Once upon a time, only a professional could make an arch. This was before the advent of drywall. Now even a beginner can make an arch from plasterboard. You don’t need a special tool for this, the technology itself is simple and straightforward - just follow our instructions.

Where to begin

The most common arches are simple shapes - parts of a circle or oval. These are the ones that are best suited for most traditional styles interior, where regular shapes and symmetry are welcomed. In addition, they are easiest to make with your own hands.

1. Classic round arch. 2. Modern. 3. Romance. 4. Ellipse. 5. Trapezoid. 6. Half-arch

But first you need to decide whether the height of the arch will be sufficient. And if for a niche in the wall the dimensions do not play a special role, then for the passage between rooms the ratio of the width of the arch and the distance from the floor to the point where the arch meets the wall of the opening matters a lot.

The wider the opening in which the arch is formed, the larger the bending radius will be required so that the shape of the arch is proportionate

Usually they are guided by the simple ratio of the standard interior door- 80-100 cm width by 200 cm height. That is, a rectangle of this size must be inscribed in a “pure form” in the plane of the opening, taking into account the arch. Following this rule, you can determine that the width of the opening is:

• 100 cm corresponds to the height of the lower points of the arch about two meters;
• 200 cm - about 180 cm;
• 300 cm - about 160 cm.

It follows from this that if an arch is made where a standard interior door stood, then the height of the opening will have to be increased.

The easiest way is to arrange an arch in a new place during redevelopment, when interior partitions are reinstalled. And here we must remember the recommended distance from the top point of the arch to the ceiling - usually it is 40-60 cm. Often the height of the ceilings does not allow the arch to be “fitted” in accordance with this rule, and this point is raised a little higher. But even in this case, you should not reduce the clearance to a ceiling level of less than 30 cm.

Once the approximate values ​​for the points of connection with the opening and for the height of the arch have been established, the arch in the opening can be modeled using available means and make sure that it corresponds to the general design.

It is convenient to use a special plastic corner for arches, which will ultimately be used when finishing the opening

One simple way to model is to use a long strip of flexible material as a pattern, for example plastic skirting board with hard edges. The plinth is applied with its edges at the lower points of the arched opening, bent to the height of the arch, and, if necessary, the shape of the arch is changed, adjusting the degree of bending. Mark the points at which the arch meets the opening and place corresponding marks on the plinth.

Plasterboard blanks

For the walls of the arch, you need to cut out two rectangles from plasterboard. The dimensions of the workpiece are the width of the opening and the distance from the junction point of the arch in the opening to the ceiling of the opening itself (or to the ceiling for new partitions).

Then, on one of the blanks, using a plinth, the shape of the arch is modeled. To do this, align one of the marks on the plinth with the corner of the workpiece and bend it until the second mark is aligned in the corner of the workpiece opposite in width. Draw an arc on the workpiece with a pencil and cut out the first wall. And it will serve as a template for cutting out the second wall.

To obtain a sector along the radius, it is better to use an awl, a nail and a pencil tied with thread or rope. The length of the thread from the pencil to the nail will determine the radius of the sector.

L is the width of the opening, H is the height of the arch, R is the radius of the sector, D is the supply of material equal to the thickness of the finishing of the ends of the opening

If you need an ellipse, then on the blank for the arch long side fix two nails, leaving the same distance from both sides by about 10-15 cm. A thread is tied to the nails so that it hangs freely, and when pulled along the edge of the sheet, reaches its edge. The pencil is wound by the thread and the shape of the arch is outlined.

For the vault of the arch, you can use a strip of ceiling plasterboard (it is thinner, only 9.5 mm), but the remainder of a standard sheet is also suitable, since with a small width of the strip it is not difficult to give it the required shape. The size of the blank for the vault is equal in length to the distance between the marks on the plinth, and in width - the thickness of the wall in the opening. The narrow sides of the workpiece are cut at the ends along one side of the corner so that the arch fits more tightly at the ends of the walls of the opening.

Formation of the arch frame

The supporting frame for the walls is usually made of a metal rack profile. Depending on the materials of the partition and its thickness, the width of the profile may vary.

So, if the arch is mounted in an opening where the walls are made of gypsum plasterboard, then they use the same CW rack profiles that are in the supporting structure. In this case, the profiles are secured in the opening with metal screws.

For walls made of bricks, building blocks (gas or foam concrete, gypsum), monolithic concrete The width of the rack profile is selected individually. It is often easier to use a double frame (one for each wall of the arch) from a narrow CW profile with a back of 50 mm than to select a wide profile for a single frame. Dowels are used for fastening to the wall, and a different type of fastener is selected for each material. If the frame is mounted from a narrow profile, the holes for the dowel are drilled at an angle to prevent the edge of the opening from crumbling.

