When you have an apartment, you undoubtedly want to make it cozier, more comfortable and larger. Currently, one of the ways to visually enhance your home is to create arches instead of doors.

Various photos of arches show how diverse they are and how much they change the appearance of housing. It is about how to make an arch with your own hands that will be briefly described below.

Types of arches

The arch is an opening in the wall that does not have an overlap in the form of a door. Their types differ only in the upper part, or rather in how the corners are constructed (straight, rounded or curly).

In the modern world, there are 7 types of arches:

• classic;
• "Modern";
• "romance";
• ellipse;
• trapezoid;
• "portal";
• semi-arch.

The first four types have rounded corners and differ only in the shape of the rounding.

So a classic arch is a semicircle with a radius of half the width of the opening; "Modern" has a small corner radius; "Romance" and the ellipse are similar and represent the usual rounded corners.

The trapezoid and the portal are another matter. These two types use sharp corners. At the trapezoid, the top, respectively, represents this figure, and the "portal" is an ordinary opening without a door.

However, even an unremarkable "portal" can be made to sparkle with new colors, giving the supports the appearance of columns in the antique style (Greek or Roman).

A trapezoid, although it is a rather unusual solution, is not suitable for any style, therefore it is used much less often than other options for arches.

The last type is a semi-arch, as the name implies, is 1 rounded and 1 right angle. This type of arch began to be used recently, but it has already gained popularity.

It is up to you which arch to install in the apartment, but we will dwell in more detail on drywall arches, as the most convenient material for building.

Step-by-step instructions for creating an arch

Choosing the future shape of the arch. It is important that it matches the overall style of the premises that will connect.

We clean the opening from the plaster and level it. It is simple here - the cleaner the work surface, the more reliable the fastening.

We fasten the arch frame. We construct the frame itself from a profile (it is possible from wood bars).

We attach the cut-out drywall arch (one side) to the frame. To get the arch of the desired type, in the middle of the plasterboard base we make a hole for the nail. We tie a string to it and get a homemade compass. Now, by changing the length of the rope, you can change the radius of the rounding of the corners and their appearance.

We apply drywall on the other side and mark the arch on it, as if using a stencil, then cut it out and fasten it to the frame.

In no case should this be done on the floor, since the opening is usually asymmetric, which has a detrimental effect on the accuracy of the “one-to-one” marking.

Note!

We measure the resulting arc and make a tape for fastening from the profile. After that, we attach the resulting tape to the arch with self-tapping screws.

We install jumpers. Their size is calculated simply: the depth of the arch is minus 1.5 centimeters, the material of manufacture is a metal profile, less often wood. We attach a sheet of drywall to the end of the opening with self-tapping screws.

We carry out finishing work (leveling with putty, rubbing possible holes, painting, or gluing wallpaper).

Other ways to make an arch

You can also make an arch in the opening in two other ways. The difference between these methods of creating an arch is in fixing drywall.

In the second version, it is attached to the jumpers not with a whole sheet, but with specially cut pieces (set) using a special solution (water, putty plus PVA glue) and this should be done without delay, since the solution hardens very quickly.

Note!

The third option provides for wooden lintels, planted with glue. Drywall in the opening is also glued to the lintels.

How to bend drywall?

In addition, the question may arise: how to bend drywall? Thin cardboard (6 mm) is best for this.

And there are at least 2 ways to bend it:
Method 1 - roll a roller on cardboard to break the gypsum in it, soak it in water and gradually screw it to the tape with self-tapping screws.

Method 2 - make cuts on the drywall every 4-5 centimeters. When you attach it to the end of the opening, the material at the place of the cuts will burst and better adhere to the wall surface.

We wish you good luck with your work!

Do-it-yourself photo of the arch

Note!

In an effort to move away from generally accepted standards and give the interior elegance, the owners of apartments and country houses change their usual doors to arches. This is not new, but to this day a popular design highlight. The arch in the doorway is bought ready-made or made by hand. It comes in a variety of configurations, so it allows you to implement any idea.

Forms of arched openings

Interior door arches are selected not only based on taste preferences, but also depending on certain parameters: ceiling height, etc. Structures are made of plasterboard, wood, MDF, PVC. Plasterboard is easiest to work with as it is the most flexible material.

Currently, there are a large number of different types of arches, which differ in shape. The most common are:

Arched openings also have various designs and, on the basis of this, are divided into several varieties:

Having looked closely at your interior and having chosen the desired arch model, you can start the phased implementation of the work.

Step-by-step instructions for self-production

In order not to spend extra money on finished products, you can do the decoration of the arched opening yourself. To do this, you need to follow a clearly established scheme.

Taking the necessary measurements

Any construction process requires precision, which is achieved by first taking measurements. You need to start from the opening itself, so measure the width and height of it first. The size of the span between the walls of the opening is equal to the width of the arch. In order to make a semicircle as accurately as possible, this indicator must be divided by two.

Before making an arch, you need to decide on its future configuration. If you are going to perform it in a classic style, then pre-align the walls. Otherwise, the design will look ugly. You can remove all defects from a vertical surface with putty or plaster using beacons.

Structural framing

To make the installation of the frame, you should perform a number of sequential steps:

1. A contour of a metal profile is screwed along the lines of the opening with dowels. The vertical guides are installed with an offset from the surface of the interior wall. The size of the indent is equal to the thickness of the drywall sheet and the plaster layer (about 0.2 cm).
2. We install two such profiles parallel to each other on each side.

