing: choosing the appearance of the future arch, and photos with options for interior arches in the interiors of different rooms and interior spaces will help you with this.

Rectangular interior arches, photo

Advantages and disadvantages

Arches in the interior have a number of undeniable advantages:

• They create a conditional dividing line. This element is ideal for zoning space in combined rooms.
• Arched complexes can decorate doorways. They will erase obvious boundaries and add a feeling of freedom and spaciousness to an apartment or house.
• The variety of shapes and design options for arches allows you to organically fit them into any style of the room. Do not be mistaken that this interior design is the domain of classical trends.
• Arched partitions are not only practical to use, but also free of installation difficulties. For this reason, the structure can be planned and assembled with your own hands without outside help. The only exceptions can be raised, multi-level structures with a large number of niches.
• This decorative element visually stretches the room, which will correct the situation with low ceilings.
• An arch is a universal decor that will fit into the design of any “passage” room: hallway, corridor or hall.

There are some elements and shortcomings:

• To install an arch between the rooms, you will have to completely dismantle the interior door and part of the wall adjacent to it. It is much easier to decorate the interior of the room with a partition structure.
• Owners will have to forget about the good sound insulation that doors previously provided.
• It is not recommended to install arches in secluded rooms: bedroom, nursery.
• This interior element is not suitable for the kitchen either. It will not become a significant obstacle to odors and particles of fat that the hood will miss. All this “disgrace” will go beyond the culinary room and be absorbed into the upholstery of armchairs and sofas. The arched option is excluded for kitchens adjacent to the hall.

The design of structures opens up wide scope for the designer’s imagination. As a rule, arches either merge with the walls or play the role of a stylish accent and are decorated according to a contrasting principle.

Drywall arches in the hallway

Arches instead of doors in the hallway and corridor are a classic way to save valuable space. A swing door will not block a narrow passage. In this case, simple rectangular or elliptical plasterboard arches, or even symbolic semi-arches, are most often used.

Types and variety of arches

The main characteristic feature of the structure is its shape. The classification based on this feature is as follows:

• Roman (classical) options. The vault of the arch has a perfectly semicircular shape. It flows smoothly and harmoniously into the side walls. The Roman design visually smooths out sharp corners in the room and lengthens the ceiling. Unfortunately, it can only be constructed with a certain ratio of width and height. The Roman arch with artificial columns on the sides is considered one of the main elements of the luxurious antique style.
• British version. The arched vault is a circle with a truncated radius. British-type designs look organic in wide doorways.
• Turkish arches. They are characterized by the presence of a pointed dome on the vault. Similar forms can be seen in any object of Eastern architecture. It is best to decorate such decor with a complex, subtle pattern, more like handmade lace.
• An arch using an ellipsoidal element. Its arch has a curvature in the middle, as if someone had flattened it from above.
• The Slavic design follows the contour of the doorway, but slightly smoothes out the sharp corners. Suitable for practical style solutions.
• Gothic or pointed arch. These designs are present in the architectural movement of the same name and its offspring (St. Bavo's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey). Their arches are slightly elongated upward and have a certain point in the middle where two lines converge.
• The Thai arch is “half”: if the traditional structure is cut strictly in the middle, you will get exactly this decorative element.
• The transom arch has a blank, glazed arch, under which there is a classic doorway.

Using textiles for decoration

When installing arched openings as a replacement for interior doors, owners are often faced with the question of zoning the premises. How to separate and decorate the entrance to a room if it is an open arch? Home textiles are perfect for these purposes.

It is worth noting that curtains will be more appropriate when decorating arches of a simple shape - rectangular, semicircular or elliptical. It is better to select textiles to match the color of the window curtains or the color of the walls in the room. You should not buy heavy and complex fabric options - two-layer, draped and shiny. Let it be a fairly thick curtain in a single shade.

Choosing material for the arch

When choosing the material from which the interior arch will be made, the structural features of the room, the composition of the load-bearing walls and partitions, their thickness (massiveness) and the design style of the room are taken into account. The possibility of selection will be limited not only by building codes, but also by the labor intensity of the execution of architectural delights. The following building materials are suitable for the construction of arches:

• Stone, brick (monumentality);
• Wood, drywall;
• Metal (profile or forged structures);
• Glass, various types of plastic.