For side racks, the profiles must have a length equal to the distance from the ceiling of the opening to the points of connection with the arch. Since the arch “fits” in the opening to the partition at an angle of less than 90°, the lower corners of the profile are trimmed so that they do not protrude beyond the edge of the walls of the arch.

If the frame is mounted in a gypsum board partition, then you can clearly see how it needs to be secured so that the arch is flush with the wall surface.

For partitions made of other materials, when attaching the frame, you need to step back from the edge of the wall at a distance equal to the thickness of the plasterboard plus the thickness of the finish (which is at least 1-2 mm per layer of putty for wallpapering or painting).

If the wall has a layer decorative plaster or lined wall panels, then the fastening of the frame should go to the main material of the wall so that the walls of the arch are in the same plane with the surface of the partition itself, and not its decorative finish. This rule is followed on each side of the arch.

Arch installation

The walls of the arch are fastened with self-tapping screws with a distance between fastening points of 15 to 25 cm, but not less than three points on each side. The distance from the corner to each extreme fastening point should be within 5-10 cm, and the fastening line should be 15-20 mm from the edge of the arch wall.

If the arch has built-in lighting, then the wires should be laid in advance, leaving leads or loops at least 15 cm long

After both walls are secured, two strips of an arched profile are screwed to them from the inside through drywall to secure the vault. If there is no arched profile, then it is made from a CD profile, symmetrically cutting wedges on the sides at a distance of 4-5 cm from each other.

To bend a strip of workpiece into an arc, it is moistened with a sponge on both sides before installation. Then they roll it on one side with a needle roller (another way is to prick it with an awl over the entire surface by 1/3 of the thickness of the sheet) and wet it again only along the perforated side. Place it on the floor at an angle to it and the wall. When the workpiece begins to bend under its own weight, it is screwed into place to the arched profiles.

Finishing work

The final stage begins when the vault is dry:

• the surface of the drywall is primed;
• seams and joints with the wall are reinforced with serpyanka, and the ribs of the vault are reinforced with plastic perforated corner;
• putty, rubbing the attachment points, seams and joints;
• “bring out” the corners of the ribs;
• dried and polished.

The arch is ready. You can start decorating.

Drywall is one of the modern and fashionable building materials. Thanks to unique properties, it is used not only to create perfectly smooth surfaces. It lends itself well to processing and can be bent into any shape. It is this ability of the material that is used to create plasterboard arches. Unlike the classic construction option - made of stone, brick, wood - this one is much faster and more economical. Any configuration can be made with your own hands in a few days, even by a person without experience.

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Which arch is suitable for an ordinary apartment?

Choosing a style and manner of execution so that the product fits into the interior of the room is not an easy task. In practice, several dozen types of openings are used. Some of them are extremely rare, others are widespread. In terms of design for a standard residential the premises will be suitable Several variants.

Classic looks great almost anywhere, is the most common and often used. This style includes arches with an arc of regular radius, the length of which is equal to ½ the width of the opening. If the interior is made in a similar style, they complement each other perfectly. Suitable for any room, but especially suitable where there is a narrow opening. However, there is a significant drawback - they take up a lot of space in height.



Arched structures of a romantic style are made in the shape of a square with rounded corners. Look good in small rooms With low ceilings. They visually enlarge the room, the opening looks wide, rich and luxurious.



Modernism assumes a sharp unfinished arc with a radius that exceeds half the width of the opening. It consists of two segments, the edges of which are made sharp or smooth. In the latter case there is a similarity with romantic style. It seems to lift the space up, visually increasing its volume. A door arch of this type is suitable in rooms with thick walls.



The easiest to manufacture products are trapezoidal in shape. They have an angular arch and do not attract attention to themselves. The interior of the apartment stands out against the background of such a design. The lines are almost straight, which makes fabrication work easier.



Modern design requires stylish decoration. The most suitable option for such a case is a semi-arch. It is formed by a fourth part of the circle or an even smaller fraction of it, up to a slightly rounded corner.



Choosing a style requires taking into account the characteristics of the room. People often try to arrange an arch in the living room. A neutral interior is suitable for her; elements of extravagance are inappropriate here. It is impossible to combine the tastes of the different people who gather there. The interior arch will perfectly complement discreet style, will increase the space.



The kitchen takes on a completely different look when the opening is made in the shape of an arch. This practical option, because for small premises like the ones in Khrushchev, a removed door means the appearance of free space. If the hood does not cope with its task, you can install a canvas to block the path of odors to other rooms.

Working techniques - how to cut, bend drywall and metal profiles

First, the front side of the plasterboard on which the incision is to be made is determined. The slab is laid on a flat surface and marked with a pencil required dimensions. It is very important to apply them accurately. If the workpiece works out irregular shape, less, you will have to correct errors, and this is difficult. A sharp construction knife is used for the work.



The goal is to make a clean cut through the top face layer of paper, slightly touching the plaster. To do this, the blade is applied several times with the same force along the entire length. A wooden strip or metal profile is used as a ruler. Then the sheet is turned over and a break is made in reverse side by simply folding the slab. Cut off the paper layer and obtain a workpiece of the required size.