   For the frame device, two profiles are installed in parallel

3. Having finished working with the profiles, we take up the installation of the first sheet of drywall. If its thickness is 1.25 cm, then it is recommended to fasten it with 3.5x35 self-tapping screws. If the thickness of the gypsum board is not more than 0.95 cm, use smaller screws.

   Drywall is fixed with self-tapping screws

4. Sheathe the other side of the frame with drywall.

   

5. Make an arc-shaped metal profile. To do this, cut the side walls of the profile with special scissors every 7 centimeters. As a result of these actions, it is easier for him to give the required form. For an arched structure, you will need two such blanks.

   An arched arc is made from the profile

6. Install and fasten the arched profiles to the main frame.

   The arcuate profile is attached to the main part of the frame

7. In order for the arcs to be securely fixed, they are attached with hangers to a straight rail located on top. The number of suspensions depends on the width of the opening. Usually three pairs are sufficient.

   

8. In increments of 0.4-0.6 m, attach reinforcing cross-members around the frame perimeter, fixing them on the guides of two contours.
9. As a result of the above actions, a reliable metal structure emerges in the form of an arch from the profile. In the future, it will be sheathed with plasterboard or plywood.

If it is assumed that the columns of the arches will not be too large in thickness, then 2 arcs can be changed to a wide profile. Cutting and folding is done in the same way. Only in this case, the installation of cross members is not required.

Sometimes, instead of a metal profile, wooden slats are used. At the same time, the frame installation technology does not change significantly.

Plasterboard bending

After installing the frame, they are taken for bending the gypsum board. Experts recommend using drywall, designed specifically for arched structures. It easily takes the desired shape if the material is rinsed in the longitudinal direction.

If you decide to use regular drywall, then you have to tinker with it. The setting piece is cut to the desired size in the form of a rectangle. It is folded in two ways: wet and dry.

Bending fabrication scheme

The wet method is time consuming and cannot be rushed. To prevent the material from cracking when bent, it is moistened with water and punctures are made. In this form, the drywall sheet is left to lie for a while, and then it is folded onto a template of the desired configuration.

The dry method means the application of cuts parallel to each other on the seamy side of the gypsum board. The cut goes deep into the sheet, affecting the outer cardboard layer and gypsum. The cardboard layer on the front side remains intact.

With the dry method, the bending of the positioning element takes the correct shape. At the same time, it is important to know that it is better to cut the gypsum board with a jigsaw, and not with a hacksaw. Then the edges will not be torn.

Rough frame cladding

If the bending was carried out with the wet method, then first of all it is necessary to wait until the drywall sheet is completely dry. The fixation of the material is carried out first with adhesive tape, and then with self-tapping screws. The minimum step between them should be from 5 to 6 centimeters.

Perforated corner prevents edge chipping

After fastening the sheathing, the edges of the plasterboard sheet are cleaned. And in order to prevent chipping of the curved edge, a perforated plastic corner is installed on it.

Leveling with putty

To make the surface even, you need to finish the arched structure. First, a primer is applied, and after it dries, a putty. Fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce the second layer and strengthen the corners..

Fiberglass mesh reinforces the corners of the arch

The last third layer of putty is applied to the mesh. After about 10 hours, it dries up, after which you can start cleaning the irregularities with sandpaper. With a well-done work, the surface will be without roughness, irregularities, the caps of the self-tapping screws will not be visible in it.

Methods for finishing arches

Those wishing to decorate the arches on their own will have to work hard, cutting out each detail separately. However, many do not look for difficulties and choose the simple way - they acquire factory structures from prefabricated elements.

Prefabricated and prefabricated pads

Factory-made overlay is of two types: wood and foam.

Styrofoam elements

Foam arches are often preferred as an alternative to plaster products. The advantages of such designs are as follows:

1. Fast installation. Installation speed is much higher than arched structures made of plywood or gypsum board.
2. Low price.
3. Easy transportation. Polyfoam is a fairly light material, so you do not need to hire movers to deliver the product to your home.
4. Low weight. Arches of this type can be installed even on very weak structures.
5. Various forms.

Foam arches are recruited from ready-made elements and trimmed in place to fit the size of the opening

The disadvantages of an arched structure made of polystyrene are: fragility, toxicity, rapid flammability.

Wood elements

Wooden arched structures do not require advertising. They look rich and rarely do not match any interior style. However, it should be understood that the word "wooden" does not mean that all components are made of pine, oak or other solid wood.

The arch can be made of natural wood, MDF, chipboard or plywood

Arched elements are also made from inexpensive MDF, laminated chipboard, veneer-faced plywood. The desired option is selected individually based on the taste and thickness of the wallet.

Wooden elements are ordered according to the catalog, and then cut to length before installation.

The installation of timber structures is simple. In hardware stores, arches are sold both assembled and disassembled. The first option is considered more reliable, since the work was performed by a specialist.

Decoration with finishing materials

Currently, there are many ways to beautifully and neatly. The decor is selected so that it is in harmony in color, texture, material with the home environment. The most popular options are recognized:

1. Simple staining... The arch will look elegant and complete if it is simply painted white, brown or the tone of the walls. Such a finish is often complemented with decorative elements, lighting.

   Monochrome painting looks great in combination with backlighting

2. Wallpapering... It is the fastest, most affordable and easy process. For these purposes, vinyl or non-woven options are best suited.

