Materials for finishing arched openings in the house. How to finish the arch: design options. Light in decoration

Now many people are striving to create a stylish and unique interior at home. That is why they try to use the most unusual and fashionable stylistic solutions. Such a design as an arch can emphasize the refined taste of the owner and his high social status. To create it, you need to know how you can decorate the arch and what are the features of such a design.

Advantages and disadvantages

Decorative arches in the interior have a huge number of advantages. So, they allow you to remove the boundaries between different rooms and thus visually expand the space. In large rooms, arches can help solve the problem of zoning. The arch is a beautiful architectural element, the shape and decor of which can be very diverse.

If you replace the doors with arches, you can save space in the room and add spaciousness to it. Moreover, in this way it is possible to separate different functional areas, but at the same time visually make them more united. The arch looks very stylish and unusual, it can surprise any guest. It can have a simple, uncomplicated design or a variety of shapes. Moreover, all models can be transformed with the help of an interesting decor.

You can decorate the arch so that this element of the interior stands out against the background of the rest of the space or, on the contrary, so that it harmoniously fits into the stylistic orientation of the interior. Their big advantage is that they make ceilings visually higher. They are great for installation between the walls and the kitchen, because through the arch it will be possible to take out food and other objects with busy hands, and at the same time nothing will interfere with you. Arches bring freedom and style to interior design. And their decor can be a highlight of any interior.

But such designs also have some disadvantages. So, for their installation it is required to completely get rid of the door frame. Before installing such a structure, it will be necessary to carry out a lot repair work. Also, arches are not suitable if heat or noise insulation is important to you, because all sounds will penetrate into neighboring rooms.

Arches are only suitable for finishing the walk-through rooms in the house, because the more secluded, intimate rooms are kept closed. The disadvantage of arches is also that they allow smells to pass through. Having installed the arched structure in the kitchen, it will be saturated with smells during cooking cushioned furniture located in other rooms.

But many people like arches because being in one room you can observe what is happening in another. This way you can keep an eye on small children. That is why arches are very comfortable and functional structures. At beautiful design and decorating they look very advantageous.

Kinds

All arched openings can be divided into two large groups:

• Active. They are distinguished by a complex shape, unusual symmetrical solutions. They are installed in the widest doorways and perform an exclusively decorative function.
• Passive. Models that are simple in form and design. Most often they are used only to mark the boundaries in the premises.

All decorative arches in the interior may differ in appearance, or rather in shape:

• Trapeze is very stylish and non-standard option, which is most often used to decorate the interior space in houses with high ceilings. Their feature are beveled corners. Such decorative arches are perfect for rooms decorated in the style of English classics.
• Ellipsoid - beautiful and regular in shape products, which are an arc in the shape of an ellipse. Such models look very luxurious and are most often made of wood.
• Rectangular - these are the simplest arches in shape, which take up the least space in the opening. This option is perfect for one-room apartment. A rectangular arch takes up a minimal amount of space, but can have a very stylish and unusual decor. Typically, such models are installed in rooms decorated in high-tech or minimalist style.

• Oriental - models of arches, the decor of which is characterized by the presence of a dome with a sharp end on top. These are very elegant models, which are most often made out in bright colors.
• Roman - these are models that are made in the form of a symmetrical regular semicircle. In this case, the width doorway equal in size to the diameter of such an arch.
• Thai. In another way they are called semi-arches. The design of such structures is distinguished by the fact that one side is semicircular, classical, and on the other side there is a straight line, that is, the structure is outwardly beveled. These asymmetric models look very beautiful. Their decor is also distinguished by symmetry and unusual solutions.

Dimensions

The size of the arch usually depends on the width of the passage. Also, their size depends on the height of the ceilings. Arches can be narrow. Such designs replace single-leaf swing doors. There are also wider models that replace double or accordion doors.

Narrow models are used more often for installation in rooms, the exit from which leads to the corridor, and wide ones - in the aisles leading to the hall or dining room, as well as for zoning spacious rooms. The arch must be selected according to the size in height. So, if the ceiling is 2.5 meters high, then the arch should be slightly lower, about 2.2 m.