Bending drywall with your own hands causes certain difficulties. If you do it correctly and carefully, everything will work out. There are two ways to give the sheet the desired shape. The first is humidification, used when a small radius of curvature is required. The second is used to bend strongly, for which parallel cuts are made. Masters advise first practicing on small pieces of waste to understand the essence of the technology.



The design of door arches generally requires a bend with a significant radius. The most acceptable method in this case is when many notches are made. The slab is laid on the floor and cut every 3–5 cm under the ruler, drawing parallel lines with a knife. It is important to choose the right side - it is the outer side, opposite to the one where the bend is made. Next, the plaster is broken at the incision sites. Its integrity is maintained by a second layer of paper.



Then the arched fragment is attached using self-tapping screws at intervals of 3–5 cm. It is advisable to use a screwdriver that allows you to adjust the force in order to tighten the screws correctly. At first, the appearance is not particularly attractive, but after gluing the reinforcing mesh and plastering, the flaws will become invisible.

For the second bending method, moisten the back side of the sheet, and if you need to bend it strongly, then the front side as well. The drywall is laid on a flat surface, and water is distributed over it with a roller or sprayer. It is important not to overdo it so as not to damage the material - the paper will tear. The liquid is absorbed for about an hour. Then one edge of the workpiece is fixed with self-tapping screws and gradually bent to shape, screwing in screws every 10–15 cm.

When starting work, think through the sequence of actions to avoid mistakes. If the radius of curvature is small, use the notch method. When only slight bending is required, the drywall is moistened.



The frame is also given the shape of an arc. Use metal scissors, which make cuts in the sides every 5–8 cm. A prerequisite is strictly parallel arrangement, otherwise it will not be possible to give the correct shape. The metal profile, gradually bending, is attached to the base with self-tapping screws.

Getting started - drawing and creating a frame

Before work, step-by-step instructions are studied, an action plan is drawn up, and everything necessary is prepared. You will need:

• regular or moisture-resistant plasterboard (green) for rooms with high humidity;
• metal profiles or wooden slats and plywood;
• self-tapping screws;
• putty;
• fiberglass reinforcement mesh.

Requires a tape measure, metal scissors, and a grater. It is advisable to use a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver, and use a jigsaw to cut out the radial element of the arch.

Making an arched arc

First choose the place where it will be located plasterboard construction. Often it is installed in a ready-made doorway, but you can create an arch anywhere by removing part of the wall. Measure the area and determine the height. If you have thick cardboard, make a layout on it in a 1:1 ratio. Then it will become clear how the product will turn out.

Easier to build an arch classic style, it is easier to perform calculations. For example, there is a doorway in the wall that is 2100 mm high and 900 mm wide. The radius is half - 450 mm. Let's find out the length of the straight section: 2100-450=1650 mm.

When a standard sheet of drywall is available, and not remnants from previous construction work, a mock-up of the arch is made on it. Subsequently, the upper arc will be cut off and put to work. Set aside the width of the opening, its height and find the middle. As already mentioned, for the classic style the radius is equal to half the width. If there is a desire to give the structure a different look, they experiment, increasing or decreasing the curvature, while this is just a drawing, and make sketches, achieving the desired result.



Now about the technology for making the drawing. You will need to make a kind of compass. There are two possible solutions here. In the first case, a piece of metal profile is used. Make holes: at the end and at a distance from it equal to the radius of the arch. A self-tapping screw is inserted into one, and a pencil into the other. A simpler option is to use thread. By changing its length, the required circumference is achieved. An increase leads to a smoother line, and vice versa.



The upper part, a semicircle, is cut out of the drawn arch. A special hacksaw for drywall is used, which even specialists do not always have. It’s easier to find a more universal tool – a jigsaw. True, using it requires a certain skill, otherwise it is very easy to cut off the excess. Therefore, they work leisurely, at low speed, securing the sheet well, or attract another person to help.

When the first half has been cut out, you need to make exactly the same one in a mirror image. Place the finished product on a sheet, trace the outline, and cut it out. Two absolutely equal parts of the top of the arch emerged.

Metal and wood base

The first task is to attach the slats to the wall. Measure the width of the opening and cut off two pieces of the profile. They are screwed to the top. The side also needs to be installed on each side, the length depends on the height of the plasterboard arch that was cut out earlier. To fix it on brick or concrete, holes are first drilled with a drill and dowels are installed, then self-tapping screws are screwed into them. They are screwed to the wood with screws 40 mm long. The interval in both cases is 15 cm.



Having secured the metal profiles, install the first top sheets. For professional performance, a screwdriver is used to control the torque force. Depending on the thickness of the drywall, the length of the screws is selected. If the material is 12.5 mm, use 3.5x35 screws, when 9.5 mm - smaller ones. Screw in to such a depth that the caps are flush with the surface. This will allow you to avoid wasting time filling the grooves with putty.