   Wallpaper highlighted slopes - a very stylish design move

3. Finishing with wooden, plastic clapboard. The method guarantees not only an excellent aesthetic appearance, but also ensures the durability of the structure, its protection from moisture and mechanical damage.

   The clapboard option is great for interiors with wall decoration from the same material

4. Decorative plaster... The surface of the arch is beautiful, embossed and durable. True, this finish sometimes needs to be restored, and it requires some maintenance.

   This method looks especially advantageous in deep arches.

5. Stone... An arch in a house made of natural or artificial stone is installed only with the help of a professional. The decoration captivates the eye and makes the interior unusual.

   The ragged edges of the arch can become a highlight of any interior.

6. Cork- it is quite expensive, but environmentally friendly material. It is easily damaged by mechanical damage, therefore, to extend its service life, it is recommended to cover the cork with wax.

   Cork finishing brings a sense of environmental friendliness and comfort to the interior

7. Clinker tiles... This finish will last for many years. It does not attract dirt and does not require special maintenance.

   Clinker tiles - unlimited space for interesting solutions

Many rooms have arches that separate the different areas. Arches have become a fashionable alternative to doors and partitions, they make an apartment more spacious and can become an ideal decor object. Various natural and artificial materials are chosen to decorate the arches. One of the most popular options is to decorate the arch with decorative stone. To decorate the arch correctly, you need to know about all the nuances of construction and material.

Advantages

For the decoration of the arch, one of two types of stones is chosen - artificial or natural. Each type has its own advantages.

Natural materials are characterized by the following features:

• They have a very interesting texture. Such stones look outside the box - both on the pages of magazines and photographs, and upon closer examination. These include shell rock, sandstone.
• Lovers of delicate colors in the interior should choose arches lined with marble. This stone is sustained in various shades of pink, the pastel color looks very neat and unobtrusive.
• To emphasize their status, buyers often choose arches trimmed with granite. This material is very expensive, but it gives the interior solidity and is a sign of financial well-being.

Artificial decorative stones also have their own advantages:

• They are made with such high quality that they are almost indistinguishable from natural materials.
• The price for such material is democratic. You can trim the vault with more stones without worrying about financial costs.
• Artificial stone is usually finished in such a way that it is not inferior in strength to natural materials.
• The weight of the decorative coating is significantly less than that of the natural one. The combination of strength and lightness gives artificial material a significant advantage.
• The artificial stone is not influenced by external factors. It is not susceptible to decay and mold formation, and harmful bacteria do not appear on it.
• Using a variety of dyes, they create a wide palette of colors for stones, so you can choose a shade that is right for your apartment.
• The decorative material is easy to clean, no need to buy special care products and adhere to special technologies.

Based on these characteristics, you can determine which type of material is more suitable for decorating arches in your apartment. You will be able to choose the best option.

Instruments

To paste over the opening with stones, you need to stock up on certain tools and materials:

• hammer;
• sandpaper;
• chisel;
• hacksaw for stone carving;
• construction knife;
• building level;
• putty knife;
• roulette;
• construction mixer;
• Grout syringe.

The following components are used as consumables:

• Choose a special glue for decorative stone - depending on the chosen coating. Some materials require special glue, so be careful when buying.
• To make the seams between stones invisible, select a grout that is close in color to the material.
• Purchase a primer to prepare your walls. Choose a primer carefully considering the composition of the walls, because different types of primer can differ from each other. Not all of them will be suitable for your apartment.
• A water repellent is needed for the final processing of the stone.

If you have all the necessary materials and tools, you can easily independently cope with the decoration of the walls with decorative or natural stone.

Preparation

In order for the material to anchor as firmly as possible, it is imperative to prepare the surface of the wall and the part to which the stone itself will join.

• Remnants of wallpaper and paint should be removed from the walls. If there is whitewash near the doorways, then its traces must also be removed.
• Use a putty to level the surface.
• The arch and walls in the apartment must be primed. If the arch is made of drywall, do not lay heavy stone on it. Drywall will not support a lot of weight.
• Some people use stones of several colors in the interior. If you are going to start finishing the vault, lay out the composition of stones in such a way as to draw up a drawing in advance - and only then transfer it to the wall.
• Calculate the size of the material so that each piece fits exactly into a specific location in the doorway.

Finishing

Direct finishing of the opening is the main stage of the whole process, which must take place in a certain sequence:

• Stir the glue until smooth (using a mixer). This should be done strictly according to the instructions.
• The glue is applied to the surface where the stone will be placed and to the back of the tile itself. Layers should be from 0.5 to 1 cm thick, but no more.
• Apply a tile made of stone or decorative brick to the wall surface and press down. Each piece is fixed in a predetermined place and leveled using a building level. It is much easier to apply square parts, but tiles of a different shape will make the cladding more original.

• Try to attach the stone to the wall as tightly as possible with your own hands.
• Tap the surface of the material and remove any excess adhesive, if any. When the glue holds the tiles together from the end, it should be left.
• After that, you need to carefully grout the joints. Using a syringe, it is necessary to fill the joints between the tiles so that the recess is at a distance of 0.3-0.5 cm from the outer edge of the coating.

