Arch design is usually designed and embodied in reality on their own. Nowadays, apartment owners are trying to make their housing stylish and unique. For these purposes, they use the most extraordinary design solutions and use unusual materials. The decorative arch allows not only to emphasize the delicate taste of the apartment owners, but also to give it a touch of light, refined luxury. Their story began in the Ancient East. Arches at that time were exclusively architectural objects that were installed only on the streets. Cities with their help acquired a more “noble” and neat appearance. For the first time, these objects appeared in the mosques of the East in the interior more than three thousand years ago. At first they were used only to decorate the majestic sacred places. Then the practice was adopted by the ancient Romans. This moment is easily traced on the ruins of their architecture.It is enough to wander in dilapidated amphitheaters or admire the remains of the most famous of them - the Colosseum. Then the arches passed into the magnificent palaces of the rulers of the Western powers. At the end of the last century, this design element was not particularly favored, giving preference to experimental, defiant styles where the entrance was closed to the classics. But over the past two decades, fashion (and this lady, as you know, walks in circles) has returned to the arches. And now they are already flaunting in trendy minimalism, high-tech and industrial style. We will analyze in more detail the nuances of mounting arches, options for their decoration and decoration.
Arches in the interior have a number of undeniable advantages:
They create a conditional dividing border. This element is ideal for zoning the space in combined rooms.
Arched complexes can decorate doorways. They will erase obvious boundaries and add a sense 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 object is the destiny of classical trends.
Partition arches are not only practical to use, but also devoid of installation difficulties. For this reason, the design can be planned and assembled with your own hands without outside help. An exception can only be embossed, multi-level structures with a large number of niches.
This decorative element visually extends 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: an entrance hall, a corridor or a hall.
Not without elements and disadvantages:
To install the arch between the rooms 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 wall.
Owners will have to forget about the good sound insulation that the doors used to provide.
It is not recommended to install arches in secluded rooms: bedroom, nursery.
This interior element is not suitable for the kitchen. It will not become a significant obstacle to odors and particles of fat that the hood will miss. All this "outrage" will go beyond the boundaries of the culinary room and soak into the upholstery of chairs and sofas. Exclude the arched option for kitchens adjacent to the hall.
The design opens up wide scope for the imagination of the designer. As a rule, arches either merge with the walls, or play the role of a stylish accent and are decorated according to the contrasting principle.
Types and variety of arches
The main characteristic feature of the design is its shape. The classification based on this feature is as follows:
Roman (classic) options. The arch arch has a perfectly semicircular shape. It smoothly and harmoniously passes into the side walls. The Roman design visually smoothes 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 a luxurious antique style.
British version. The arched vault is a circle with a truncated radius. Designs of the British type in wide doorways organically look.
Turkish arches. They are characterized by the presence of a pointed dome on the arch. Similar forms can be seen in any object of architecture of the East.It is best to decorate such a decor with a complex, subtle pattern that looks 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.
Slavic design follows the contour of the doorway, but slightly smooths out sharp corners. Suitable for practical style solutions.
Gothic or lancet arch. These structures are present in the architectural direction of the same name and its offspring (St. Bavon 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 design is cut exactly in the middle, then this decorative element will be obtained.
The transom arch has a dull, glazed vault under which a classic doorway is located.
Choose 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 bearing walls and partitions, their thickness (solidity) and the design style are taken into account. The possibility of selection will be limited not only by building codes, but also by the complexity of the execution of architectural delights. The following building materials are suitable for erecting arches:
Stone, brick (monumentality);
Wood, drywall;
Metal (profile or forged structures);
Glass, various types of plastic.
An arch of stone can add solidity and monumentality to an old castle. If this is not the first floor and excess weight is undesirable, use artificial material. Using a different coating, the stone adapts to many styles of interior decor. The arch made of wood will bring warmth, comfort and harmony. Natural material is suitable for any style: from minimalism to hi-tech. The "lightest" in terms of budget, weight and erection is a plasterboard arch.The most fantastic forms are easily cut in it, multi-level levels are created, lighting is built in. After processing (painting, pasting) is suitable for any design style. It's important to know. It is cheaper and easier to make an arch of gypsum plasterboards yourself. The material is malleable, accessible and does not require special construction skills from the master.
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 the bearing load (even if the partition is internal) will not change. In the first case, it is desirable to recall the points of application, the magnitude and the vector of forces. Then calculate the thickness, type of arch and the size of the arch so that it does not weaken, but strengthens the bearing properties of the former wall. In the case when the structure (partition) is erected on a place where nothing had happened before, its dimensions are not limited by anything and are determined by the taste and desire of the owner.
Decor Materials
In the decorative design of structures there are practically no prohibitions and taboos. Their decoration is carried out using: stone, panels, wood, brick, wallpaper, paint, plaster, stucco molding and painting. For arches with niches and shelves, they often resort to combined techniques to highlight accent areas. Combinations also need to be selected correctly so that both materials are equivalent in the composite picture.