But if the ceiling is 3.2 m, then the arch should be 2.6 m. These are the ideal parameters that allow the structure to harmoniously fit into the interior of the room.

The radius of the arch should be determined by the width doorway. Before the purchase be sure to measure the height, width of the opening. It is also important to use a depth indicator that reflects the thickness of the walls. Moreover, the depth should not be more than the thickness of the arched structure.

decorative elements

To create decorative elements on the arches, stucco, paint, natural and artificial stone are used, decorative panels, marble, tiles. Very often in this case resort to a combination of several materials. So, the stone can be combined with wallpaper and paint. Moreover, the decor in this case can be done by placing the stones in a different order. They can be folded into patterns, where each pebble complements the other, or, on the contrary, you can make a more chaotic arrangement of these

You can also use a plastic decorative bending corner for decoration. It will emphasize the shape of the arch and make it more durable. Also in this case, decorative overlays are used. To finish the arch, a decorative element is also used, connecting the top of the structure with the horizontal ledge of the cornice. Most often, this element is decorated with carvings or stones.

Bamboo or fabric curtains can also act as decorative elements. You can also hang beautiful colored silk threads, wooden curtains or even beads in the opening of such an arch.

Vine is also used for decoration. Some even decorate them with shells or beautiful stones such as granite.

Design options

The framing of the interior doorway can be the most diverse. Most often, the design of the passages of a square arch is done using decorative plaster. This way of decor will allow you to create the most diverse and unusual forms. And you can make an interesting texture and relief.

The arch can be pasted over with bright contrasting wallpaper, thereby highlighting it in the interior. You can also use wallpaper with a pattern for decoration, the color of which will repeat the color of the wall coverings of neighboring rooms. For the hallway, you can use mosaic or mirror lining. Such a design at the entrance will attract the attention of guests and add extra space to narrow corridors.

The arch in the living room can be ennobled with a pattern. It can be either geometric or abstract images, or whole works of art in the form of paintings. The edging of the arched door can have three-dimensional figures.

For a classic style, you can use images of people, angels and whole voluminous statues.

Balconies with an arch overlooking the living room can be decorated with large interesting columns. This is a pompous and luxurious option that is perfect for decorating a room in classical style. Very inexpensive option finishing is painting. In this case, the arch must first be plastered and then covered with several layers of paint. And it is better if the color of the paint is combined with color solution rooms connected by a passage.

It looks very nice in the design of the arch frosted glass or glass with a bumpy structure. This is a great solution for dark rooms. You can also make a transparent glass arch with LEDs located inside. This design looks very stylish and modern. Moreover, in the most arched structure, you can provide shelves and decorate beautiful vases or other accessories.

Some use such a design move as an arched corridor when finishing. In this case, several decorative arches are made in a long corridor, each of which complements the other. So you can carry out competent zoning of the corridor and make it more elegant.

You can decorate the arch not only with the help of unusual finishing materials, but also in another way. Lamps are often used. By correctly placing light accents, you can transform the interior space and expand the room. In this case, spotlights with LEDs are very often installed.

It is important to consider that the design of the arch initially assumes the possibility of installing spotlights. Otherwise, you will need to completely dismantle the structure in order to run wires there for installing fixtures.

Also, arches are very often decorated beautiful curtains or tulle. Moreover, in this case, both thick sliding curtains and lighter translucent curtains are used.

The arches are also decorated with mirrors. If the mirror is directed to the window, it will fill the room with light and make the passage more spacious. Glass is often used to decorate arches. And usually these are blocks installed in the entire height of the doorway and small glasses of different widths installed along the arch.

Arched structures are often decorated with colored glass or mosaics. It is customary to decorate them with the help of a stained-glass window. This design will look very bright and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, a mosaic or a stained-glass window can decorate both the entire arch and its individual elements.

Arches in the style of romanticism or classics can be decorated with stucco. So you can even decorate a room in the Baroque style. Stucco can be made in the form of columns, beautiful figures. Such an arched structure may differ in bale-reliefs.