At the next stage, a curved metal profile is fixed along the edge of the arch to give rigidity to the structure. Measure the length of the arc and cut off a piece of the strip using metal scissors. Bend using the technology described above. The more bending is required, the more cuts are made. The ends of the curved profile are secured with screws.

After making sure that the shape is correct, screw the drywall to the metal. This is a very important stage of work; the fixation is made strong, achieving a smooth surface. For the final construction of the frame, transverse jumpers are installed that will connect the sides of the arch. They are placed in several places. When the thickness of the opening does not exceed half a brick, additional elements are dispensed with.



It is recommended to use a wooden base for drywall if the walls are made of similar material. You will need even bars of the same cross-section. To find out at what distance to attach the frame, take into account the thickness of the drywall and plywood that is installed under it. The slats are screwed with self-tapping screws 5 cm long, and plywood cut to the shape of an arch is attached to them.

Arc-shaped element installation and finishing

After fixing the upper and side walls, the last part is fixed - the lower part of the arc. Measure its length and width, mark it on a sheet and cut it off. Prepare for bending using one of the previously described methods: using recesses in the plate or by wetting. If the curvature is large, it is recommended to use the first option.



Step-by-step instruction for further actions:

1. 1. Turn the part upside down with the cuts and apply it to the bottom of the arch. The desired shape is given gradually, avoiding excessive force so as not to damage the sheet.
2. 2. The edges are aligned with the walls of the arch. Make sure that the ends are flush with the arc and adjust the length if necessary.
3. 3. Screw several screws into the upper part. Then they move from the center to the edges, installing screws in a mirror order.
4. 4. Check the work done, paying attention to small parts. If necessary, adjust with a knife.



To give the arch a finished look and hide irregularities, it is plastered. It is preferable to use a special composition designed for sealing seams between plasterboard sheets. After its use, cracks do not form. The solution is prepared according to the instructions on the package, thoroughly mixing with a construction mixer or electric drill with a special nozzle so that there are no lumps.

Three layers of putty are required. The purpose of the first is to hide all the irregularities:

• seal the joints between the arch and the wall;
• cover the screw caps;
• apply the solution to random dents.



The layer is made thin, the excess is immediately removed. Try to apply less at a time, moving the solution with a spatula over the entire surface. Seek coverage of defects. The curved lower part of the arch is especially carefully finished so that no kinks appear.

A special paper tape or fiberglass mesh is glued over the fresh putty. It will protect against cracking, hide unevenness, and add strength. Process joints and edges of drywall. Cut a piece of the required length and press it into the solution. Make sure there are no folds. If they cannot be leveled, tear off the tape and repeat the process. The curved element is glued in a similar way. The peculiarity of this moment is that when folded onto a perpendicular wall, folds appear. In these places it is cut with a knife, then pressed into the putty.

Allow to dry and when the plaster turns white, sand with medium-grain paper. Do not overdo it so as not to expose the mesh. Clean off dust and apply a second layer of putty. After drying, smooth with fine sandpaper. The finishing solution is applied after 12 hours and sanded again. The result is a perfectly flat base that can be painted.



There are other finishing methods. To wallpaper, you only need to putty twice. An interesting option is with a decorative stone, which is chosen narrow and long. They are laid in rows, starting from the bottom of the opening, alternately protruding beyond the dimensions. For fastening, ordinary putty is used. Seams and joints are rubbed with a special solution.

An elegant arch is an architectural element that can make any interior elegant and unique. A correctly chosen arch design will allow it to become the dominant point in the interior and collect the entire space of the apartment into a single whole. This article will tell you how to make a plasterboard arch without help professional builders and unnecessary investments.

Peculiarities

Arched openings appeared in the East. Gradually, the habit of replacing doorways with decorative arches migrated to Europe. This method designing interior passages solves not only the issue of increasing the space of premises due to the absence of doors in them, but also decorates it, giving the home elegance and style, refreshes boring interior, adding an original touch to it.

Having decided to make an arch yourself, you should pay attention to plasterboard, since this type of material is the easiest to install (after all, serious knowledge and experience is required to form an arched opening from plaster or plaster), is available on the market and is inexpensive.

The main advantages of plasterboard arches are:

• light weight of the material (arches can be installed both on load-bearing walls and on not very strong partitions, without fear for the reliability of the structure);
• quick and easy installation;
• quality of the material - soft but durable material allows you to experiment when creating a unique style of space and cut out any fancy design shape;
• camouflage property. Plasterboard structures in the form of arches allow you to hide technical components and communications in the room;
• the ability to separate functional parts of one room;
• functionality (drywall openings may have niches for books or recesses for indoor plants).