Painting and painting
Perhaps the most spacious way to decorate a structure is painting. Similar trim for budget options is relevant. In simple and calm styles, solid arches can be lost in the general design. In overly vibrant and colorful interiors, they will become a “soothing” element that will hold back the environment. However, a truly original option will be surface painting. If you have an artistic talent, then there will be no difficulties with the decoration, but what about those who do not possess such skills? There are two outputs:
Invite a specialist.A rather illogical solution for those who decided to save on decorating the arch using paint.
Purchase special stencils.
The latter is stained with a brush or pigment from an aerosol can. When working with spray guns indoors, wear respirators. Drawings are varied: thin print, floral ornament, geometric pattern, abstract outline.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper on the surface of the arch is glued in the same way as on a regular wall. The decor is closed only with structures made of drywall, wood or plastic, and the rest of the materials look great in their raw form. Adhesion to the three of the above surfaces will provide ordinary wallpaper glue. If the surface has irregularities, then it is primed as a simple wall. And after drying, the coatings begin gluing. The range of wallpapers allows you to choose any color scheme and pattern (print) that will be in harmony with the design of a particular room.
Stucco molding and PVC decor
To give the design a touch of antiquity or the "heavy" Western Baroque classics, it is decorated with stucco elements. They are sold in any hardware store. Elements are usually made of drywall and polyurethane. Standardly they are white. The stucco molding can be painted in the right shade after it is attached to the surface. PVC decor is considered a budget option. Panels and tiles made of plastic are absolutely safe for home and easily fit 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 upper protective film will quickly be erased, ruining the aesthetic appearance.
Decorative rock
An ideal option for the design of drywall constructions.Decorative stone does not make them heavier, 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 glued with wallpaper. Artificial stone will repeat the texture of any natural pattern, and at the same time it is characterized by low cost. As a bonding agent, construction glue is chosen.
Wood veneer
Veneer is a material that differs from the massif in an acceptable cost. It is actively used for decoration of rooms of any types and in furniture elements. Veneer is the thinnest wood "sheets" that are glued to the base of MDF or particleboard. Its “front” side has a wood texture with a unique natural pattern. The veneered arches look noble and elegant. The original addition to them will be decorative niches that are painted in discreet colors and provide illumination.
Stained-glass windows, glass, mirrors
Simple and stained glass are suitable for transom arches. Their arches are decorated with simple material without a picture, if the general design of the room is restrained and strict. Colorful stained glass windows are suitable for classic styles that mimic the decor of the rich houses of Italy, France and England at the end of the 19th century. Mirrors make out the design in rare cases. Firstly, it should be made of a 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 circuit from the side of the opening, which repeats the main one. The gap between it and the end of the arch is filled with mirror modules, which are separated by special chrome rails.
The combination of arched openings with other interior elements
The interior arches are in harmony with the doors, which have a similar shape of arches. In a similar way, the owners emphasize the unity of the style of the home.Designs with smooth lines and rounded arches should overlap with the decoration of the room. For example, the Roman arch will find its continuation in the semicircular panels of the cabinet, the forms of the open shelves of the shelving or the windows of the living room. The Gothic design will be in harmony with typical elements of the same style in the canopy beds, armchairs and coffee tables.
Conclusion
Do not forget that the arch combines structural and decorative functions. Recently, it has turned into a stylish replacement for traditional doors. The desire for openness, lightness and minimalism in design, perhaps this was the reason. Practical savings and fashion for simple functionality not only change outdated ideas about beauty, but also return long-forgotten interior elements.
Arch design is usually designed and embodied in reality on their own. Nowadays, apartment owners are trying to make their housing stylish and unique. For these purposes, they use the most extraordinary design solutions and use unusual materials. The decorative arch allows not only to emphasize the delicate taste of the apartment owners, but also to give it a touch of light, refined luxury. Their story began in the Ancient East. Arches at that time were exclusively architectural objects that were installed only on the streets. Cities with their help acquired a more “noble” and neat appearance. For the first time, these objects appeared in the mosques of the East in the interior more than three thousand years ago. At first they were used only to decorate the majestic sacred places. Then the practice was adopted by the ancient Romans. This moment is easily traced on the ruins of their architecture.It is enough to wander in dilapidated amphitheaters or admire the remains of the most famous of them - the Colosseum. Then the arches passed into the magnificent palaces of the rulers of the Western powers. At the end of the last century, this design element was not particularly favored, giving preference to experimental, defiant styles where the entrance was closed to the classics. But over the past two decades, fashion (and this lady, as you know, walks in circles) has returned to the arches. And now they are already flaunting in trendy minimalism, high-tech and industrial style. We will analyze in more detail the nuances of mounting arches, options for their decoration and decoration.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages
Arches in the interior have a number of undeniable advantages:
Not without elements and disadvantages:
Types and variety of arches
The main characteristic feature of the design is its shape. The classification based on this feature is as follows:
Choose 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 bearing walls and partitions, their thickness (solidity) and the design style are taken into account. The possibility of selection will be limited not only by building codes, but also by the complexity of the execution of architectural delights. The following building materials are suitable for erecting arches:
An arch of stone can add solidity and monumentality to an old castle. If this is not the first floor and excess weight is undesirable, use artificial material. Using a different coating, the stone adapts to many styles of interior decor. The arch made of wood will bring warmth, comfort and harmony. Natural material is suitable for any style: from minimalism to hi-tech. The "lightest" in terms of budget, weight and erection is a plasterboard arch.The most fantastic forms are easily cut in it, multi-level levels are created, lighting is built in. After processing (painting, pasting) is suitable for any design style.
