Decor Inspirations: Archways

Arches have been a cornerstone of architectural beauty for centuries, from the grand Roman aqueducts to intricate Moorish designs. In modern home design, arches can bring elegance, softness, and timeless appeal to interiors and exteriors alike. Their curves not only create a visual break from sharp lines but also evoke a sense of flow and spaciousness. Whether you're renovating, building, or simply looking to refresh your space, incorporating arches into your home design can enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Why Choose Arches in Your Home?

Arches are versatile design elements that blend form and function. They can be structural, such as in doorways or ceilings, or decorative, like alcoves and windows. Their curved lines naturally guide the eye, making spaces feel larger and more harmonious.

Arches also pair well with various design styles, from Mediterranean and Moroccan to minimalist and contemporary. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic Tuscan villa vibe or a modern Scandinavian sanctuary, there’s an arch style to suit your vision.

I’ve put together some ways to incorporate arches from the design and bones of your home and an option if you can’t make big changes and are instead just renting.

Inspiring Ways to Incorporate Arches

1. Doorways and Hallways
   Replace standard rectangular doorframes with arched ones to instantly add character. Arched doorways work beautifully in open-plan homes, softening the transitions between rooms. For hallways, a series of arches creates a sense of rhythm and grandeur.

2. Ceilings
   Barrel-vaulted ceilings, which mimic the curved shape of an arch, can make any room feel more spacious and luxurious. This style is especially effective in dining rooms, living areas, or even bedrooms to create a stunning focal point.

3. Windows
   Arched windows bring in natural light while adding an element of romance to the space. These windows are perfect for showcasing scenic views or enhancing the architectural detail of your exterior facade.

4. Built-in Niches and Shelves
   Transform plain walls by adding arched alcoves or niches for decorative items. These are excellent for displaying artwork, plants, or even functional items like books or kitchen essentials. I’ve included a DIY that I’ll be trying in the new year below for you to try too. I came across

5. Furniture and Decor
   If structural changes aren’t an option, look to arched furniture and decor. From mirrors with arched frames to curved headboards, you can achieve the arch aesthetic without major renovations. I’ve added arched mirrors into many of the rooms in my house as adding doors or windows (I’m in a townhome) aren’t possible. They have seamlessly added to the Tuscan/Traditional style we have been incoroporating in our own home and are renter friendly.

6. Outdoor Spaces
   Arches aren’t limited to interiors. Arched trellises, garden gates, or patio openings can lend a classical touch to your outdoor spaces, making them more inviting.

DIY: Add an Arched Wall Niche

Creating an arched wall niche is a relatively simple way to introduce arches into your home, even for beginners. Here's how:

Materials Needed:

• Drywall panel

• Wooden or metal framing (to shape the arch)

• Drywall screws

• Measuring tape

• Jigsaw or drywall saw

• Joint compound

• Sandpaper

• Paint or wallpaper

Steps:

1. Plan Your Niche
   Decide where you want the niche. Measure and mark the dimensions on the wall. The height and width of your niche should be proportional to your wall space. Quick note: Make sure to determine if the space is safe to cut into beforehand. Getting a device that can scan for pipes, electrical etc. is important to make sure you’re not sawing into a space that will in turn wreck your home.

2. Cut the Opening
   Use a jigsaw or drywall saw to cut the opening in the wall. Be sure to check for electrical wiring or studs before cutting.

3. Build the Frame
   Construct a curved arch frame using flexible wood or metal. If you're unsure about achieving the perfect curve, purchase a pre-made arch kit from a hardware store.

4. Attach the Drywall
   Secure the arch frame inside the opening with screws. Cut a piece of drywall to fit over the arch and attach it with screws. Use smaller drywall pieces for curved areas. There is also a scoring trick you can use with a piece of drywall that can help create the archway portion in thinner strips.

5. Finish the Surface
   Apply joint compound over the seams and edges. Allow it to dry, then sand it smooth. Repeat this process as needed to ensure a flawless finish.

6. Paint or Decorate
   Once the surface is smooth, paint the niche in a color that complements your space or use wallpaper for a statement look. I recommend lime wash to add to the feeling that its been there for a long time and built purposefully into the wall.

7. Accessorize
   Add shelves or leave it as is to showcase decorative items like vases, candles, or framed photos.

Another option to do this is build your own shelving unit. I came across the below in a showhome we toured a couple years back, and I loved that the space was so purposeful. We have an area in our kitchen I' have been contemplating building out into a shallow set of cupboards and exposed shelves with a beautiful matchstick tiling pattern for next year. Having the area piped is likely out of the budget, but I’d love to have a designated coffee space and a place to put all of the dishes for serving and hosting.

Arches are more than just architectural elements; they are a blend of history, art, and design that can elevate any home. What options are you going to choose to try out this timeless trend?

-Love E