Kinds

A classic plasterboard arch is a structure installed between adjacent rooms and supported on the sides by columns. Bypassing the usual plasterboard option, you can create an original asymmetrical shape that emphasizes the modernity of the interior.

According to the shape of the vault, arched structures are classified into the following main types:

• Roman. The most common type of arch. Its semicircular arch will be appropriate in any interior;
• square or portal. They are used to formalize wide openings;
• trapezoidal. Also often used when decorating wide openings;
• ellipsoidal. This type is similar to the classic design, but with a larger radius of curvature at the corners;

• gothic It has an ovoid arch with a pointed apex;
• Turkish. Ornate design in oriental style;
• British. This type has strict forms. Will highlight the sophistication of any room;
• Thai or half arch. Asymmetrical vault: on the one hand there is a classic arch, on the other there is an arch in the form of a portal.

Modern designers, taking advantage of the excellent properties of the material, they produce completely original solutions. Interior arches are complemented with original lighting and LED lamps. These elements often play not only a decorative role, but also create additional local lighting in the apartment.

In addition to lamps, there is another design technique that adds beneficial features: design of shelves and niches both inside the structure and from it external parties. This idea helps to create additional coziness, because souvenirs and family photos can be perfectly placed on small shelves.

For various rooms

Plasterboard arches in a modern interior are not uncommon. This architectural element allows you to abandon the usual doors, while creating a finished look for the doorway.

IN small apartments there is often not enough space for open doors. For this reason, instead of a door, a beautiful and laconic arch is installed in the opening. Such arches act as a kind of border between adjacent rooms where there used to be a door, and actually expand the free space.

The choice in favor of an interior arch is also made when redevelopment of the apartment is planned. For example, the exit from the kitchen to the balcony or from the living room to the kitchen can be designed in the form of an elegant arched opening. In this case, you have the opportunity to choose the shape of the opening you like (standard semicircle, trapezoid or other asymmetrical shape).

When it comes to expanding space, it would be useful to think about replacing doors arched opening in the hallway and in the corridor. These rooms serve more for connecting rooms than for comfortable living in them, so there is no need to think about preserving space when eliminating doors.

Often, in order to maintain the overall style of the apartment, all doorways are designed in the form of the same type of arches. This is not always true, and sometimes it will even overload the interior. But a couple of arched openings of the same shape in the upper part, one of which is complemented by an interesting configuration cut out of plasterboard on the wall, is a very stylish approach.

How to choose?

Previously, arches decorated only palaces and houses of wealthy people, but today this element can be found in any average apartment and even in a modern frame house(the wooden arch is cut down at the time of manufacturing the frame of the house itself).

When choosing an arch, you need to focus on its functional component. Arches can be active or passive. Passive ones are often found in residential buildings and serve as a simple transition, connecting two rooms. Their shapes are simple: ovals, portals or standard rectangles and trapezoids. Active arches require more complex shapes and often include additional decorative elements (shelves, lamps).

If you decide to replace a boring one metal door for an arch with a rounded top, experts recommend choosing a ready-made model, since in this case there is a question about the reliability of the structure.

Manufacturing

In order to make a classic arch with your own hands, you need to understand its structure and understand the subtleties of the technology for constructing this structure.

The curved arcs form the so-called vault of the arch. It can have a uniform coating or consist of various parts with gaps between them. You can revive a smoothly hemmed version of the arch arch using decorative relief, platbands on the edges of the arch.

The apex of an arch is the highest point of its arch. She serves power element designs. Often the top is also an aesthetic fragment (for example, in oriental vaults). The wings extend from the tops downwards, their ends rest on supporting structures - beds, which can also be decorated decoratively.

The span of an arched vault is the width of the arc formed by the wings. The height of this arc from the center of the span to the apex is called the boom of the arch. An arched vault usually rests on pilaster semi-columns or goes inside the walls, resting on the blades (in this case, this vault is called a hanging vault). The portal is formed by a structure located below the pilasters and blades.

The apex, arch arch and portal are the main visible components of the structure. They are called an arched transom. Usually the fragment is designed in a single concept. Golden ratio arched design is determined by the relation F = (A + B) / B, if B≥A. This ratio in architecture is observed when A = 1/3 B. The arch will have the correct golden ratio if its height is approximately three times the width of the arch opening, otherwise you can get the effect of reducing the height of the room and spoil the overall interior.

Detailed calculations and assembly are described in subsequent sections. But besides installation work, it is also worth paying attention to finishing works: how to design and what is the best way to sheathe the arch to give it a beautiful look.

The following can be used as decorative materials for arch design:

• plastic, molding - budget and simple options;
• polyurethane – flexible material, used to form stucco on pediments, ceilings, cornices;
• decorative stone - an artificial or natural mineral. Most often used when decorating arches in load-bearing walls or monolithic structures.

As for plastic, everything is simple. You can buy ready-made profiles in a store, choose the desired color, or paint it yourself and attach it with glue without much difficulty.