It's important to know. It is cheaper and easier to make an arch of gypsum plasterboards yourself. The material is malleable, accessible and does not require special construction skills from the master.
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 the bearing load (even if the partition is internal) will not change. In the first case, it is desirable to recall the points of application, the magnitude and the vector of forces. Then calculate the thickness, type of arch and the size of the arch so that it does not weaken, but strengthens the bearing properties of the former wall. In the case when the structure (partition) is erected on a place where nothing had happened before, its dimensions are not limited by anything and are determined by the taste and desire of the owner.
Decor Materials
In the decorative design of structures there are practically no prohibitions and taboos. Their decoration is carried out using: stone, panels, wood, brick, wallpaper, paint, plaster, stucco molding and painting. For arches with niches and shelves, they often resort to combined techniques to highlight accent areas. Combinations also need to be selected correctly so that both materials are equivalent in the composite picture.
Painting and painting
Perhaps the most spacious way to decorate a structure is painting. Similar trim for budget options is relevant. In simple and calm styles, solid arches can be lost in the general design. In overly vibrant and colorful interiors, they will become a “soothing” element that will hold back the environment. However, a truly original option will be surface painting. If you have an artistic talent, then there will be no difficulties with the decoration, but what about those who do not possess such skills? There are two outputs:
The latter is stained with a brush or pigment from an aerosol can. When working with spray guns indoors, wear respirators. Drawings are varied: thin print, floral ornament, geometric pattern, abstract outline.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper on the surface of the arch is glued in the same way as on a regular wall. The decor is closed only with structures made of drywall, wood or plastic, and the rest of the materials look great in their raw form. Adhesion to the three of the above surfaces will provide ordinary wallpaper glue. If the surface has irregularities, then it is primed as a simple wall. And after drying, the coatings begin gluing. The range of wallpapers allows you to choose any color scheme and pattern (print) that will be in harmony with the design of a particular room.
Stucco molding and PVC decor
To give the design a touch of antiquity or the "heavy" Western Baroque classics, it is decorated with stucco elements. They are sold in any hardware store. Elements are usually made of drywall and polyurethane. Standardly they are white. The stucco molding can be painted in the right shade after it is attached to the surface. PVC decor is considered a budget option. Panels and tiles made of plastic are absolutely safe for home and easily fit 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 upper protective film will quickly be erased, ruining the aesthetic appearance.
Decorative rock
An ideal option for the design of drywall constructions.Decorative stone does not make them heavier, 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 glued with wallpaper. Artificial stone will repeat the texture of any natural pattern, and at the same time it is characterized by low cost. As a bonding agent, construction glue is chosen.
Wood veneer
Veneer is a material that differs from the massif in an acceptable cost. It is actively used for decoration of rooms of any types and in furniture elements. Veneer is the thinnest wood "sheets" that are glued to the base of MDF or particleboard. Its “front” side has a wood texture with a unique natural pattern. The veneered arches look noble and elegant. The original addition to them will be decorative niches that are painted in discreet colors and provide illumination.
Stained-glass windows, glass, mirrors
Simple and stained glass are suitable for transom arches. Their arches are decorated with simple material without a picture, if the general design of the room is restrained and strict. Colorful stained glass windows are suitable for classic styles that mimic the decor of the rich houses of Italy, France and England at the end of the 19th century. Mirrors make out the design in rare cases. Firstly, it should be made of a 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 circuit from the side of the opening, which repeats the main one. The gap between it and the end of the arch is filled with mirror modules, which are separated by special chrome rails.
The combination of arched openings with other interior elements
The interior arches are in harmony with the doors, which have a similar shape of arches. In a similar way, the owners emphasize the unity of the style of the home.Designs with smooth lines and rounded arches should overlap with the decoration of the room. For example, the Roman arch will find its continuation in the semicircular panels of the cabinet, the forms of the open shelves of the shelving or the windows of the living room. The Gothic design will be in harmony with typical elements of the same style in the canopy beds, armchairs and coffee tables.
Conclusion
Do not forget that the arch combines structural and decorative functions. Recently, it has turned into a stylish replacement for traditional doors. The desire for openness, lightness and minimalism in design, perhaps this was the reason. Practical savings and fashion for simple functionality not only change outdated ideas about beauty, but also return long-forgotten interior elements.