Interior doors take up a lot of space, block the flow of light, and often even interfere. But for lovers of open spaces, there has long been a salvation - drywall arches. They visually expand the room, raise the ceilings, and allow you to create original and creative interiors. We have selected some interesting solutions for you!
Advantages of drywall arches
Plasterboard arches are multifunctional, they are used to separate or combine rooms, zoning, smoothing corners. There are even decorative blind arches - a neutral background for decorations.
But the benefits don't end there:
- Drywall is easy to handle. You can even work with it yourself. This does not require any specific tools or skills;
- It is lightweight, which means it does not weigh down the supporting structures, does not overload the base, does not require complex reinforcement or foundation;
- It is easy to install drywall partitions. You can even do without "wet" processes. The amount of garbage and waste is minimal;
- It is easy to hide communications, pipes and wires in a hollow plasterboard structure. Niches can be created in them and modern storage systems can be built in.
Forms of plasterboard arches
Decorative plasterboard arches can be of absolutely any shape. The only limitation is your imagination. But for convenience, there are several main types.
Classic arches
This is a traditional arch with a regular shape. It will fit into any interior, does not affect the style of the room in any way, but is the easiest to assemble. There are two options:
- Rectangular arch. In essence, it almost does not differ from a regular doorway. You can even integrate a retractable partition inside;
- The top of the elliptical arches is rounded. With the right design, this is an option for modern, provence, country. And such arches visually raise the ceiling.
Trapezoidal arches
Plasterboard arches with a trapezoidal passage are often used in private homes with high ceilings, in hotels, restaurants and libraries. They are strict and reserved. It is most convenient to design such a shape with veneer, decorative stone or other materials that do not bend.
Round arches
Semicircular and round drywall arches look very elegant. With stucco decoration, columns and gilding, they are good for Victorian, Greek and Byzantine interiors. And with stylish LED lighting - for hi-tech and futurism.
Roman and antique arches
It is a classic form, but on a monumental scale. These arches require more space and high ceilings. And they are decorated with columns, semi-columns, sculptural elements, bas-reliefs.
Eastern arches
Oriental-style drywall arches are one of the most difficult types. Their curved domed tops are typical of Arab and Turkish architecture, Muslim temples, Indian sanctuaries. The best decor for oriental arches is a small intricate mosaic or painting.
Thai arches
The peculiarity of the reception is in asymmetry. One side of the Thai arch is straight and the other is rounded, with decorative openings, shelves and ornaments.
Curly arches
Arabic and Thai designs are not the only difficult decision. Arches and semi-arches can be absolutely any: asymmetric, curved, embossed, complexly designed for thematic interiors.
Drywall arch trim
The shape and configuration of the drywall arch is not the only thing that makes it unique. This design can be turned into a real work of art, especially for your interior.
Painting and wallpaper
The simplest design of the arch is to match the walls. This is a good option for modern minimalist interiors.You can experiment with shades, ornament docking and other subtle nuances.
In order for the arch to seamlessly and neatly pass into the wall, use fiberglass before plastering. It will hide all irregularities and protruding defects, and the finish holds on it even better.
Wood and stone
Classic interiors gravitate towards natural materials. In order to organically fit into them a drywall arch, shewn it under a tree or stone. Natural materials are too heavy for this, but veneer and lightweight decorative stone are enough.
Painting
Do you want something new, unique and individual? Then the best solution is to paint the arch. Moreover, you can cope with this even without artistic skills.
Buy or print stencils in advance, and transfer the drawing to the base. The process is no different from painting on canvas. Drywall is convenient and unpretentious for this.
Stucco
In complex decorative interiors, drywall arches decorated with stucco molding, all kinds of figures, and bas-reliefs look great. To create them, gypsum, expanded polystyrene and some types of plastic are used. The stores sell a lot of ready-made solutions.
Mirrors and stained glass
Inserting mirror and glass fragments into plasterboard structures is already a more difficult task. But on the other hand, it fully pays off with the beauty, elegance and uniqueness of the resulting work of art.
Decorative lighting
Spotlights and LED strips can be easily built into the volumetric plasterboard arch. This is a safe bet for zoning and modern interiors such as hi-tech.
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Do-it-yourself drywall arch
To create a drywall arch with your own hands, you will need the sheets themselves, guide profiles, a knife and scissors, and stationery. And also dowels, screws, screwdriver, fine-grained sandpaper, primer and putty.
- First, accurately calculate all the dimensions and design the future arch;
- Take drywall with a margin. It is quite fragile, so the sheets can be broken or damaged during operation. Especially if you have no experience;
- First, cut the profiles and shape them to the desired shape. Fasten them to the wall with dowels and self-tapping screws with a pitch of 100-150 mm;
- Cut drywall according to stencils and drawings. Think over all the curves in advance;
- Cover the frame of the profiles with plasterboard. Choose the length of the screws for the thickness of the sheets. Screw them in so that the hat does not stick out;
- Reinforce the outer edges and joints with a special metal profile or mounting mesh;
- Fill all the unevenness of the connection. Prime the base for further finishing.
How to bend drywall for an arch?
There are two technologies for bending drywall. Choose based on sheet thickness and desired radius.
1. The dry method is only suitable for simple shapes and large radii. It is entirely based on the natural plasticity and flexibility of the sheet. But if you overdo it, the drywall will simply break in half. For work, you definitely need a frame. You can only pull the plate along.
2. The wet method is suitable for radii from 50 cm. Wet sheets are much more plastic, and after drying they retain their new shape well. But it is longer and more difficult, and for work you will also need a needle roller. The length of the thorns is up to half to one third of the leaf thickness. Pierce the side to be squeezed.
Drywall arches in the hallway
Arches instead of doors in the hallway and corridor are a classic way to save valuable space. The swing door will not obstruct the narrow passage. In this case, simple rectangular or elliptical plasterboard arches, or even symbolic semi-arches, are most often used.
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Plasterboard arches in the living room
The living room is the most spacious and versatile room in the house. Here you can safely let your imagination run wild.Choose arches of any shape and configuration, sophisticated decorative finishes, fancy lighting, built-in niches and shelves.
Drywall arches in the bedroom
The arch in the bedroom is most often used for two purposes:
- Decorative graceful designs to create a romantic atmosphere. You can decorate it with a garland, unusual lighting, climbing plants;
- Functional arches for zoning. For example, to separate a symbolic dressing room, work area, dressing table or soft corner for relaxation.
Plasterboard arches in the kitchen
Combining a kitchen with a living room is a popular technique in modern apartments, but it is not always convenient, and it is not always possible to completely remove the wall. In this case, the exit will be a wide, spacious plasterboard arch instead of the usual narrow door between the rooms.
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Drywall arches in the children's room
In the children's room, fancy curly drywall arches are especially good, which create the atmosphere of an old castle or a pirate ship. And at the same time they allow you to divide the sleeping, working or play areas.
Drywall arches on the balcony
Combining a balcony with a room is a popular technique for rational use of space. But if you still want to leave a symbolic border, an arch or semi-arch made of drywall is the simplest and most universal technique for this.
Another plus of the arched passages from the balcony is lighting. Daylight enters the room much better directly than even through an all-glass door.