It is quite difficult to make polyurethane decor yourself, so they often resort to buying ready-made ones. decorative elements. Stone cladding is an expensive but sophisticated option. The most commonly used stones are slate or shell rock. Acrylic artificial stone tiles are lighter in weight and can even be used for plasterboard partitions. As for texture, here, depending on the interior of the room and personal preferences, untreated surfaces and polished mirror versions of tiles can be used.

How to calculate?

When the task is to make an arch yourself, after the shape and size have been chosen, the master needs to first calculate the future product in order to determine the exact dimensions of the mounted parts. Do not be alarmed, since the calculations for this design are based on simple school formulas. When making calculations, it is recommended to simultaneously draw a sketch of the future product on graph paper, after which the project is scaled to the specified dimensions of the product. As stencils, you can use thick cardboard or a profile sheet made of fiberboard. By attaching the template to the surface of the construction of a curved vault, you can more realistically assess the accuracy of previously performed calculations and, if necessary, correct it in time.

This article will consider an approximate calculation of a standard round arched vault for a straight doorway.

The main 3 parameters that should be known to the master are the width of the opening, the height of the future arch and the depth of the wall. There are two main methods of calculation: empirical and mathematical. The master himself decides which one will be more convenient for him. Calculation and drawing of the circumference of the arch must be carried out on paper on a scale 30% smaller than the real one.

When making an empirical calculation, you must first measure the door opening and transfer it to a sheet of paper. Draw the axis of symmetry of the doorway. Then they take a compass, place its leg on the axis point and make several different circles. The most suitable one is selected, and the remaining ones are removed using an elastic band.

When calculating the radius of an arch mathematically, the Pythagorean theorem is used:

R= L2 + (R2 – H2)

R= L2 + (R – H) 2

Transforming the formula, we get the following form:

R2 = L2 + R2 – 2HR + H2

Subtracting R we get:

L2 + H2 – 2HR = 0

After subsequent transformation we get:

Radius R as a result:

R = (L2 + H2) / 2H

Where R is the radius of the circle, L is half the chord of the arc (the size of this chord equal to length arch clearance). H – lifting height.

Due to the fact that the arch being made will include many fragments (in order to form them, you should take a board with the given dimensions), it is necessary to first calculate the dimensions of the element made from the board with the selected dimensions. The calculation is carried out from the reverse. It is necessary to calculate the maximum length of the part that will be made from an existing board with a certain width, taking into account the already known radius. Using the previous formulas, where all the relations are already known, you need to derive the following equality:

After the calculation has been completed and the project has been outlined, it will be possible to visually imagine what the structure will look like. If necessary, you can re-measure the parameters of the opening and easily correct the calculations, modify the drawing until its appearance is completely satisfactory to the craftsman.

How to cut?

When the project is ready, we begin scaling the product on drywall. While maintaining the proportions of the product, they draw out the layout of the arch within the given parameters. Cut out a piece of drywall to the desired size. To do this, use a special knife to draw along the drawn line and break off excess pieces of drywall with your hands.

You need to prepare two identical sheets. One of them is placed on a flat surface and a line is drawn through the center. Make a mark 2-3 cm above the bottom of the sheet and screw in a bolt or self-tapping screw. A rope is put on the bolt, the free part of which is tightened into a loop and a pencil is inserted into it. This system(similar to a compass) will allow you to draw an even line of bending the radius of the arch. Having determined the desired radius, pull the cord and draw a bend line with a pencil.

After this, the markings are repeated in a similar way on the second sheet of drywall. To avoid unnecessary steps, you can cut out the product blank on one sheet, place it on another sheet and trace it with a pencil along the contour of the product. This way you will get two identical pieces. It is best to cut products using special scissors for metal, carefully cutting off everything unnecessary.

Installation

In order to install a plasterboard arch in a doorway, you will need:

• plasterboard arch blanks;
• metal profiles;
• dowels;
• self-tapping screws of two types: 3.5×25 mm; 4.2×13 mm;
• metal scissors;
• pliers;
• screwdriver;
• perforator;

• roller with needles;
• construction tape or level;
• a simple pencil;
• gypsum putty;
• sanding paper;
• corners for walls;
• primer;
• cladding material (optional).

Before installing the structure frame, you should prepare the doorway. First you need to remove door frame and punch the opening up and to the sides to increase the space for the arch. The surfaces of the resulting opening are thoroughly cleaned, smoothing out rough irregularities, and removing dust and dirt.

It is necessary to follow the step-by-step installation instructions, then the arch structure will be securely installed and secured in the opening. First, guides made of metal profiles are attached to the upper part of the opening with dowels. Similar guides are also installed along the walls of the opening (to the level where the curved parts of the arch end).

After that from metal profile form the product in the form of an arc. Equidistant cuts are made along the edges of the profile using special metal scissors and the product is bent, focusing on ready-made plasterboard templates. Similarly, two such curved profiles are formed for each side.