• After half an hour (after the solution has dried), level the surface with a spatula.
• To create an imitation of natural material, you should decorate the tiles with chips. To do this, you need to outline the cleavage line in advance. Slowly and carefully remove the excess edges with pliers, working from the edge to the marked line. Use a file to smooth the edges of the chips. Use sandpaper for final polishing.
• You can spray the tiles using a special spray. If the room is humid, treat the material with a water repellent.

It should be remembered not only the main stages of the process, but also the special advice given by professionals in the design of arches in the premises:

• Arches made of artificial stone in the hallway are recommended to be left with seams between the tiles. This nuance adds extra coziness. However, it is important to remember that too sharp a contrast between the shade of the coating and the color of the seams is unacceptable.
• If you have to cut artificial material with a saw, it is important not to press on it during this process, otherwise there is a risk that the stone will split.
• A stone arch is inseparable from good lighting. Make sure in advance that the room or corridor is equipped with powerful electrical appliances. This will allow you to enjoy all the beauty and texture of the material. Luminaires can be placed directly in the very structure of the vault, which will give the design additional originality.
• Arches lined with decorative stone or brick look especially beautiful in combination with plants. The vegetation near the structure will make it play in a new light and make your interior truly sophisticated.
• Even openings made of stone can be decorated with decorative curtains made of a suitable material. Curtains should not attract attention, they are only intended to create additional comfort in the room.

Design options

The room in which the arch is located can be decorated in various styles. For each of them, it is necessary to select a material of a special texture and a certain color.

Interior arches in the loft style are made under the old brick. They can be decorated in red, gray or brown. It is in such designs that a large number of chips are provided, emphasizing the influence of time on the material.

The delicate concept of the Provencal interior involves the use of light stone or brick, without any pronounced signs of time. Such laying should be very neat.

The pompous Baroque style involves the use of natural stone to decorate interior arches. Such material is a sign of wealth and solidity. The stones near the doorway are very large and massive. In most cases, they are in light shades.

In the Mediterranean style, arches can be embodied in the most complete variety. Material of any texture can be selected. Preference is given to light or neutral brown shades, depending on the main range of the interior. Mediterranean arches can even be combined with curtains in a similar style.

The Empire style is very specific for creating interior arches. Its characteristic feature is the provision of the structure with columns on the sides. This design makes the vault a catchy interior detail. The main colors are white, beige. The columns at the top are often decorated with stone carving technology, which can also be present on the arch itself.

The minimalism style practically excludes the allocation of space around the arch with the help of masonry. Usually, the entire wall is covered with small stone slabs, where the arched opening is located, and the inner surface of the opening is finished with the help of special materials - without the use of stone.

The country style is dominated by beige brick. The arches are created with a targeted focus on the joints. The material finds echoes in other interior items as well - for example, in the fireplace, which goes well with the arch.

Many people think about in which parts of the house the presence of an arched structure is permissible.

There are several options for its location in the premises:

• Popular are the arches that separate the kitchen area and the dining area. A similar layout can often be seen in country and Provence styles.
• The dining and living areas are also often divided in a similar way. Sometimes a stone arch is suitable for rooms decorated in different colors. It looks equally presentable with any shades of furniture and walls.
• Arches are popular not only as doorways, but also for styling windows. Often, the wall is designed in such a way that an arch-shaped protrusion is located above the window. This design is relevant for the loft style.
• In the bedroom, arches separate the work area from the rest area. This concept is especially often embodied in modern interior trends.
• If the loggia is insulated, then often the upper part of the wall is removed. What remains is an elegant lower partition, turning into an arch.
• In large rooms, openings are sometimes used as boundaries between all zones. This door replacement helps to visually expand the space in the room.

Each house or apartment has several doorways. One of the most popular and common ways to design them is to create an arch. In addition to the fact that it must be done correctly, the design is of great importance, special attention should be paid to this stage of the work. There are many options for finishing arches, they all have both advantages and disadvantages.

Popular materials for finishing the arch

One of the most affordable and effective ways to revitalize the design of a room, giving it an individual and unique look is to create an arch. It can have a wide variety of shapes and be made from different materials. Just creating a door arch will not be enough, it still needs to be properly and beautifully finished. To do this, you can use several options. It must be remembered that in addition to giving the structure a beautiful and attractive look, the finishing material can also protect it from damage, therefore, its choice must be approached with knowledge of the matter.

The finishing of the arch should not only give it an attractive look, but also protect it from possible damage.

Dye

Painting is the simplest and most affordable method for finishing an arched structure, so it is very popular. The advantage of this material is availability and ease of application. It is enough to purchase paint and apply it to the prepared surface using a brush, roller or spray gun. To get a beautiful result, you need to apply at least two layers. The disadvantage of such a finish is that it is necessary to very carefully prepare the surface, and this takes a lot of time and effort. If irregularities remain on the arch, then after painting they will be even more noticeable.

The arch can be painted to match the walls or in a contrasting color

There are two main options for this finish:

• painting in one tone with the wall, then the structure dissolves into the interior;
• painting in a contrasting color, in this case, the focus is on the door arch.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is also a common arch finish. You can choose them in the color of the walls or use a contrasting solution. Nowadays, liquid wallpaper has appeared, which is often used to decorate the arch.

For pasting the arch, you can use ordinary, vinyl, textile or liquid wallpaper.