A stone arch can add the solidity and monumentality of an ancient castle to a room. If this is not the first floor and excess weight is undesirable, artificial material should be used. Using different coatings, the stone adapts to many interior decor styles. An arch made of wood will bring warmth, comfort and harmony. Natural material is suitable for any style: from minimalism to high-tech. The “lightest” in terms of budget, weight and construction is a plasterboard arch. The most fantastic shapes can be easily cut out, multi-stage levels can be created, and lighting can be built in. After processing (painting, pasting) it suits any design style. It is important to know. It’s cheaper and easier to make an arch yourself from plasterboard sheets. The material is pliable, accessible and does not require special construction skills from the master.

Finishing a plasterboard arch

The shape and configuration of a plasterboard arch is not the only thing that makes it unique. This design can be turned into a real work of art, especially for your interior.

Painting and wallpaper

The simplest design of the arch is to match the walls. This is a good option for modern minimalist interiors. You can experiment with shades, joining patterns and other subtle nuances.

To ensure that the arch blends seamlessly and neatly into the wall, use fiberglass before plastering. It will hide all the unevenness and protruding defects, and the finish will stick to it even better.

Wood and stone

Classic interiors gravitate towards natural materials. To organically fit a plasterboard arch into them, cover it with wood or stone. Natural materials are too heavy for this, but veneer and light decorative stone are quite enough.

painting

Do you want something new, unique and individual? Then the best solution is to paint the arch. Moreover, you can cope with this even without artistic skills.

Buy or print stencils in advance and transfer the design to the base. The process is no different from painting on canvas. Drywall is convenient and unpretentious for this.

Stucco molding

In complex decorative interiors, plasterboard arches decorated with stucco, all kinds of figures, and bas-reliefs look great. To create them, gypsum, polystyrene foam and some types of plastic are used. There are a lot of ready-made solutions sold in stores.

Mirrors and stained glass

Inserting mirror and glass fragments into a plasterboard structure is a more difficult task. But it fully pays off with the beauty, elegance and uniqueness of the resulting work of art.

Decorative lighting

Spotlights and LED strips can be easily integrated into a volumetric plasterboard arch. This is a win-win technique for zoning and modern interiors - for example, high-tech.

Arch size

The size of the structure, as well as its shape, primarily depends on whether it is being built to replace any wall or whether the load-bearing load (even if the partition is internal) will not change. In the first case, it is advisable to remember the points of application, magnitude and vector of forces. Then they calculate the thickness, type of arch and the size of the arch so that it does not weaken, but rather strengthens the load-bearing properties of the former wall. In the case when a structure (partition) is erected in a place where there was nothing before, its dimensions are not limited by anything and are determined by the taste and desire of the owner.

Options for using arches in the interior of different rooms

The use of this decorative detail is not limited to the living room or corridor. You can decorate the kitchen, create two zones in the bedroom, hallway, even combine the balcony with another room. Below we will consider the design of arches and openings in the apartment.

Living room

The living room can be divided into two zones. The main thing is that the shape of the arch matches the door that closes the living room. It is not necessary to install arches everywhere in the house; if you have a large living room, then it is quite possible to make two rooms or zones out of it. For example, one zone is intended for gatherings with family or friends, the other for privacy; you can install a bookcase and one or two soft chairs.

Arches bring freedom and style to interior design. And their decor can become the highlight of any interior.

Kitchen

The whole family gathers in this room, so it is important to make it not only functional, but also cozy. It is more comfortable if a large kitchen is divided into two zones, separating the cooking area from the eating area. You will get a kitchen and living room in one room.

They are perfect for installation between the living room and kitchen.

Hallway

You can make a beautiful passage to the living room, since that is where we usually invite guests. Instead of a regular arched opening, you can create an arch from niches, and put various decorative elements there - vases, figurines, candles, etc.

Many people like arches because while in one room they can observe what is happening in another.

Bedroom

If the room is large enough, you can make a dressing room, but instead of installing doors, create a beautiful arch. If you don’t want or don’t have the opportunity to divide the bedroom into two zones, then think about an alcove arch. This is not a doorway, but rather a built-in cabinet with small niches. In this way, you can focus attention on the bed, and put candles in small niche shelves to create a romantic atmosphere.

Arches are very convenient and functional structures. When beautifully designed and decorated, they look very advantageous.

Other premises

You can add charm to your bathroom by dividing it into two zones. If the room is large, then the shower room or toilet (if the bathroom is combined) can be separated from the area with the bathtub. This way you focus attention on the bathroom; it is better to place it in the middle of this area.