Finishing materials

A wide variety of materials are used to decorate arches. It could be:

• Polyurethane. It is a very smooth and flexible material in its texture. From it perform such decor as stucco molding or pediment. Moreover, polyurethane is used both for facing the arch from the outside, and for creating the frame of this structure.

• Stone. This finishing material used only if the arched structure is reliable. If you have an empty arch, in this case it is better to give preference to a lighter artificial analogue. To create it, gypsum is used, which is very light, but not very durable.

When finishing with natural stone, preference is given to slate, marble, granite, travertine, shell rock.

• Acrylic tiles. This is a very interesting and versatile design material. It is able to imitate other materials such as stone, brick, marble. It is stylish and easy to operate, it does not require a special move. Such material has a low price.

• Drywall. Plasterboard arches are distinguished by the elegance of forms and interesting design. Thus, you can show your imagination and create products of the most unusual shape with your own hands. Drywall is a very light material, you can work with it yourself.

• Polyurethane molding on such structures looks very luxurious. It allows you to create an analogue of the classical design with columns. Polyurethane moldings are quite strong and dense, so they can serve for a very long time.

They are not only polyurethane, but also wooden, marble, metal. But the most practical and lightest is polyurethane.

• Laminate. When decorating arches in rooms decorated in Eco, country or classic style, laminate is often used. Such designs recreate the natural wooden pattern and fill the room with comfort.

• Brick. Brick arches are quite unusual, because they look both simple and stylish at the same time. Such a finish can be made in the form of wall panels or individual bricks. Moreover, the masonry can be very diverse.

• Tree. Wooden trim is usually done in rooms decorated in a classic style. This arch is distinguished by its simplicity of decoration. Very often, such models are decorated with openwork carvings or carved with images of animals, birds or geometric patterns.

Arches between rooms instead of doors are a modern solution for visually expanding the space.

This design option is perfect for small apartments.

Arches in the living room are a great solution for zoning living space. They are especially suitable for studios where you need to separate the kitchen from the living room.

Why are arches needed?

The arch door in the living room is popular in apartments where you need:

• do not reduce space, as happens when interior doors are used;
• not only divide the rooms, but also combine the style of interior design;
• give elegance and originality.

In all these situations, the construction of a designer arch will help you. Moreover, its form can be anything.

In order for you to imagine how diverse these designs can be, we suggest you look at the photo of the arches in the living room.

As you can see, it all depends on your imagination, and making it a reality is not difficult.

Types of arches

Arches have come to us since ancient times. It has always been beautiful and in demand. They have not lost their relevance even today.

And this is not surprising - after all, they are well suited to a variety of styles; with their help, you can combine and separate rooms that are completely different in functionality. For example, there is not much in common between the living room and the kitchen, but these rooms look very organic with an arch.

So what are the types of arches? There are only two of them:

• The classical arch has a smooth arch, there are no accents in the form of a pattern or carving with an ornament.
• Curly ones stand out with unusual shapes and attract attention precisely due to the finish.

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Classic arches are a budget option. They are mounted primarily with inexpensive, readily available drywall, plywood, or MDF.

Curly ones are usually built in large rooms, made of natural wood. Finished with glass, backlit.

Modern design of arches in the living room

Approximately a third of customers opt for the classic look of the arch.

• First, it's relatively inexpensive.
• Secondly, this option goes well with any repair. And most importantly, not everyone knows about other species or is afraid to experiment.

The rectangular arch does not need much alteration. It is wide, comfortable, goes well with most styles.

Wavy - on the contrary, it is suitable only for modern, retro or pop art. With these styles, the arch in the interior of the living room will be in harmony with the rest of the design in the best way.

A trapezoid-shaped arch will go well with the Gothic style.

An ellipsoidal arched passage will become an ornament, an accent in sophistication and luxury. And if such an arch is made of natural wood, it will become a real gem of your living room.

Can you make an arch yourself?