Advantages of wallpapering the arch:

• a large selection, so you can purchase material of the required shade and texture;
• ease of installation, you do not need to have special skills and tools to complete the work;
• affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

• fragility. Even the most durable wallpaper is easily damaged, so you have to change it after 2–4 years;
• discoloration. Under the influence of the sun color, the wallpaper loses its original color rather quickly.

It is better to purchase plain wallpaper without ornament. If the walls are pasted over with the same material, then you will not have to select a drawing, so the work will be able to be done easier and faster. You can use plastic corners to decorate the edges of the arch. They will act not only as decorative elements, but also reliably protect the corners from possible mechanical damage.

Wood

Decorating the arches with natural wood gives the room style, solidity and beauty. This material goes well with almost any design solution, but is most suitable for decorating an arch in a wooden house.

An arch made of natural wood looks especially stylish in combination with other wooden interior elements

The advantages of finishing the arch with wood:

• the original presentable appearance remains for many years;
• high strength when finishing with hard wood;
• environmental friendliness.

Disadvantages:

• at high humidity, even with additional protection, the tree is prone to deformation;
• wooden structures do not tolerate temperature changes well, therefore, it is not worth decorating the arch near the entrance doors with such material;
• great weight. Elements made of natural wood are difficult to mount alone, so you need to invite an assistant and fix them securely;
• high price.

If precious woods are used to decorate the arch, then usually decorative products are ordered from specialized companies, and they are installed by specialists. If you have the necessary skills, you can decorate the arch with wood with your own hands.

MDF panels

MDF panels are a good alternative to natural wood.

You can purchase ready-made sets of MDF panels for finishing the arch

This material consists of wood chips and, depending on the type of coating, can be:

• laminated. The surface is covered with PVC film, which imitates natural wood or other material. In addition, such a coating increases the strength of the material;
• veneered. The boards are pressed with a thin layer of veneer and then varnished.

Compared to natural wood, MDF panels have the following advantages:

• resistance to high humidity and temperature extremes;
• light weight of the panels, which simplifies the installation process;
• affordable cost.

Disadvantages of MDF panels:

• when applying point strikes, they are easily damaged;
• under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, they can change their original color;
• the service life is shorter than that of natural wood.

Cork

The arches decorated with cork look beautiful. It is used to make panels with a thickness of 3 mm or more, covered with thin veneer on top and impregnated with wax. Cork in rolls can be used, but in this case it is not always soaked in wax. To give roll products the desired color, they can be painted on the front or back side. In addition, there are also cork wallpapers. They have a paper base with a thin layer of cork glued to it. Often these wallpapers have a self-adhesive backing that allows you to quickly and easily glue them.

The arch can be pasted over with cork wallpaper

Cork advantages:

• not afraid of the impact of pinpoint impacts;
• does not accumulate dust;
• retains its original appearance for a long time;
• has antibacterial properties, so it does not form fungus and mold.

Disadvantages:

• afraid of moisture. If the surface has not been treated with wax, then at high humidity the material may deform;
• absorbs odors well;
• has a high cost.

Mosaic

More recently, in order to implement such a solution, people had to make a mosaic from broken glass or ceramic tiles. Now on sale there is a ready-made mosaic and all that remains is to glue it to the surface of the arch. Difficulties with such work usually do not arise, but since the elements are very small, it will take a lot of time to finish.

It will take quite a long time to decorate the arch in a large opening with mosaics.

Mosaic advantages:

• a large selection of shapes and colors;
• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• high wear resistance;
• long service life.

Disadvantages:

• the complexity of the work. It takes not only the presence of certain skills, but also a lot of time;
• high price.

Depending on the style of decoration of the room, they choose ceramic, metal orglass mosaic.

Decorative rock

The arch can be finished with both natural and artificial stone. The cost of natural materials is higher, so usually their artificial counterparts are used for decoration. Since the weight of the stone is large, it is not worth laying it on plasterboard partitions; it is better to do this on the main walls. Instead of decorative stone, you can decorate the arch with tiles for facing bricks.

If the arch is made in a main wall, it can be finished with stone tiles

The advantages of finishing the arch with decorative stone:

• a large selection of materials that differ not only in color, but also in texture;
• high strength;
• good moisture resistance;
• long service life.

Disadvantages:

• complexity of installation. You need to have certain skills;
• large material weight, which significantly increases the load on the structure;
• high price.

It is better to use small stones for finishing the vaults of the arch, as they are much easier to lay.

Decorative plaster

There is a fairly large selection of different types of plasters, so you can choose the one that will harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. Using this material, you can create unique solutions, it all depends on the imagination and abilities of the person who decorates the arch.

Methods for finishing with decorative plaster are limited only by the imagination of the master

The store sells ready-made dry mixes, which are enough to dilute with water and can be applied to the prepared surface.

Advantages of decorative plaster:

• allows you to create unique solutions, which will be impossible to repeat;
• you can make both smoothed and expressive relief;
• if it is necessary to update the surface, it can be re-painted;
• before applying the finish, the surface does not need to be carefully leveled;
• affordable cost.

• easily damaged by mechanical stress;
• you can not carry out wet cleaning;
• if you need to make cosmetic repairs, this area will stand out against the general background.

To apply decorative plaster, it is enough to have minimal skills and a little time.

Now on sale there is a large selection of polyurethane moldings, with the help of which you can quickly and original design an arch. These elements are usually fixed with glue, and self-tapping screws can be used for greater strength.

