Wooden arches in the house have become quite popular today. Every person strives to make their home not only comfortable, but also beautiful. Now there are many ways to achieve the desired result, and one of them is the arch. Its history dates back to ancient times, when arches were used to decorate palaces, churches and houses of wealthy residents.
The arch acquired an elliptical shape during the Art Nouveau era. And its widespread use is associated with the use of reinforced concrete, which can withstand quite a large load. Since then, a lot of new materials and technologies have appeared, but the arched bend of the arches has remained the same, and the design, which is based on complex mathematical calculations, has also remained almost unchanged.
Modern designers quite widely use arches not only as decoration of houses, but also to visually expand rooms. Anyone can decorate the openings in their home with such designs.
Wooden arches and their types
For beginning craftsmen, the easiest option would be a wooden arch. To make it you will need a minimum of effort, a wooden blank and a regular set of tools. Before you begin, you should find out which types of arched structures are most popular.
Firstly, this is a portal arch. It has a U-shape with rounded corners. An inconspicuous, at first glance, counter can significantly change the interior, complement it, introducing notes of sophistication and luxury. An arch of this type would be appropriate in houses designed in high-tech or minimalist style.
Secondly, the arch is in the Art Nouveau style. This design is a rounded wooden base. In this case, only part of the arc of the circle acts as a rounding, since the radius of the rounding is greater than the width of the arch opening. To create such a bend, arched platbands are used. The structure can be decorated with wood carvings, glass or mirror elements, etc. This arch looks very good in houses with low ceilings.
And finally, a wooden classic arch. It has a semicircular vault. Suitable for any room, but fits perfectly in a room with high ceilings.
Materials. After the suitable type of wooden arch has been selected, we begin to select materials. The use of natural wood in this case is not a prerequisite. Nowadays there are modern wood substitutes on the building materials market, for example, MDF or fiberboard. It is much easier to work with them, and they are also better protected from external factors.
The main condition for making an arch from these materials is proper preparation of the mold. All cuts and measurements must be made clearly enough so that during assembly all the parts fall strictly into place.
Marking. Before starting measurements, prepare the doorways for the installation of the arched structure. To do this, remove part of the wall located above the arch; this procedure helps to avoid reducing the height of the opening.
First, the upper point is determined, and 5 cm is added to this height. A control point is obtained, which is the height of the arched opening. After this, carefully, so as not to destroy the partition, remove the excess part of the wall.
Plants
A variety of plants can be used to decorate arches in the garden. For example, climbing roses look just great. In addition, they give off a dizzying fragrance.
It is worth remembering that roses do not tolerate cold, so wood or plastic is best suited for them. Of course, when choosing, take into account the climate of the area and the characteristics of the varieties.
A garden arch for climbing plants is great for evergreen ivy.
An unpretentious plant with emerald foliage can create a magical atmosphere. You just need to take into account that it takes quite a long time to gain strength, but after that it will open up to its full power.
Clematis will delight you until late autumn. He is as beautiful as a rose. However, the plant is picky about the soil, loves a lot of moisture and frequent feeding. It is necessary to plant not tightly, maintain a distance of at least 20 cm.
Bougainvillea reaches 10 meters, so it is a chic decoration of the arch. The variety of colors is amazing. Flowers of different shapes can be white, orange, crimson, purple.
Now you just have to decide on the shape of the arch and the plant that will decorate it. But, regardless of the choice, the site will be transformed.
Necessary parts for the arch
For a standard portal arch you will need the following parts:
- platbands for both sides,
- corner roundings,
- two side and one cross panels.
And to make a classic arch you will need:
- two arcs,
- four vertical posts,
- two side panels and one arc panel.
Making straight parts is quite simple. You can use a template to obtain curves. And to build arcs, you need to make a compass from slats 150 cm long, into the edges of which small nails are driven. Along with drawing the details on the prepared canvas, marks of the contour boundaries are also made on the wall itself.