We boldly answer: “Yes, you can!” This is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. But, if you follow some rules, then this is quite a feasible task for any person who knows how to work with tools and has a well-developed imagination.

So, how to make an arch in the living room? First you need to decide on the choice of the type of structure.

If we are talking about the separation of the living room and kitchen, then the arch cannot be narrow, but at the same time it must clearly divide the space into zones.

This space seems to be one, but with an emphasis on the fact that there is a site for relaxation and another one for cooking. The materials from which you are going to mount the arch must first of all be safe.

It is important to know that the arch can be not only from a finished structure, but also, for example, from drywall, which bends very easily, turning the opening into an exquisite creation and this can be used in different variations.

By the way, from this material, the arch will look great not only between the living room and the kitchen, but also between the corridor and the bedroom.

Drywall is attached to the finished frame. After that, the surface must be puttied and painted. And then - again your imagination. It all depends on how your rooms are decorated, which should be separated by an arch.

Finished wooden arches will be able to please you with their smell, sight. This will give you a feeling of coziness and comfort.

In addition, there are a lot of options on the market that will satisfy any, even the most sophisticated taste of the buyer.

Work on the establishment of such arches is much less than from drywall. Having installed the finished arch, you just have to cover up the seams between the wall and the arch. The joint can be closed with a wooden platband.

The combination with the interior of the apartment is the main condition when choosing the shape of the arch and the material from which you are going to design it. There are plenty to choose from.

And you can do it yourself - the main thing is to be able to work with tools and understand what exactly you want.

If you do not have such skills, then you just need to do it with the help of specialists. In any case, we are sure that such an option for zoning an apartment will become comfortable for you.

Photo design of the arch in the living room

The idea is not to install in interior openings doors are not new. It is successfully implemented in any room interior, and the advantages of such a solution are well known. Basically, the owners are interested in the question of how to finish the arch in an apartment or private building, and not in the order of its arrangement. There are many options, and therefore you will have to choose an acceptable methodology and materials on your own, taking into account a number of specific points.

It follows from the fact that the decoration of the arch is the final stage of all work. So, you need to analyze the following:

• What aspect of the finish should be emphasized - whether it is only a decorative component or also a protective function. For conditions of high humidity (for example, if the opening to the kitchen) is very important.
• Construction type. The rectangular arch and the hemisphere are finished differently.
• What is the purpose of making the opening; it’s just natural to fit it into the interior or design it in an original way, so that it stands out against the general background.
• What is the arch made of, that is, its materials structural elements. This also influences the choice of surface finishing technology.

Opening design options

Wallpapering

• The simplicity of technology.
• Low cost. Finishing the arch in this way will be quite cheap.
• High speed of work.
• Good maintainability.

• fragility.
• A number of restrictions. When designing an arch in an apartment using this technology, two nuances must be taken into account. Firstly, the wallpaper burns out, and therefore if the opening in the wall is pasted over with them, then only where they do not fall on it Sun rays. That is, inside the home, away from the windows. Secondly, it is not advisable to implement this finishing method near the kitchen, even if the canvases are washable. Constant evaporation, drops of grease, and so on will quickly give the arch a depressing look, and washing it too often is not a pleasant prospect. In addition, even the highest quality wallpapers with intensive "processing" wear out.

varnish finish

If an arch made of solid wood is placed in the opening, with its good texture - best option; there is simply no better solution. The only thing you have to think about is how to make the decor. The assortment of varnishes is large - the compositions are transparent and tinted, different shades. Some fully emphasize all the advantages of wood, others can somewhat offset the existing shortcomings.

In principle, when installing just such arches, you can show the fullness of your imagination. Even a cheap breed is easy to give the look of an expensive tree or transform it. Technology is enough; For example, artificial aging, brushing, bleaching and a number of others. In some cases, it is much easier to paste over the arch decorative film imitating a wooden base. More than a good solution if low-grade lumber was used to finish the opening in order to save money.

Stucco decoration

In everyday life, its imitation is mainly used. In furniture stores and shopping centers, whole panels or curly polyurethane segments are sold to decorate surfaces.