The arch should be finished with a material that does not absorb moisture, or the materials should be protected from the destructive effects of steam.

The children's room, like the bedroom, can also be divided. One area is for relaxation, entertainment and lessons, and the other is for sleeping and gaining strength. If you have a house and have a covered terrace, then it can be combined with the living room.

The size of the arch usually depends on the width of the passage. Also, their size depends on the height of the ceilings.

Decoration materials

There are practically no prohibitions or taboos in the decorative design of structures. They are finished using: stone, panels, wood, brick, wallpaper, paint, plaster, stucco and painting. For arches with niches and shelves, they often resort to combined techniques to highlight accent areas. Combinations also need to be selected wisely so that both materials are equivalent in the compositional picture.

Painting and painting

Perhaps the most extensive way to decorate a structure is painting. This type of finish is relevant for budget options. In strict and calm styles, plain arches can get lost in the overall design. In overly lively and colorful interiors, they will become a “calming” element that will contain the atmosphere. However, a truly original option would be surface painting. If you have artistic talent, then there will be no difficulties with finishing, but what should those who do not have such skills do? There are two ways out:

• Invite a specialist. A rather illogical decision for those who decided to save money on decorating an arch using paint.
• Purchase special stencils.

The latter are painted with a brush or pigment from an aerosol can. When working with sprayers in enclosed spaces, wear respirators. The designs can be varied: fine script, floral patterns, geometric patterns, abstract outlines.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is glued to the surface of the arch in the same way as on a regular wall. Only structures made of plasterboard, wood or plastic are covered with decor, while other materials look great in their raw form. Adhesion to the three above-mentioned surfaces will be ensured by ordinary wallpaper glue. If the surface has unevenness, then it is primed like a simple wall. And after the coating has dried, they begin gluing. The range of wallpaper allows you to choose any color scheme and pattern (print) that will harmonize with the design of a particular room.

Stucco molding and PVC decor

To give the structure a touch of antiquity or “heavy” Western baroque classics, it is decorated with stucco elements. They are sold at any hardware store. The elements are usually made of plasterboard and polyurethane. They are standard white. You can paint the stucco molding in the desired shade after attaching it to the surface. PVC decor is considered a budget option. Plastic panels and tiles are absolutely safe for household use and can easily be placed on any surface. The material repeats even the most intricate texture and has a rich palette of colors. PVC decor replaces natural wood, stone and brickwork. Plastic panels will last longer than wallpaper. It is recommended to purchase the material from reliable manufacturers, since in cheap fakes the top protective film will quickly wear off, ruining the aesthetic appearance.

Decorative rock

An ideal design option for plasterboard structures. Decorative stone does not weigh them down, but allows you to create a stylish appearance. Usually it is glued only along the perimeter of the passage, and the rest of the surface is painted or wallpapered. Artificial stone will repeat the texture of any natural sample, and at the same time it has a low cost. Construction adhesive is chosen as the fastening agent.

Wood veneer

Veneer is a material that differs from solid wood at an acceptable cost. It is actively used for finishing rooms of all types and in furniture elements. Veneer is the thinnest wood “sheets” that are glued onto a base of MDF or chipboard. Its “front” side has a wood texture with a unique natural pattern. Arches finished with veneer look noble and elegant. An original addition to them will be decorative niches, which are painted in discreet colors and provided with lighting.

DIY plasterboard arch

To create a plasterboard arch with your own hands, you will need the sheets themselves, guide profiles, a knife and scissors, and office supplies. As well as dowels, screws, a screwdriver, fine-grained sandpaper, primer and putty.

- First, accurately calculate all the dimensions and draw the future arch;

- Take extra drywall. It is quite fragile, so the sheets can be broken or damaged during operation. Especially if you have no experience;

— First, cut the profiles and give them the desired shape. Fasten them to the wall with dowels and screws in increments of 100-150 mm;

— Cut drywall according to stencils and drawings. Think through all the bends in advance;

— Sheathe the frame of the profiles with plasterboard. Select the length of the screws to match the thickness of the sheets. Screw them in so that the cap does not stick out;

— Strengthen the outer edges and joints with a special metal profile or mounting mesh;

— Putty all the uneven joints. Prime the base for further finishing.