Photo gallery
Sources
- https://roomester.ru/dekor/dizajn-arok.html
- https://ars.ru/oformlenie-arki-v-sovremennom-interere-kvartiry-i-doma/
- https://www.ivd.ru/dizajn-i-dekor/kvartira/dizajn-interera-s-arkoj-iz-gipsokartona-50-primerov-s-foto-38551
- https://design-homes.ru/idei-dlya-doma/arka-v-dizajne-interera-osobennosti-foto
- https://Trizio.ru/arki-iz-gipsokartona-dizayn-foto-16
- https://J.Etagi.com/ps/arki-mezhkomnatnye-foto/
- https://mydizajn.ru/otdelka-arki-v-kvartire-materialy-i-varianty-dizajna/
- https://www.beinten.ru/arka-v-kvartire-osobennosti-oformleniya-vidy-dizajn-varianty-otdelki/
- https://BestDoor.guru/otdelka/arki.html
- https://prostilno.ru/otdelka/mezhkomnatnye-arki.html
Cutting and assembling parts
When all the details have been drawn, they begin to cut them. For these purposes, it is best to use a jigsaw. Using this tool, you can quickly deal with various shapes and types of materials, and besides, it does not leave any nicks on the edges of the parts.
To make the process easier, life-size patterns of the product are placed on the canvas. After all the parts have been cut, their surface is carefully sanded on all sides using a grinding machine or fine sandpaper. Otherwise, some problems may arise in the future, and the design of the opening will not look ideal.
When all the blanks are completed, we begin assembling the arched structure. The first step is to install all vertical and straight elements of the structure. They should be secured strictly according to the contour marks while maintaining the level. The ideal option is a pre-putty surface, which allows you to assemble the arch with a minimum of effort.
If the distortions cannot be eliminated in any way, the workpieces are not attached with glue, but fixed to the frame. To make it, you can use wooden blocks. But most often the design of arches includes shaped elements, so the best option for the frame would be a metal profile.
After attaching all the vertical parts, proceed to the rounding. For the portal arch, they are installed in the free space between the racks and the upper straight bar and fixed. The joints between the arch and the wall can be hidden with platbands or decorated with plaster.
Using this principle, wooden arches of completely different designs can be made.
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There is an opinion that the arch as an architectural device is more suitable for palaces and museums than for an ordinary house and apartment. But this opinion is wrong. A doorway made in an arched style can look organic in the most ordinary apartment, in almost any interior, and serve as its decoration. Manufacturers offer various types of ready-made arches that can be mounted in a doorway; you can also make an arch with your own hands.
Advantages of arched openings
Even a person ignorant of the intricacies of interior design and architecture is struck by the fact that the arched structure, unlike a door, does not separate the rooms, but unites them.
Doors separate rooms from each other, and the arch creates a common space.
Experts note the following advantages that distinguish interior arched openings:
- They are able to create the effect of visual expansion of space.
- This architectural solution is universal: suitable for a range of interior design styles.
- The versatility of interior arches is also evident in the fact that they fit organically into both spacious and small rooms.
- An arched doorway can add originality and individuality to the interior.
In practice, it has been verified that arches look good both in houses decorated in a classical style, and in apartments in modern or techno style, especially since arched openings allow numerous design options that enliven their appearance (for example, lighting, a combination of wood with metal inserts , use of stained glass).
Accenting
The photo of the garden arch shows that the structure can be a delightful garden decoration. There are no requirements for its installation and dimensions as such. Even a very small structure can attract attention if it is designed correctly.
Looks great when used as part of a garden path. Beauty and functionality will work in tandem if you build it above a bench.
It turns out to be a great place to relax! The shadow formed over the bench will make spending time on a stuffy day pleasant.
It is also important that with the help of an arch you can not only improve the area, but also hide some shortcomings.
When installing several objects, you can create a small tunnel that will perfectly complement the entrance. On a spacious plot, it is possible to organize a shady arched alley entwined with plants.
By placing benches inside, you will get a wonderful relaxation area where you can take a breather from the summer heat while enjoying the scents of flowers.
Types of arches
When designing an interior arched structure, qualified specialists take into account the features of both rooms, which are connected by an opening. The height of the ceilings, the width of the opening and other factors are taken into account. This is necessary in order to choose the right type of arch that is suitable specifically for the given conditions. Three main types of arched structures can be specified:
- The classic version is characterized by a certain ratio of the bending radius and the width of the opening: the radius is equal to half the width. This option is suitable if the rooms have high ceilings (no less than 3 m). The reason for this is purely geometric: with the specified ratio of width and radius and a door width of, for example, 90 cm, the height of the arch will be 45 cm.
