Doorways are a necessary element in every room, but despite the standards (rectangular shape), many quite often choose another option - an arch. To create it, you need to use the usual recommendations of the builders, but its design is an important part, after which the arched passage will acquire its beauty. Today, decorating arches with decorative stone is very common, since everyone is trying to develop and implement original ideas, thanks to which even a simple doorway will decorate the whole room.
In this article, we will tell you how to decorate an arch with your own hands in an apartment, give step-by-step instructions, as well as video and photo materials.
Installation nuances
In most cases, arched passageways from room to room are planned during construction, but it is also possible to create such a passage after construction. In this case, it is worth considering tips for installing drywall arches. When the layout of apartments and houses is changed, the interior walls are demolished and new ones are erected, while a profile and plasterboard sheets are used for the installation of partitions.
Since the aluminum profile is easy to install, it is perfect for structures of any shape. It is also worth noting that drywall sheets can also be shaped, so they can be mounted on a rounded profile. In addition to door arches, it can also be used to decorate small niches in the wall, but in this case it is several times more difficult to mount the structure.
When choosing materials for decorating drywall arches, it is necessary to carefully consider the details and roughly determine the weight of the structure so that it can withstand the load.
Decoration Materials
To decorate the arch, a wide variety of materials are used that are in specialized stores. Among the most common, it is worth highlighting:
- mirror;
- stone (natural, artificial, decorative);
- mosaic;
- ceramic tile;
- textile;
- wallpaper;
- plaster;
- Cork;
- plastic;
- wood, etc.
In fact, the material can be absolutely any, the main thing is that it is combined with the general interior, and also well and securely attached to the arch itself.
When choosing a finishing material, do not forget that it should be combined with several rooms at the same time, since such openings combine them into one whole.
Plain and cork wallpaper
Most often, arches are trimmed with plain and cork wallpaper. To do this, you will need a standard set of tools: wallpaper, scissors, ruler, pencil, glue, brush. All sizes are measured and transferred to the wallpaper, the elements are cut out, and then they are glued back to back.
According to the advice of experts, it is first necessary to paste over the walls, and then the arched passage, while paying special attention to the joints, which should converge as much as possible. When designing openings in an apartment, it is necessary to take into account the humidity and temperature in the premises in order to choose the right material.
Cork is an ecological material as it is made from wood. In specialized stores, you can choose both wallpaper and panels that are glued with acrylic glue.
By decorating the arch with decorative stone, you can create a good design. But it is quite difficult to carry out all these time-consuming processes on your own. However, the stone is distinguished by high performance properties, durability, and a versatile pattern that is perfect for any interior.
When decorating interior openings, it is necessary to level all surfaces and putty them in order to eliminate defects and irregularities. Then a primer is applied. It is necessary to start laying at the joints, while moving upward, and the inner side of the arch should overlap the outer one. If necessary, cut off extra centimeters with a grinder. After laying all the elements, the openings are filled with a special grout (the color is correctly selected).
For fixing decorative stone elements, you can use liquid nails or special glue on a cement-lime basis.
Molding and corner
Quite often, other elements are used in conjunction with wallpaper or colored plaster, for example, they complement the composition with a molding or corner. Now in stores you can find a fairly large assortment of similar products, namely molding made of metal, polyurethane or gypsum. This variety allows you to complement any interior with original elements. It is very easy to fix them. They are installed at the ends of the arch from both sides using ordinary liquid nails.
Decorating the openings of the arches with a corner follows the same pattern. Corners can be made from a wide variety of materials:
- plastic;
- wood;
- metal;
- aluminum;
- polyvinyl chloride, etc.
This is how the polyurethane molding is glued:
In fact, the corner performs several functions at the same time: it is a separate element of decor, combines several types of finishes with each other, and also protects the corners from abrasions and possible mechanical damage.
Mosaic
Another fairly common decorative material for finishing an arched doorway is mosaic. Its range is very large, as manufacturers use innovative technologies and modern equipment, which allows you to create mosaics from various materials:
- glass;
- ceramics;
- metal;
- concrete;
- tile.
To decorate the arch with mosaics, it is necessary to prepare a decorating material, as well as an adhesive solution. In specialized building stores, they sell ready-made compositions or dry mixtures, which must be diluted with water in accordance with the specified proportions. The glue is applied both to the mosaic itself and to the wall, but in small quantities and using a notched trowel.
Do not forget that when laying the mosaic, you must adhere to the pattern, if any, so as not to disturb the composition.
You can decorate the arch with a variety of materials and even an apprentice can do it. The main thing is to decide on the type of finishing material, and also to study the technology of its installation. If you have questions about finishing the arch, then write comments to the article. Maybe you have some additional tips for newbies? Write them, your experience may be useful!
Video
If you want to finish the arch with plaster, see how to do it: