20+ Best Captivating Spaces with House Interior Arches

When you think of a magnificent mansion, the arches are one detail you cannot miss. The house interior arch is an elegant form extensively used since the Roman era that has resurged in contemporary architecture and interiors. Previously used for its structural benefits, the arch is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal.

Since the Romans discovered the engineering capabilities of arches for building gates, bridges, and aqueducts, this form became a staple element in architectural design. From garden archways gates to grand palaces, the arch’s versatility has inspired diverse architectural innovations across civilisations. 

Anatomy of an Arch

The anatomy of an arch reveals its structural superiority over a lintel-beam structure. Arches are more stable, can cover larger spans, and distribute the load more effectively as compression members. The modern architecture interior celebrates the arch for its utility and as a statement of elegance.

A series of arches resting on columns called arcades was a common architectural feature. Over the decades, masons have taken advantage of and explored possibilities. As several civilizations took the form, they experimented differently with it, creating different shapes of arches.

Versatile Arches Make an Iconic Comeback in Contemporary Interiors

1. Semicircle Arch

This arch looks like a semi-circle, with the force pushing straight down and the base sitting flat. The center of the arch is right on the line where the arch starts from the springing line. This timeless house interior arch is perfect for creating spaces that exude simplicity and balance.

2. Roman Arch

The semicircular Roman arch is the most known form of an arch. It has a semicircular shape that rests on vertical supports. This later evolved into a segmental arch, a slightly flattened form of a semicircular arch. This simple, elegant form looks perfectly balanced and harmonious, elevating the aesthetics of the space. A classic Roman arch, with its semicircular elegance, elevates the aesthetic appeal of modern architectural interiors.

Also Read: Glance Over Architectural Styles through the Ages

3. Three Centered Arch

The three-centered arch is a wider arch that consists of three arcs: two at the edges and one in the center. It is used in places where less height is available and wider spans need to be covered. There are different types of three-centered arches, such as the Ogee arch, drop arch, semi-elliptical arch, etc. This design is ideal for gates with arches, as it covers wide spans without requiring excessive height.

4. Moroccan Style Arch

Moroccan arches, generally called Moorish arches, have an oblong shape. Moroccan architecture features ornamented arches, with base shapes that may resemble a horseshoe arch, a keyhole arch, or an Asian arch. However, these arches are typically adorned with additional ornamental details. Frequently used in garden arch gates, this intricate design brings a touch of elegance and beauty to the contemporary homes.

5. Multi-foil Arches

As the name suggests, a multifoil arch incorporates multiple foils or leaf-like shapes. It consists of smaller arches within a larger arch. Commonly found in Moorish architecture, it is a decorative form that adds greater visual interest to a space.

6. Equilateral Arches

This slightly pointed, two-centered arch forms an equilateral triangle with its vertices, creating an acute angle. It is seen extensively in Romanesque architecture and later evolved into the Gothic arch. It works well for a room with slightly heightened ceilings and is used when the openings are taller, rather than wider.

7. Gothic Arches

A Gothic arch is a tall and slender pointed arch commonly seen in Gothic architecture, from churches and cathedrals to palaces and civic buildings. This arch looks great with long ceilings, as it makes the area appear slender and heightened. 

8. Asymmetrical Nouveau Style Arches

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This is a shallow segmental arch that works well for low heights. It is a freestyle arch and looks decorative.

9. Tudor Arches

It is a symmetric, wider, and shallow version of the art nouveau arch. It is a four-centered arch that looks great in large rooms with low ceilings.

10. Flat Arch

A flat arch is a type of arch that appears nearly straight across, lacking the pronounced curve typical of most arches. It forms the base of a triangular shape and usually features a slight rise of about 15 millimeters per meter of width to maintain structural integrity. Flat arches are commonly used above windows and doors to support lighter loads but can handle much heavier weights when combined with an arcade of arched supports and a colonnade of pillars.

20+ Captivating Spaces with Arches

1. Archway

A grand archway entrance door creates a welcoming impression, blending modern architecture and interior trends with timeless charm. There’s nothing more elegant than a large, welcoming archway entrance door. The quintessential arch is complemented by the steps and landscape, further enhancing the charm of the space.

The arched doorway to the living space offers a subtle glimpse of the interior, creating a graceful composition.

2. Arcades

The series of arches, called the arcade, fully expresses the structural form, giving the space a modern brutalist feel. This series of house interior arches combines modern brutalist expressions with classical influences.

3. Large Arched Glazing Windows

The orderly row of large French windows lends a dignified look to the space. Arguably the most elegant way to incorporate arches in your home, these bewitching windows elevate the look and feel of the space while bringing in light and air.

4. Arched Window

This quaint little nook is a staple of many country homes. The arched bay window is the easiest and most alluring way of bringing this form into your space.

5. Alcoves

This striking niche within the wall smoothly sculpts a perfect seating nook. This alcove in the living room creates an effect a flat recess in the wall wouldn’t have conjured.

6. Arched Storage Shelf

Open shelves, wardrobe units, or study tables carved within arches bring a touch of whimsical charm to the space.  You can make the arch stand out by choosing a material or colour from the wall and adding storage shelves that blend in. Keep the other decor elements minimal to allow the arch dominate the space.