And if the doors are wider, then the height of the arch will be greater, and with a low ceiling it either will not fit or will not look aesthetically pleasing enough.
- The Art Nouveau arch has the shape of an oval and can easily be used in standard, including small-sized, apartments.
- “Romantic” type: the design has rounded edges and a straight insert, horizontal or inclined.
Of course, the variety of possible designs of arched openings is not limited to these three options, but they are the most common and are used in the vast majority of cases.
Dimensions of arched vaults
The size of the arched opening depends on the height of the ceiling in the room and the width of the doorway. For a room 2.5-3.2 meters high, choose an arch ranging in size from 2.2 to 2.6 meters. However, these figures are relative. Although it is not worth adjusting the arched passage to the very ceiling. This will ruin the appearance of the room.
The size of the arched opening depends on the height of the ceiling in the room and the width of the doorway
Narrow models are an alternative to single-leaf swing doors, and wide models are an alternative to double-leaf and accordion doors. Often narrow structures are installed between the corridor and the room, and wide ones are installed in the passages leading to the living room or dining room. They also help zone the room.
Arches help zone the room. Often, wide arches are installed in the passages leading to the living room. The illuminated arch looks impressive in the interior.
Materials used
In principle, various materials can be used to create an arched interior opening. But the real possibilities of their use are far from equal.
In terms of convenience, accessibility and practicality, sheet materials come first - fiberboard, plywood, plasterboard. The technology for making arches from these materials is well developed, and various finishing options can give the arch an aesthetic appearance and decorate it in the desired color scheme and suitable style. Natural wood is also an excellent material for these purposes, and its only drawback compared to sheet materials is its higher price.
Often, interior arched structures are made of concrete, brick or natural stone.
These materials make it possible to create an arch of any size and configuration, but it must be taken into account that these materials are heavy, and increasing the weight of interior partitions is not always desirable (for example, in old houses).
Metal structures are very original, but are not suitable for every interior style. In addition, stainless steel is very expensive, and structures made of galvanized iron do not look as impressive. In some cases, plastic is a suitable material - it is relatively inexpensive, practical, durable and does not require finishing.
Making a door arch yourself
The easiest way is to purchase a ready-made interior arch of the desired type and size and install it in the doorway. But if you have some skills and the necessary tools, you can make an interior arch with your own hands.
An example of the process of installing an arch in a doorway can be seen in the following video:
The beginning of this work should be drawing up a “project”: it is necessary to draw the contours of the future structure directly on the wall (on both sides) or to make (for example, from plywood) a life-size template.
You should also think through all the details before starting work, in particular, the location of lamps and other elements if they are supposed to be built into the arched opening.
The main operations for manufacturing an arched structure from sheet materials are:
- Manufacturing and fastening of guides from aluminum profiles. You can bend an aluminum profile by first making cuts on it every 5-6 cm.
- Manufacturing of frame parts. These parts must match the template. In order to bend a sheet of drywall and give it the desired shape, it must be moistened. To bend plywood or fiberboard at home, the sheets are moistened and heated with an iron.
- Installation of the frame using self-tapping screws.
- Finishing work. They should be started only after all the mounted fragments of the arched structure are completely dry.
All these operations are quite within the capabilities of a fairly experienced home craftsman. To perform them, you need the most common tools - a hammer, drill, hacksaws for metal and wood. But if you don’t have experience and skills in plumbing and carpentry, then it’s better to turn to specialists in order to end up with an interior element that is made with high quality and fully meets the requirements of both strength and aesthetics.
How to make an arch in a doorway? This question arises if you need to create an unusual opening that will not be equipped with a door leaf. There are various options for this. Of course, each of them is selected based on a specific situation. It is necessary to take into account the construction skills that the home master has, as well as financial capabilities.
It is worth noting that it is possible to qualitatively install an arch in a doorway with your own hands only when all the features of this design are taken into account. The fact is that this finishing option has its pros and cons.
The advantages include the following aspects:
- Visual increase in space. In this case, two factors are combined at once. The first is that an opening without a door unites two rooms, this erases some existing border. The second is based on the shape of the structure.
- An excellent option for zoning. Indeed, an arch can be an excellent solution to the problem of dividing a single area.