You need to install a curved profile like this: attach the profile vertically to the guides with dowels, and attach it to the drywall using self-tapping screws. In order to assemble the frame more reliably, several pieces of profile are inserted between the arches inside the arch.

How to bend?

The next step in installing the arch is securing the arc-shaped part inside the structure. To do this, take a sheet of drywall. Carefully cut out a strip according to the width of the internal space of the arch, longer than it inner surface. When measuring the length, it would be a good idea to leave a margin of about 10-15 cm.

You can bend drywall using ordinary water. To do this, wet the bottom of the plasterboard strip and pierce it with roller needles. Next, you need to bend and attach this element inside the arch. This is done using adhesive tape and left to dry for some time. The homemade arch frame is ready.

How to putty correctly?

After the arch frame is assembled, all elements are securely fastened, and the inside is completely dry, you can begin processing and external design designs.

To begin with, the entire surface of the arch is sanded using special paper, all irregularities are eliminated, and dust from sandpaper is removed. The surface of the arch should be smooth. The seams remaining from installation must be sealed with putty. Before filling the seams, you need to install prepared corner profiles (they give the corners of the arch rigidity and protection from deformation).

These corners can be attached on top of the putty, but then you need to apply another layer of putty on top, leveling all the joints. After the putty has dried, smooth the surface again with sandpaper. Remove dust and prime the entire outer space of the arch. When the soil is dry, carry out finishing putty structures and smooth out irregularities.

How to paint?

When all dirty job completed, you should move on to decorative finishing.

When choosing a design, you should take into account the overall concept of the interior and its style. The fastest and cheapest finishing method is to paint the structure. water-based paint. This finish is very practical, because if the wall gets dirty, it can be wiped with a damp cloth; in addition, the arch will be very scratch-resistant. This type of finishing is also good because, if desired, the arch can be quickly repainted yourself.

Options in the interior

Arched vaults occupy a special place among architectural details when decorating a room. Smooth lines will bring a mood of comfort to any room and emphasize sophisticated style. If the choice is made to complement the interior with an arch, it is necessary to choose a design so that the vaulted structure fits organically into the space of the room and serves as a certain highlight in the interior.

Arches look great in rooms with semicircular window openings. Vaulted structures will favorably complement the interior, which contains doors with a semicircular top. Arched openings are used not only in living rooms and hallways. Kitchen space also decorated with arches. Here they will serve not only as a decorative element, but also fulfill their purpose. functional role(storage systems, niches in the form of arches).

The arch design, decorated with glass shelves, looks authentic in itself. If the space of the room allows, weightless glass shelves can be replaced with massive ones made of stone or wood or plywood. They serve as a great place for souvenirs and photographs.

The light framing of the inner and outer parts of the arch looks interesting. Where there is not enough light this will be especially useful. This applies to most corridors and hallways. Designers recommend using for this non-standard forms lamps to give the room additional sophistication. When decorating arched openings with light elements, you should not limit yourself, focusing on the material of the arch, because the lighting will look advantageous both with plasterboard arch, and with a wooden structure.

The most harmonious arch is considered to be one that has absolute symmetry or even smooth lines in the case of the initial choice of an asymmetrical shape. This arch will suit any interior. If you are choosing the shape of an arch for an interior in the Art Nouveau style, you should take a closer look at curved arches. Such an arch is not suitable for a classic interior design. But here this element would look appropriate with a lot of decor from plaster decorations in the form of columns and intricate curls.

An acre in the form of an ellipse or a wide portal has a strict but noble appearance. It is simple to implement, does not require frequent alterations and is appropriate in any space.

However, the arch in the interior modern premises is a rather controversial element. Some evaluate the arched vault as relics of past centuries. Others praise this elegant detail, hoping that it will never go out of style.

And since there is no arguing about tastes, there is no need to immediately abandon this design. Even in the modern world of designers, an arch is not a tasteless, outdated fragment of a home if it is combined with the overall style of the space. The arch has long become a classic. And the only thing that can ruin a classic is its unsuccessful use.

Often the interior passage in an apartment is not closed with a door, but left open. This allows you to elegantly unite the space and make the interior design of the rooms more elegant. For this you can purchase finished design from assembled elements or cut out individual parts with your own hands and then assemble everything in the doorway. But how to make an arch yourself so that it looks smooth and beautiful? After all, there are a lot of materials and technologies for installation; you need to choose wisely.

Designer arch

What arches can be installed in an apartment?

Installation of an arched structure in place of an interior door can be done without the involvement of professional builders. You just need to choose the type of arch and materials for its manufacture. Following the step-by-step instructions below will help you avoid mistakes and make an arch with your own hands.