With the help of polyurethane moldings, you can quickly and original design the arch

Advantages of finishing with polyurethane moldings:

• a large selection of various elements;
• ease of installation;
• affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

• not suitable for use in an expensive interior;
• low resistance to mechanical damage.

What tool will you need to work

Depending on what material will be used to decorate the arch, you may need a different tool:

How to prepare the surface of the arch for finishing

Decorating an arch is a responsible and rather time-consuming process. Usually it is made of drywall. Experts recommend to be sure to putty such a surface. This is due to the fact that if over time you want to update or replace the finishing material, in places where there is no putty, the layer of cardboard will be removed at the same time with finishing, and this can lead to damage to the entire structure.

The procedure for carrying out preparatory work:

1. Smoothing the transition between the wall and the side surface of the arch. The joint is smoothed with a putty so that the transition from one surface to another is not visible.

   Between the wall and the side surface of the arch, the transition is leveled and smoothed with putty

2. Sealing of seams and caps of self-tapping screws. For this, a serpyanka tape is used, and the caps of the self-tapping screws are sealed only with putty.

   Screw caps and seams are sealed with putty

3. Alignment of the transition between the arch and the wall. For this, putty is used. It should be applied with a wide spatula, it should be wider than the overlap in order to get a smooth and even transition.

   The transition of the arched arc into the wall should be smooth and even

4. Strengthening the corners. One of the most problematic areas of a door arch is its corners. To strengthen them, it is necessary to use metal or plastic corners, which are fixed with putty or self-tapping screws. Instead of corners, the edges of the arch can be glued with serpyanka tape.

   The corners are reinforced with a serpentine tape or perforated corner

5. Arched arch putty. The entire surface is evenly covered with putty and leveled.
6. Side surface treatment. This work must be done from top to bottom. The joints of the wall and the arch are glued with serpyanka tape. The width of the tape should be such that it completely overlaps the transition point between the arch and the wall. After that, the side surfaces are putty to completely smooth the transition.

   Putty is applied to the serpentine tape glued at the junction of the walls and arches

7. Final surface leveling. You can start work only after the putty has dried. Grouting the surface is carried out using sandpaper.
8. Primer. To ensure good adhesion of the surface with the used finishing material, it must be primed. The primer is applied with a brush or roller. After it is completely dry, and this will take about four hours, you can proceed to finishing work.

The described work must be performed with a starting putty, since it has the best adhesion and its price is lower. Depending on the finishing material used, it may be necessary to level the surface with a finishing putty. This is required if the arch will be painted; in other cases, you can not apply the finishing putty.

To eliminate large differences and significant irregularities, the putty can be applied in several layers, the thickness of each of them should not be more than 5 mm. Before applying the next layer, allow time for the previous one to dry well. Depending on the conditions in the room, on the type of putty used and on the thickness of the applied layer, the approximate drying time will be different:

• gypsum - 3–6 hours;
• cement - from 12 to 24 hours;
• polymer - from 4 hours.

Expert advice to help you complete the preparatory work better:

• when sealing the holes, it is recommended to apply a little more putty than necessary, since the solution tends to dry out a little. It is better to then remove the extra bump with sandpaper, and if a hole remains, then it will be necessary to putty this place again;
• in order to properly level the surface, it may be necessary to apply three or four layers of putty. Keep in mind that before applying a new layer, the previous one must dry completely;
• when sealing the joints, it is necessary to press the mortar well into the existing gap in order to completely fill it. In this case, it is also better to apply a little more mortar and then remove it with sandpaper than to carry out additional sealing when depressions are formed.

Video: preparing the surface of the arch for finishing

The sequence of finishing the arch with different materials

The order of work will depend on the material chosen.

Wallpaper gluing

For finishing the arch, ordinary thin wallpaper or heavy vinyl, textile, and glass wallpaper can be used.

The process of gluing the arch with thin wallpaper:

When using heavy vinyl wallpaper, the edges of the stripes are cut exactly along the border of the arch, and then this section is covered with a decorative corner.

Decorating with decorative plaster

The order of finishing works:

1. Plastering. This is done with a spatula. After the plaster dries a little, it is lightly sanded with a paint float.

   The plaster is applied with a spatula.

To obtain a beautiful result when painting decorative plaster, you must use several colors selected in the same range. First, a darker paint is applied with a sponge and a brush.

A layer of darker paint is applied first.

2. Staining with a second layer. It is necessary to allow time for the first layer to dry completely. After that, with the help of a foam rubber sponge, a lighter paint is applied with light touches.

   The second coat of paint should be lighter

3. Waxing. When the paint dries, the surface of the arch is covered with a protective layer of wax mastic.

Video: the process of applying decorative plaster

When using a mosaic, the work is done in the following sequence:

1. Creation of a matrix. Since the mosaic tiles are very small, editing is much easier if you assemble them into small pieces beforehand. The elements are laid on a sheet of paper, and then a fine mesh is glued on top. There are ready-made matrices on a mesh base that can also be used to decorate the arch.
2. Mosaic installation. The finished matrices are fixed to the surface of the arch with glue. Care must be taken that it does not fall on the front surface of the mosaic.

   Finished matrices are glued to the surface of the arch with glue.

3. Grouting. Choose the desired grout color and fill all the joints. An hour after grouting, remove the mortar using diagonal movements with a rubber spatula. After that, the surface is wiped with a damp cloth.