- Nice decorative look. This design can decorate any interior. It should be borne in mind that the overall design must be harmoniously thought out.
We must not forget about the existing shortcomings. They lie in the fact that the peculiarity of this product is openness, since there is no door leaf. Therefore, there is a complete lack of sound insulation and the penetration of foreign odors, if we are talking about the border with the kitchen area.
When designing an arch, you should think about the fact that the feeling of security will disappear
Styles
Classic
Classic style is calm tones without sharp transitions, the absence of bright decor and ornate stucco. Therefore, it is better to give preference to an arch with soft, round arches and correct geometry. To decorate it, it is better to choose wood.
If you are interested in decorating arched doorways beautifully, photos of examples will help you get ideas for inspiration.
Modern
In a modern style, such as minimalism or hi-tech, decorative finishing may be completely absent. A simple doorway shape can be finished with the same material as the walls.
Romanticism
The romanticism style is often used when decorating studio apartments and “Stalin” apartments. Usually in such premises there are wide openings with double doors. Instead of them, you can install an arch. Its optimal width is one meter or more, and the distance from the ceiling to the highest point is 50 cm and above. If the last number is smaller, the structure will look like a regular door.
The characteristic features of arches in the romanticism style is the absence of a clearly defined arc. The back part of the structure is almost straight. In addition, there are no sharp corners, and the transitions to the side parts are rounded. Natural or artificial stone, as well as brickwork, are often used for framing.
The characteristic features of arches in the style of romanticism is the absence of a clearly defined arc
To frame an arch in the romantic style, natural stone is often used.
Loft
The ideal material for finishing an apartment in a fashionable loft style is brick and its imitation. The arch in a brick wall with the effect of scuffs and aging looks harmonious. In order to make the interior of the apartment lighter, the brick can be painted in a light shade.
Scandinavian
The interior of the apartment in the Scandinavian style is bright, light and not overloaded with unnecessary details. The arch can be made of bleached wood, plaster or painted brick. Scandinavian-style finishing is made mainly from natural materials.
Country
The rustic style is characterized by simplicity and the use of natural materials - wood, stone or laminate. They help make the room cozy and connect with nature.
Arches in a rustic style are characterized by simplicity and the use of natural materials
Modern
Interiors in the Art Nouveau style are characterized by bright colors, unexpected changes, and originality of shapes. Therefore, the arch must be appropriate - with a clearly defined arc and rounded transitions to the side parts. For decoration you can use painted stained glass windows and fabric drapery.
Arch in modern style with a clearly marked arc and rounded transitions on the side parts
East style
It is difficult to imagine the eastern interior of an apartment without an arched doorway of a beautiful round shape. The arch can be complemented with beautiful inserts and panels. The wall arch does not require additional elements.
Existing options
What is special about installing an arch in a doorway? The fact is that there are different types of these structures:
- Ellipse. This configuration is considered to be classic. It is made round. All transitions are very smooth.
- Round. This option allows you to expand the opening. This method is suitable for cases where zoning is required.
- Trapezoid. Assumes the absence of rounded areas.
Arch - various types of structures
On a note! You can often hear that an arch and a portal are two different architectural elements. In fact, the portal is the simplest solution to the arched structure. It is made in the form of a rectangle, sometimes supplemented with rounded corners.
Country houses
An arch for a dacha is the most successful solution for decorating a site. Decoration will be ensured 100%. In addition, these structures serve as a support for plants, can become a compositional component of the landscape, act as support for load-bearing pillars in the area of doors in the fence, driveway, complement the places of swings, hammocks, or act as a gazebo.
That is, the structure has quite a lot of purposes and everyone decides for themselves how they will use the architectural composition. The decision can be either group or individual.
Features of the construction of arches
You can make an arch in a doorway with your own hands in several ways, which take into account the height of the openings.
For low openings
This method of creating an arch involves pre-marking the surface. The marked area is cut out (hollowed).
The general technology is as follows:
It should be located at a level that will correspond to the beginning of the rounding. On a note! It is important to consider that the distance to the ceiling should not be less than 30 cm.
It is necessary to comply with the requirements for the construction of the arch
Thus, the required shape is obtained. Next, you should process it carefully. This is done by grinding. The resulting structure is treated with putty or plaster. They can serve as final finishing material.
