Representatives of the older generation quite often use the expression: "Everything new is a well-forgotten old." This phrase very accurately characterizes the modern design direction, which involves the use of arches in the design of the interiors of living quarters.
Arches (from the Latin term arcus - "arc") are architectural elements in the form of curved overlaps of openings in the wall of a building or spans between two supports. Before their appearance, special lintels were used in construction, supported by two vertical posts. Arched structures, thanks to the curved vault, are able to withstand significant loads.
Even in ancient times, houses of wealthy citizens, buildings of temples and castles of feudal lords were decorated with arches. It should be noted that in Ancient Greece, the construction of arches did not become popular, but the Romans very successfully used such architectural structures when decorating buildings.
Each historical period left its mark on the architecture of buildings. At the same time, the appearance of the arches also changed. At first, semicircular arches of wedge-shaped stones were erected (such structures were very popular with the ancient Romans). Since the 7th century, pointed arches began to be used in oriental architecture. In the XII century, thanks to the campaigns of the crusaders, the fashion for such architectural structures came to Europe. In ancient Russian architecture, in the construction of Christian churches, as a rule, horseshoe-shaped and keeled arches were used.
Even a small excursion into history allows us to judge that the construction of arched structures has long and firmly entered our life. Let's try to find out what they are - modern arches, and what is their role in the architecture and design of living quarters of our time.
Their diversity will suit everyone
There are many types of arched structures classified according to various criteria. In general, the following types of arches can be distinguished:
- round (semicircular and segmental);
- three- and four-center;
- triangular;
- creeping (oblique);
- three-bladed;
- horseshoe;
- lancet;
- flat compressed;
- concave;
- elliptical;
- keeled;
- parabolic.
As you can see, there are many types of arches. However, those who plan to decorate their apartment with this decor element, first of all, should decide what shape of the arch they need: active or passive. The simplest constructions are considered passive. These are exactly the options that you can implement yourself. Arches of complex intricate shape, opening a view of several rooms, are classified by designers as active. The complexity of the arch depends, first of all, on the general idea of arranging the apartment. It will be very difficult to create such an architectural structure on your own.
The main advantages of arches in the apartment
Firstly, arches allow avoiding standard solutions for which buildings built according to standard designs are famous. Thanks to this architectural element, the room will change beyond recognition, it will take on an elegant and stylish look.
Secondly, arched structures make it possible for homeowners to get rid of the doors in the room. There will be an opportunity to freely move from one room to another. Arches help to visually expand the space and hide some of the flaws in the layout of the apartment.
Thirdly, arches are used not only for practical purposes, but also as decoration. Moreover: arched structures are the architectural element on which the overall design of the apartment depends.
All materials are good
Wood
Many apartment owners have already appreciated this popular finishing material. Products made of natural wood or MDF will perfectly "fit" into any interior. Such arches are quite strong and durable. They look very respectable, however, and cost a lot. Wooden arches have an impressive weight, and therefore cannot be used in rooms with loose walls. It should be remembered that arched structures made of wood need constant care, since this material dries up and cracks over time, and is also exposed to wood insects.
Brick
To create such an arch, it is best to use trapezoidal bricks. The process of obtaining a brick arched structure is quite complicated: first, the arch is laid out, then plastered, and only after that it is gypsum and painted. This type of decoration has one significant drawback: it is impossible to give an artistic form to an arch made of bricks.
Drywall
Making an arch from such material is within the power of any apartment owner. Due to the special qualities of drywall, you can get a structure of any shape. The finished product is fixed using ceiling and arched profiles, and then putty at the joints. Upon completion of all work, plasterboard arched structures are decorated with any suitable material or painted in the desired color. Among the advantages of using drywall is the relatively low cost of this material and the ability to use it in rooms with any quality of wall decoration. In addition, plasterboard arches can be decorated with additional shelves and spotlights.
Styrofoam
The easiest way to make such an arch is to simply put it on glue. As a rule, structures of this type are glued using the same filler that is planned to be used for further finishing. To increase the strength of the arch, its surface is pasted over with a filler mesh. After waiting for complete drying, the arched structure must be sanded, and then painted or pasted over with a suitable decorative material.
Several ideas for armament
Of course, every apartment owner, when decorating an arch, dreams that the finished structure not only decorates the apartment, but also performs various additional functions.
Where is the best place to mount an arch? First of all, in the living room, hallway and hall. Combining the living room and kitchen area will create additional comfort in these rooms. A stunning effect can be obtained with the help of an arch erected between the loggia and one of the rooms. An arched structure in the children's room will help to delimit the areas of play and recreation. Modern designers find use for arches even in bedrooms - with their help wonderful alcoves are created.
Sometimes arches are made in the form of a wide portal that occupies most of the wall. Most often, this option is used when combining a kitchen area and a living room. In this case, the following must be taken into account: the larger the arched structure, the stronger the adjacent rooms should match each other in color.
Between the kitchen and the dining room, it would be advisable to build a wide arch with a bar counter. In a rustic kitchen, an arched structure that imitates a home looks good. Such an arch can be finished with a stone or brick.
Fans of modern style in the interior should be approached by asymmetrical and fancy arches, which, as a rule, are made of drywall. Such options will allow homeowners to fully express their individuality, giving the living quarters expressiveness and originality.
As you know, for the owners of small-sized apartments, the issue of the functional use of free space is very acute. Arched structures in such rooms can be supplemented with wonderful shelves of various shapes.
Arches are an excellent solution for those living quarters where it is necessary to hide any flaws in the layout or to mask certain structures that cannot be dismantled. Most often, with the help of plasterboard arched structures, air vents, ventilation ducts and ceiling beams are "hidden".
Years pass, new building and finishing materials appear, the fashion for arched structures changes. But one thing remains unchanged - there is still no worthy alternative to the arches. This means that elegant and stylish arched structures will delight us with their original design for more than one century.