• Ease of cutting and fastening.
• Small sample weight.
• Low cost lining.

Polymer stucco molding is not suitable for every style of room decoration (it is definitely not suitable for a square or rectangular one). But a spherical structure is more difficult to finish in this way. As an option, glue only the conical part of the opening with PU segments, and line the vertical posts with another material. A sense of taste, the ability to think spatially and imagination will tell you how best to organize everything.

Decorative plaster

• Simple application technology.
• Huge selection of decor options.
• The ability to create a relief surface.

• Low maintainability.
• The complexity of care.

PVC panels

If the arch has an angular configuration, or the radius of the hemisphere arc is large - one of the simplest and most easily implemented solutions. The specificity of the finish is that it is necessary to mount the crate. And although this extra work, but it has the advantage that it is very easy to place lighting elements in such an arch. In addition, the maintainability of the cladding is at a height; replacement of a damaged panel does not require professionalism and time.

Textile

Another original way finishing, but it is not practiced so often. Here, a lot depends on the interior of the room, and therefore it is not necessary to consider this design option for the arch as the best design solution.

A significant drawback of any fabric is that it absorbs odors and moisture. This is the main difficulty of this finishing technique; the decor of the arch is largely determined by the place in the house where it is installed. Therefore, there are limitations in such decoration. For example, at the entrance to the kitchen, the hallway hardly makes sense to trim the arches with fabric. In relation to an apartment of a typical layout, the only option is an opening leading to the living room.

Preparation stage

All technological operations are almost identical; there can be only individual nuances, depending on the chosen decoration technique.

• Thorough cleaning of the base. It is desirable to align it as much as possible in order to facilitate the finishing process. This mainly concerns doorways in brick or concrete walls. In some cases, special arched structures are not placed in them, but the end parts of the equipped passage and adjacent areas are directly designed. This is typical when facing with artificial stone or panels of arches that have the correct (square or rectangular) configuration.
• Impregnation with antiseptic and soil treatment. The last remedy "nails" the remaining dust and increases the adhesion of the base. Therefore, when gluing finishing materials, there will be no problems with mud pellets and air bubbles.

Cutting samples

Difficulties arise if it is necessary to cut the slats, which often form vaults, at an angle; otherwise, they cannot be joined so that a large gap does not turn out. The miter box will help out - the simplest device that costs no more than 100 rubles. It must be on hand if some unusual arch is being finished, with a complex configuration.

Color design

There are many recommendations on this point. But if we summarize them all, then basically the trend is the following - most experts agree that the decoration of the arch should be done taking into account the shade of the wall in which it is placed. To emphasize the completeness, originality of the design is possible only by creating a contrast. Monotony, on the other hand, eliminates all the advantages of such a room design.

opening decoration

In the process of finishing, you should not be limited to only one material. Even the cheapest cladding will change significantly if you use various additional elements in the form of planks, inserts, ribbons (simple, embossed) and the like when decorating an arch in an apartment or house. The overall design of the room will only benefit from this.

Backlight

It is organized not only for comfort and partial savings of electricity / energy. Spotlights (for example, LED-devices) mounted in the arch are the same elements of its decoration. Properly placed, matched by power, they are able to give a completely different look to the finish in the evening; even the most inexpensive will look spectacular and quite presentable.

The above technologies and materials are not the only ones with which arched openings are beautifully finished. With certain skills, you can create spectacular mosaic compositions, use cork panels, cut logs - the choice of decoration methods is huge.

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, great importance has a design, this stage of work should be given special attention. There are many options for finishing arches, all of them have both advantages and disadvantages.

Popular materials for finishing the arch

One of the most accessible and effective ways revitalizing the design of the room, giving it an individual and unique look is the creation of an arch. It can have a wide variety of shapes and be made of 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, so its choice must be approached with skill.