Stained glass, glass, mirrors

Plain and stained glass are suitable for transom arches. Their vaults are decorated with simple material without a pattern, if the overall design of the room is restrained and austere. Colorful stained glass windows are suitable for classical styles that imitate the furnishings of rich houses in Italy, France and England at the end of the 19th century. Mirrors are used to decorate the structure in rare cases. Firstly, it must be made of durable base material to prevent damage to the fragile decor. Secondly, it is quite difficult to fit mirrors organically into the overall design of the doorway. The most common option: “double” arches. The structures have a second contour on the opening side, which repeats the main one. The gap between it and the end of the arch is filled with mirror modules, which are separated from each other by special chrome slats.

Which form should I choose?

The main design differences between arches in an apartment are shape and material. In this section we will deal with the first of these indicators. Which arch shape is best to choose for your interior.

Arched openings can be divided into two types:

Active – structures of complex shape that can become an accent in the interior;

Passive - simple and functional models, most often installed in hallways and interior openings.

Classical

The most common version of an interior opening in construction is a classic arch, in which the upper part is made in the shape of a regular semicircular arc. This form will suit any interior and is quite simple to build with your own hands.

Rectangular and square

Openings with right angles are another traditional solution for apartment interiors. They are appropriate to install in narrow corridors or hallways, where an ordinary semicircular structure will look massive. Rectangular arched openings and niches go well with almost any room design. They look especially good in a laconic interior in the loft, minimalism, and hi-tech styles.

Elliptical

The design of the opening in the Art Nouveau style is half of an ellipse located transversely with a clearly visible transition of a straight line to a rounded section. Such designs look stylish and elegant. They are perfect for the interior of bright rooms in Provencal or maritime style, and will look ideal at the entrance to the living room or spacious kitchen.

Trapezoidal

In simple interiors, openings made in the shape of a trapezoid look good. They will fit perfectly into the loft style and will support the rigor and simplicity of the lines in a classic-style living room. It is worth noting that such an arch is quite difficult to make with your own hands - it is better to have all the details made to order from professional carpenters.

Half-arch

A semi-arch looks like a wide classic arch, divided in half. This design option is quite easy to install and will be an ideal solution for decorating narrow interior passages. It is worth noting that the semi-arch is not suitable for all interiors; you need to be especially careful when combining it with the design of the rooms.

Unusual shape

When using soft, plastic materials - such as drywall and foam, the arched opening can be given almost any shape. You just have to make sure that this design will not stand out from the overall interior design. Arches of unusual shape look especially good in spacious rooms.

Combination of arched openings with other interior elements

Interior arches are in harmony with doors that have a similar vault shape. In a similar way, the owners will emphasize the unity of the style of the house. Designs with smooth lines and rounded arches should also resonate with the decoration of the room. For example, the Roman arch will find its continuation in the semicircular panels of the closet, the shape of the open shelves of the rack or the windows of the living room. The Gothic design will be in harmony with the typical elements of the style of the same name in the bed canopy, armchairs and coffee tables.

Light in decoration

Wall arches and niches made of plasterboard look most impressive when illuminated. It is she who will highlight this area of ​​the room and the pieces of furniture standing in this part.

In spacious rooms with high ceilings, hanging lamps with small shades will look great in arches. This option is suitable for decorating the kitchen and living room, for highlighting functional areas, such as a table, bar counter, sofa or TV.

If lighting is required for an interior arch, it may be limited to small quantities of built-in lamps. This option will also look good near mirrors or in combination with glass furniture.

In the gallery of our website you can see photographs of arches in the interior of apartments and the best ideas for their design. Some of these projects were developed by professional craftsmen, others by ordinary people who decided to do the renovation themselves. Looking at them, you can be convinced that with very little effort, you can easily change the appearance of your home beyond recognition.

What design styles do arches look good in?

In almost all interiors, the arched option is a wonderful solution. It's hard to find which style won't suit you. Any direction is combined with arches or alcoves. But there is one nuance - it is undesirable to divide a small room into zones. An arched opening will not expand the space; on the contrary, you will achieve the opposite effect.

Classic, modern, even loft style - they are all combined with arched openings.

The main thing is not to mix the arch design with another style. For example, make the interior in a classical, neoclassical, Roman or Greek style. Although, for neoclassicism, a wooden arch is more suitable than plaster stucco. Try to ensure that all elements create a harmonious atmosphere.

If you want to decorate the arch with stucco, choose the appropriate style.