   To remove grout, wipe the surface with a damp cloth

Laying decorative stone

Work order:

1. Preparation of the stone. After purchasing a decorative stone, it must be washed and dried. To simplify the work, it is necessary to sort the elements by size, since they all have different lengths and thicknesses.
2. Stone pruning. After the elements have been sorted, using a special machine, the edges of the stones are cut, which will be mounted at the corners, so that a 45 ° cut is obtained. Sort the tiles by color, and then lay them along a flat slat.

   Using a special machine, the edges of the stones are cut

3. Preparing the glue. If the decorative stone will be mounted on a putty and primed surface, then it is recommended to use a quick-setting glue. When working on cement plaster, it is better to use cement tile adhesive.
4. Stone decoration. Work starts from the bottom and gradually moves up. A gap of 2-3 mm is usually left between the individual elements, but installation can be carried out without a gap. To keep the distance between the tiles the same, special plastic dividers are used.

   The stones begin to be laid from the bottom and gradually move up

Video: the process of installing artificial stone

Wood trim

If you decide to decorate the arch yourself with natural wood, then the easiest way to do this is with a wooden lining:

Finishing with polyurethane moldings

Installation of moldings is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Preparation of elements mounted along the radius of the arch. Measure the required length and cut a piece of molding. Nails are driven into it with a pitch of 50–100 mm, after which glue is applied to the inner surface.

   Nails are driven into the molding and spread with glue

2. Installation of radius molding. A prepared element is applied in the center of the opening and a nail is hammered in, after which they move from the center in different directions. If the molding does not press well on the bend, you can additionally hammer in 1–2 nails.

   The molding is fixed with nails and well pressed against the surface of the arch

3. Installation of vertical elements. The distance from the floor to the radius molding is measured in height and the required piece of the vertical element is cut off. It is also fastened with nails and glue, and the junction of the vertical and radius molding is coated with sealant.

   Vertical elements are also fastened with nails and glue

After the glue is completely dry and the moldings are securely in place, you can pull out the nails. It remains to putty the moldings and paint them in the chosen color.

Pull out nails, putty and then paint the moldings

Video: the sequence of finishing the arch with polyurethane molding

If MDF panels are mounted on glue, then the sequence of work will be as follows:

If the panels are mounted on a crate, the surface of the arch need not be leveled:

1. Creation of the lathing. For this, metal profiles or wooden blocks can be used.
2. Installation of guide profiles. They are fixed at the top and bottom of the crate.
3. Installation of panels. MDF panels are inserted into the guide profiles and fixed to the crate with self-tapping screws.

Wall decoration around the arch

It is necessary not only to beautifully finish the arch, but also to think about what materials the walls around it will be finished with.

The main options for the design of the walls around the arch:

The sequence of finishing the walls around the arch will depend on the material chosen. This process is no different from how the topcoat was installed on the arch.

Installation of a decorative corner

The decorative arched corner allows not only to highlight the arch against the background of the wall, but also hides possible irregularities. Its use is especially important when the arch was done independently and for the first time, so the work was not done perfectly.

Installation procedure for a decorative corner:

With the help of an arch, you can decorate a doorway in a beautiful and unusual way, arched partitions allow you to zone a room. The presence of an arch in the interior makes it unusual and non-standard, but it must be organically combined with the surrounding elements.

Decorating the arch with your own hands is within the power of a person who has basic skills in performing construction work. After the finishing material has been selected and all the necessary tools have been prepared, it is necessary to study in detail the technology for performing the work. Following the developed instructions, it will be possible to independently trim the arch and at the same time get the result no worse than that of professionals.

When renovating a new apartment, its final appearance takes a special place, so everything needs to be calculated to the smallest detail. To give an attractive appearance to the apartment, the walls in it should be beautifully finished. Many different materials are used for this, however, the most popular of them is drywall. It can be used to make both flat and boring walls and ceilings, as well as various shapes on the ceiling and walls. Inside the apartment, a plasterboard arch is popular, which is often installed above the doorway. A plasterboard arch will perfectly decorate a boring acute-angled apartment in a cozy and cheerful, round box, where you can have a great rest from everything and everyone. After finishing the walls with plasterboard, you will have to brighten it up with something to add brightness and aesthetic appearance to the material. So, how to decorate a drywall arch in order to achieve just such an effect, we will tell you below.

What is this article about

Finishing options

As you know, there are two types of arches: round and square. The former are well suited for apartments, and the latter for summer cottages or country houses. But it can be vice versa, it just depends on the style of the interior. For some strict designs, a square arch is perfect, and for relaxed and cheerful styles, a round arch is the best option.

Decorating the arch with your own hands will take a lot of time and effort, but in the end you will get a house where you want to live forever. It is not so difficult to do this with drywall, because, as you know, drywall is a versatile material that can be finished in any way used for wall decoration. Moreover, the statistics of the popularity of finishing materials for drywall is the same as for the walls themselves, but we will only touch on the most popular of them. According to our observations, the consumer is inclined to choose: wallpaper, paint, decorative stone and decorative plaster, as a finishing material for a plasterboard arch.

Wallpaper

How to paste over the wallpaper below. This option for finishing the arch is the most affordable for the consumer. Its other advantage is its wide selection of prints and patterns, making wallpaper arguably the most creative variation on your arch finish. In this case, you can choose one wallpaper for the arch and others for the rest of the room in order to highlight it, but the main thing here is not to overdo it with highlighting the structure, that is, you cannot choose minimalist wallpaper for the room and, for example, wallpaper with the image of the sea. This means that one should smoothly flow into the other, that is, the wallpaper can be different, but with the same design style.