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

Dye

Painting is the simplest and most affordable method of finishing an arched structure, so it is very popular. The advantage of this material is its availability and ease of application. It is enough to purchase paint and use a brush, roller or spray gun to apply it to the prepared surface. 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 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 design dissolves in the interior;
• staining in a contrasting color, in this case, attention is focused on the door arch.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is also a common option for finishing the arch. You can choose them in the color of the walls or use a contrasting solution. Now there are liquid wallpapers, which are often used to finish the arch.

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

Advantages of pasting the arch with wallpaper:

• a large selection, so you can purchase the material of the required shade and texture;
• ease of installation, no special skills and tools are required to perform the work;
• affordable cost.

Flaws:

• fragility. Even the most durable wallpapers are easily damaged, so you have to change them after 2-4 years;
• discoloration. Under the action of sunlight, the wallpaper quickly loses its original color.

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 pattern, so the work can be done easier and faster. To decorate the edges of the arch, you can use plastic corners. They will act not only as decorative elements, but also reliably protect the corners from possible mechanical damage.

Tree

Finishing 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 finishing the arch in a wooden house.

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

Advantages of finishing the arch with wood:

• the original presentable appearance has been preserved for many years;
• high strength when finishing with hardwoods;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

• at high humidity, even with additional protection, the tree is prone to deformation;
• wooden structures do not tolerate temperature changes, so trim the arch near entrance doors such material is not worth it;
• great weight. Natural wood elements 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 their specialists install them. If you have the necessary skills, you can decorate the arch with a tree 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 a PVC film that imitates natural wood or other material. In addition, such a coating increases the strength of the material;
• veneered. The slabs are pressed with a thin layer of veneer, after which they are varnished.

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

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

Disadvantages of MDF panels:

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

Cork

The arches decorated with cork look beautiful. Panels with a thickness of 3 mm or more are made from it, covered with thin veneer on top and impregnated with wax. You can use cork in rolls, but in this case it is not always impregnated with wax. To give the rolled products the desired color, they can be dyed from the front or the wrong 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, which allows you to quickly and easily stick them.

The arch can be pasted over with cork wallpaper

Cork benefits:

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

Flaws:

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

Mosaic

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

It will take quite a lot of time to finish the mosaic of the arch in a large opening.

Advantages of the mosaic:

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

Flaws:

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

Depending on the style of decoration of the room, 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 their artificial counterparts are usually used for decoration. Since the weight of the stone is large, lay it on plasterboard partitions it’s not worth it, it’s better to do it on the main walls. Instead of decorative stone, you can decorate the arch with tiles for facing bricks.

If the arch is made in the main wall, it can be tiled under a stone

Benefits of finishing the arch decorative stone:

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

Flaws:

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

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

Decorative plaster

There is quite a selection different kind plasters, so you can choose the one that will harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. With this material, you can create unique solutions, it all depends on the imagination and abilities of the person performing the arch decoration.

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

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

Advantages of decorative plaster:

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

• easily damaged by mechanical action;
• it is impossible to 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 which you can quickly and originally decorate the 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 originally decorate the arch

Advantages of finishing with polyurethane moldings:

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

Flaws:

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

What tool will you need for the job

Depending on what material the arch will be finished with, you may need a different tool:

How to prepare the surface of the arch for finishing

Finishing the arch is a responsible and rather time-consuming process. Usually it is made of drywall. Experts recommend that such a surface be puttied. 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 cardboard layer will be removed simultaneously with the finish, and this can lead to damage to the entire structure.

The order of the preparatory work:

1. Smoothing the transition between the wall and the side surface of the arch. The joint is smoothed with 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. Seal of seams and caps of self-tapping screws. For this, a sickle tape is used, and the caps of the self-tapping screws are sealed only with putty.

   Self-tapping screws and seams are sealed with putty

3. Alignment of the transition between the arched arc and the wall. To do this, use putty. 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. Reinforcing corners. One of the most problematic door arch are 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 sickle tape.

   Corners are reinforced with serpentine tape or perforated corner

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

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

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

The described work must be done with a starting putty, as it has a better grip 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 finishing putty.