7. Pantry

Courtesy - ubuy

An alcove pantry or crockery unit in the kitchen adds a touch of timeless elegance. Use glass shutters to showcase your collection, and break the monotony by adding a few opaque drawers at the bottom.

8. Archways that divide Large Open Spaces

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Wider three-centered interior arches are used as barriers to visually separate the living and dining areas, and add a touch of sophistication to the space. 

9. Arches that Bind Spaces

Recurring archways visually unify the space. These modern wide arches work well together to create harmony and a sense of order. Maintain a consistent colour palette between these spaces, and use similar arches to establish a cohesive design language.

10.  Repetition of Arches for Visual connect

The repetition of elegant arches between hallways creates a sense of direction and lends a holistic feel to the space.

11. Symmetrically Balanced Archways

A balanced living space featuring two archways reimposes symmetry and order within an interior space.

12. Blind Arches

A series of faux interior archways touched by the bold emerald colour creates a highly dramatic space. Add elements that complement the space. Avoid statement pieces. Let the arches remain the focal point of the space.

13. Circular Arched Openings

A circular arch in the room is a bold playful element that renders the space with a distinguished persona.

14. Alternating Half Archways Corridors

A cascade of alternating half arches creates captivating spaces, directing the eye toward the table and elegantly framing it as the focal point.

15. Arched Partition Wall with an Archway

Whether you use one or many, you can never go wrong with arches. A partition wall made of numerous small arches and a single archway explores the potential of form differently.

16. Arched Recessed Headboards

A recessed semicircular arched headboard brings the needed composure to the space. You can add a pop of colour to the recessed headboard or concealed lights to create a soothing ambiance in your bedroom.

17. Painted Arches

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The simplest way to take advantage of the graceful form is to splash a few hues, mixed with geometry, to enliven the space. The grouped arches act as a perfect backdrop for the sofa.

18. Arched Furniture

Bespoke furniture crafted using arched forms to convey balance makes a bold statement. Place this modern table in a secluded yet spacious area to appreciate its design.

Using the arch rhythmically, this furniture achieves a harmonious and versatile design. Position the console along a wall near the foyer to elevate the style of your living space.

A singular semicircular arch made in MDF, illuminated at the back, depicting the rising sun, brings a sense of calming symphony to the space.

19. Arched Lighting Elements

A series of arched lighting fixtures arranged to create a vaulting effect, adds character to the space. The half arches, crafted from steel pipes with spherical lights hanging at their ends,  along with the round mirror on the opposite wall, introduce softness to the otherwise rectilinear space. 

20. Arched Mirrors

Arched mirrors, balanced by symmetry and complemented by harmonious colours and patterns, create a dramatic yet harmonious space. This trend is gaining popularity as more people seek elegant spaces with aesthetic charm. You can achieve this look by complimenting pastel shades with terrazzo patterns and arch-shaped mirrors with brass fittings and a touch of greenery.

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The gallery wall, reimagined in an arched form, seamlessly integrates into modern architectural interiors, resulting in a glamorously decorated wall. Add artifacts of your choice but maintain the same colour palette as the rest of the space and select softer, organic shapes that complement the arches.

22. Wall Art with Arches

The use of arched wall art and decor adds a hint of subtle charm to a space while uplifting the visual appearance of the wall. Use your arched wall piece as a central focal element; you can choose a contrasting or complementing material palette. Either use a large wall art or a medium-sized one and add smaller elements to enhance the appeal of the whole wall.

Arch, the form that was previously used for its structural capabilities in large-scale grand buildings, is now being reinvented and rebranded as a versatile design element that can transform the look of your space. Adding the arched form to any space, be it modern, minimal, or bohemian, instantly adds to the glamour quotient of the space. It makes the space look organic and closer to nature because of its curves. Use it for an enhanced visual appeal and dynamic look.

1. Are Archways in Homes Outdated?

Interior archways are no longer outdated; they are making a comeback in contemporary architecture and interiors. Just like most interior design trends, these too are coming back with added diversity in forms and scope for experimentation.

2. How Do You Modernize an Archway?

If you have an existing arch that you wish to blend in with a modern aesthetic, paint it in the same colour as the adjacent wall. If you want to add a modern archway from scratch into your space, go for a minimal form that suits the proportions of the room.

Arches are trending now because curvy lines are trending. There is a shift from straight lines to free-flowing forms, and which curve is better than an arch anyway?

4. How Do I Get Rid of An Arch in My House?

You can dismantle an arch by removing the moldings and baseboard columns and arch shape using a box knife. Identify the structural framing, retain that, remove the unnecessary studs, and do not touch the wall or ceiling; only eliminate the arch.

5. What Design Styles Use Arches?

Arches have been extensively used since the Roman era. It has been a staple of California Spanish architecture, Moorish architecture, and European homes. In contemporary interiors, they are used in modern, bohemian, and eclectic design styles.

Also Read: Latest Trends: Arches in Interior Design

Author Bio

Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.

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