Advice when installing wallpaper on an arch. When decorating the outer part of the arch with wallpaper, you should slightly bend the wallpaper inward and, stepping back from the corner, literally a millimeter, cut off an unnecessary piece. Having done this on both outer sides, you should glue the wallpaper on the inside of the arch. If you follow this advice, then the seams on the wallpaper will look a little more natural, since there will not be this random white strip between the sheets of wallpaper.

It is very important to level the surface on which the wallpaper will be glued in order to achieve the aesthetic appearance of the wallpaper pattern. This is done with an ordinary putty. To save mortar, you can putty only the joints of gypsum plasterboards, since the rest of this material is often perfectly even.

Let's talk about the disadvantages. Yes, we have washable wallpapers, thick wallpapers with a supposedly long lifespan, but this does not change the fact that the life of any wallpaper, no matter how much praised by the manufacturer or seller, is still short. It often lasts about 2-4 years with careful use and proper care.

Dye

So, the second most popular option is painting the arch. Here you can show your individuality and paint your unique ornament, drawing or inscription with paints, the main thing is to have a good imagination and paint brushes, and do not forget that the artist's skills are not the last thing in this matter, and if you do not own this gift, it is better to call a specialist.

But if, to the greatest regret, you do not have any of the above, then you can simply buy paint and tools, and then paint every room in monotonous and boring paint. To highlight the arch, which is important, otherwise why did you do it at all, you can make a beautiful painting on the inner and outer parts of the arch using a stencil and cans of paint. By choosing a suitable color background for this mural, you can easily dazzle any guest in your home.

Naturally, painting has its drawbacks. Firstly, this is the price, because a can of good paint can cost good money and there will not be enough money to cover the whole house with such paint or it will cost a tidy sum. Secondly, at this price, these paints can be easily spoiled by children or you if you accidentally get on it with liquids, colored pencils, pens, paints, etc.

Decorative plaster

This material can be used when decorating a plasterboard arch, while it is important to take into account the design of the entire room so that the arch stands out, but not too much, otherwise it will feel like the arch was taken from another apartment and simply transferred to yours. When using decorative plaster, many householders sculpt columns from it. Yes, it is beautiful, but not always, because these columns in the classical style will not fit into the Art Nouveau style in any way, so you need to correctly weigh the pros and cons before deciding on the columns. After all, their list of applications does not end with them, for example, a small or large ornament can serve as an excellent replacement for the same columns, which does not go out of fashion, because the classics cannot become outdated.

One of the disadvantages of such a solution is fragility and a tendency to crack. But this can happen when buying low-quality material or improper installation. Otherwise, this material is very good: it is durable, it is not too expensive, it suits almost all interior styles. Although it is aimed at use in the yard or for outdoor decoration of the house.

Decorative rock

For a beautiful decor of the arch, you can also use a decorative stone, which is perfectly attached to any surface using construction glue. It is not recommended to use heavy natural stone as a working material, since a drywall structure cannot boast of such a high carrying capacity to retain all the power and beauty of a natural decorative stone. So use substitutes that mimic it well. They can be made from a variety of materials.

One of the disadvantages of this finishing material is its complexity of installation, because its layout takes a lot of time and effort, like all the others, it requires a lot of attention and accurate calculation. Another disadvantage is the price. Decorative stone is truly almost the most expensive of the finishing materials. But the greatest advantage of such a stone is its appearance, because it is not in vain that it costs so much money.

Mosaic

Another good option for decorating an arch in an apartment. Practical and unpretentious, also suitable for damp rooms.

What should not be used to cover a drywall arch

There are materials that are not recommended for finishing the arch. One of them is decorative plastic panels. They have many disadvantages in relation to the decoration of the arches. For example, it is difficult to install it due to the fact that there are a lot of corners in the arch, so you will have to put a huge number of corners of the baseboards and do not forget about the frame for the plastic panels. And besides, plastic always creates a feeling of cheapness, by the way, this is how it is, because plastic panels are very cheap. But this is not a reason to use them for a drywall arch.

Another material that should not be used for decoration is wood paneling. The main reason for the failure is the low flexibility of the wood, which makes it impossible to finish the interior of the plasterboard arch.
Let's talk a little about square arches. From the name it is clear that this type of arch does not have roundness, instead of them there are strips installed at an angle of 45˚. So for this type of arches, you can use both wood and plastic. In addition, all previously used finishing elements (wallpaper, paint, decorative plaster and decorative stone) can be used to decorate a square arch. The only thing we do not recommend is finishing the arch with decorative plastic panels.

Arch corners

This question is quite natural, since most people are not used to relying on the master when installing finishing materials and they always have to think: "What to do with the corners of the arch?" But this is not a problem, because you can simply tint the corners in the same color as its surroundings. For example, a gray or black color is suitable for a decorative stone. For wallpapers, we already gave you advice above in the section about them. When painting the arch, the corners do not need additional processing. And when decorating with plaster, you don't need to think about corners at all.

Also, there is an option to stick plastic corners on the corners of the arch, after which they can be painted or left white. The corners will protect the arch from damage if you accidentally hit it with something, and such precedents will certainly be.

Successful renovation!