To eliminate large differences and significant irregularities, putty can be applied in several layers, the thickness of each of them should not be more than 5 mm. Allow time for the previous one to dry well before applying the next layer. 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:

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

Expert advice to help you preparatory work better quality:

• when filling holes, it is recommended to apply putty a little more than necessary, since the solution tends to dry out a little. It is better then to remove the extra tubercle with sandpaper, and if a hole remains, then it will be necessary to putty this place again;
• to qualitatively level the surface, it may be necessary to apply three to four layers of putty. Keep in mind that before applying a new layer, the previous one must dry completely;
• when sealing joints, it is necessary to press the solution 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 sand it off than to carry out additional embedding when cavities form.

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.

Wallpapering

To finish the arch, ordinary thin wallpaper or heavy vinyl, textile, as well as glass.

The process of gluing the arch with thin wallpaper:

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

Finishing with decorative plaster

Finishing work order:

1. Applying plaster. Do this 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 need to use several colors selected in the same range. First, a darker paint is applied with a sponge and brush.

The darker paint layer is applied first

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

   The second coat of paint should be lighter

3. Wax coating. 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, work is performed in the following sequence:

1. Creating a matrix. Since the mosaic elements are very small, it is much easier to install if you first assemble them into small fragments. 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 basis, which can also be used to finish the arch.
2. Mosaic installation. Finished matrices are fixed to the surface of the arch with glue. It must be ensured that it does not fall on the front surface of the mosaic.

   Ready-made matrices are glued to the surface of the arch with glue

3. Seam grouting. Choose the desired color of the grout and fill it with all the seams. An hour after grouting, the solution is removed using diagonal movements. rubber spatula. After that, the surface is wiped with a damp cloth.

   To remove the grout, wipe the surface with a damp cloth

Decorative stone laying

Work order:

1. Stone preparation. 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 cutting. After the elements have been sorted, using a special machine, the edges of the stones are cut off, which will be mounted at the corners, so that a cut of 45 ° is obtained. Sort the tiles by color, and then lay them out along a flat rail.

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

3. Glue preparation. If the decorative stone will be mounted on a puttied and primed surface, it is recommended to use a quick-setting adhesive. When working on cement plaster, it is better to use cement tile adhesive.
4. Stone finish. Work starts from the bottom and gradually moves up. Between separate elements usually leave a gap of 2-3 mm, but it is possible to carry out laying without a gap. To ensure that the distance between the tiles is the same, special plastic separators are used.

   Stones begin to be laid from below and gradually move upwards.

Video: the process of installing artificial stone

wood finish

If you decide to finish the arch yourself 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 off a piece of molding. Nails are driven into it in increments of 50–100 mm, after which inner surface apply glue.

   Nails are driven into the molding and smeared with glue

2. Radius molding installation. 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 pressed well against the surface of the arch

3. Installation of vertical elements. In height, measure the distance from the floor to the radius molding and cut off the necessary piece of the vertical element. 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 attached with nails and glue.

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

They pull out the 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 can not be leveled:

1. Creation of a crate. For this, they can be used metal profiles or wooden blocks.
2. Installation of guide profiles. They are fixed at the top and bottom of the crate.
3. Panel installation. 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 finish the arch beautifully, but also to think about what materials the walls around it will be finished with.

The main design options for the walls around the arch:

The sequence of wall decoration around the arch will depend on the material chosen. This process is no different from how the installation was carried out. finish coat to the arch.

Installation of a decorative corner

A 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 relevant when the arch was made independently and for the first time, so the work was not done perfectly.

The order of installation of a decorative corner:

With the help of the arch you can decorate beautifully and unusually doorway, arched partitions allow you to zone the 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.

To decorate the arch with your own hands is within the power of a person who has elementary skills to perform construction works. After the finishing material has been selected and everything has been prepared necessary tools, it is necessary to study in detail the technology of work. Following the developed instructions, it will be possible to finish the arch on your own and at the same time get the result no worse than that of professionals.

Many rooms are equipped with arches separating different zones. Arches have become a fashionable alternative to doors and partitions, they make the apartment more spacious and can be an ideal decor object. For the design of arches, various natural and artificial materials are chosen. One of the most popular options is the decoration of the arch with decorative stone. To decorate the arch correctly, you need to know about all the nuances of the design 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 non-standard - 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 designed in various shades of pink, the pastel color looks very neat and unobtrusive.
• To emphasize their status, buyers often choose arches finished 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 advantages:

• They are made so high quality that they are almost indistinguishable from natural materials.
• The price of such material is democratic. You can finish the vault with a large number of 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 natural. The combination of strength and lightness gives the artificial material a significant advantage.
• Artificial stone is not affected external factors. It is not subject to rotting and mold formation, harmful bacteria do not appear on it.
• With the help of a variety of dyes, they create a wide palette of colors for stones, so you can choose a shade that is suitable for your apartment.
• decorative material 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 finishing arches in your apartment. You will be able to choose the best option.

Tools

To glue 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.

As Supplies the following components are used:

• Choose a special glue for decorative stone - depending on the chosen coating. Some materials require glue with a special composition, so be careful when buying.
• To make the seams between the stones invisible, choose a grout that is close in color to the material.
• Get a primer to prepare the walls. Choose a primer carefully, taking into account the composition of the walls, because different types primers may 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.

With all necessary materials and tools, you can easily cope with the design of walls with decorative or natural stone.

Preparation

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

• Remains 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 putty to level the surface.
• The arch and walls in the apartment must be treated with a primer. If the arch is made of drywall, do not lay heavy stone on it. Drywall won't hold a lot of weight.
• Some 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 part fits exactly into certain place doorway.

Finishing

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

• It is necessary to stir the glue to a homogeneous mass (using a mixer). You should do this strictly according to the instructions.
• 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.
• Stone tiles or decorative brick attach to the wall surface and press down. Each piece is fixed in a predetermined place and leveled using a building level. Square parts are much easier to apply, but tiles of a different shape will make the cladding more original.

• Try with your hands to attach the stone to the wall as tightly as possible.
• Tap the surface of the material and remove the protruding adhesive, if any. When the glue holds the pieces of tile together from the end, it should be left.
• After you need to carefully grout the seams. Using a syringe, it is necessary to fill the joints between the pieces of the tile 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), the surface should be leveled with a spatula.
• To create an imitation of natural material, tiles should be decorated with chips. To do this, you need to pre-outline the chip line. Slowly and carefully remove the excess edges with pliers, moving from the edge to the intended line. Use a file to smooth out the edges of the chips. Use sandpaper for final polishing.
• You can spray the tiles using a special aerosol. If the room has high humidity, treat the material with a water repellent.

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

• arches from artificial stone in the hallway it is recommended to leave with seams between the tiles. This nuance gives additional comfort. 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, then it is important not to put pressure on it during this process, otherwise there is a risk that the stone will crack.
• 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 vault structure itself, 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 sparkle in a new light and make your interior truly sophisticated.
• Even openings made of stone can be decorated with decorative curtains made of 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 effect of time on the material.

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

Pompous baroque style involves the use of natural stone for decoration 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 designed in light shades.

In the Mediterranean style, arched decoration can be embodied in the fullest variety. Any texture material 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 direction is very specific for creating interior arches. Its characteristic feature is the supply of the structure with columns on the sides. This design makes the vault a catchy detail of the interior. The main colors are white, beige. The columns at the top are often decorated with stone carving technology, which may also be present on the arch itself.

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

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

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

There are several options for its location in the premises:

• Popular are such 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 separated in the same 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 a protrusion in the form of an arch is located above the window. This design is relevant for the loft style.
• In the bedroom, the arches separate working area from the recreation area. This concept is especially often embodied in modern directions interior.
• If the loggia is insulated, then often the upper part of the wall is removed. There remains an elegant lower partition, turning into an arch.
• In large rooms, openings are sometimes used as boundaries between all zones. Such replacement of doors contributes to the visual expansion of the space in the room.