Arch curves can be the most bizarre

Design features and significant differences

In construction, arched structures are supports for overlying elements of walls and structures. But in apartments, doorways to the corridor and between rooms are not load-bearing. In the first case construction materials are selected based on serious external loads, and in the second they must withstand only their own weight along with the finishing.

Arch with bar counter

An apartment door arch, installed instead of a door, is an element of interior design. Its frame can be made from a lightweight profile for gypsum boards or bars with a cross-section of 20–30 mm. This design can easily withstand the weight of finishing materials. You just need to firmly fix it on the walls so that the decor does not warp or fall off after a couple of weeks.

Reference! In private houses and city apartments, an open door arch between rooms serves exclusively decorative functions. Bearing loads in this case are placed on concrete walls on the side or a lintel above the opening.

Finished plastic arch

Shapes of arched openings and their capabilities

There are many options for arranging interior arches in shape:

• "Classic".
• "Romance".
• "Modern".
• "Ellipse".
• "Trapezoid".
• "Portal".

The most popular types of interior arches

The first option at the top has the shape of a regular semicircle, and the last one has strict rectangular outlines throughout its entire height. The rest are intermediate versions between them. But other variations are also possible with one side “support” or two curved posts.

Form door arch and its design are chosen to match the design style of the room. This takes into account the height of the ceiling, the size of the opening and the features of the premises on both sides. In some houses, classic shapes with a regular curve in the form of a semicircle will look ideal, while in others - a rectangular portal. This is more a matter of the taste of the home owners and the general style of interior decor. Some people even prefer cone-shaped contours.

• Classic version It is recommended to choose only when high ceilings in the area of ​​3 meters and above.
• In typical panel high-rise buildings, it is better to design the entrance to the kitchen with a “MODERN” arch.
• For a wide doorway from the hall to the corridor, “ROMANTIC” with large wide racks is more suitable.
• The rectangular “PORTAL” looks best in an interior where clear horizontal and vertical lines predominate in the decoration. This type of doorway design is ideal for houses made of timber or logs. In such a home right angles will look elegant and fit the theme as much as possible.

Classic in the interior

What to build a designer doorway from with your own hands

To quickly make an arch in the doorway of an apartment, it is enough to purchase a set of prefabricated elements made of plastic or laminated chipboard lumber. They must be cut to the desired height and then secured in the places specified according to the instructions. But such options are standard and quite expensive. Plus - not every opening can be fitted with a ready-made model with the right sizes.

Components of an interior arched system

To make panels of arched posts and arches you will need one of the following materials:

• drywall;
• plywood;

Advice! It is better to choose plasterboard sheets for covering the frame. GCR can be further finished with more various materials. However thin plywood much easier to bend.

Finished veneered arch

The frame for an interior arch can be made:

• from a metal profile;
• from wooden blocks 20x20 and 30x30 mm.

Brick decoration is ideal for connecting a balcony

You can also make an arch instead of a door from concrete, brick or aerated concrete blocks, and only then decorate them with one or another finishing material. But these options are more for those who like capitalism and solidity. Plus they weigh a lot, in old apartments apartment buildings It is impossible to build anything from them.

The use of metal is limited not only by its weight, but also by its high cost. Manufacturing metal structures of complex shapes at home is a very difficult project to implement in practice. The easiest way to do it yourself is to work with drywall and its profile.

Step-by-step instructions for self-installation

The photos and recommendations below will allow even a novice master to cope with the improvement of a doorway. To do this, you first need to create a frame, and then sheathe it and decorate it. You can do everything yourself, you just need to do everything consistently and without errors.

Scheme of a plasterboard arch

Preparing the doorway

1. First, the leaf and frame of the existing door (if it exists and is in place) are dismantled.
2. Then the opening is expanded to the planned dimensions.
3. There is no need to plaster the cut walls under the frame; they will still be covered with sheathing. It is enough to straighten them and remove everything that can fall off (plaster, pieces of concrete, falling bricks). The main thing is that the supporting profile can be secured securely and in a strictly vertical position without tilting.
4. If you are planning a backlit design, then you need to install the wiring in advance.
5. Measurements are always taken at several points in the opening so as not to miscalculate the dimensions.
6. If the walls are uneven, then the thickness of the racks (depth of the arch) is selected according to the thickest place.
7. To simplify the marking and cutting of sheet material for covering the arched frame, it is necessary to make a life-size template from cardboard. This will allow you to avoid mistakes and preview how the contours of the structure being formed will look.

Important point! Top part the arch takes away about 10–15 cm from the height of the doorway. There should be at least 20 cm left from it to the ceiling. When calculating and marking, these numbers must be taken into account.

Fastening the guides

Creating a load-bearing frame

1. To make a frame for an arch, you first need to create a main contour from a profile around the perimeter of the opening, fixing it to the walls.
2. Then the upper curved part of the frame system will be attached to it. Sometimes only a curved element is made on top, but this is only possible with perfectly smooth slopes.
3. Vertical guides in the doorway are attached with an indentation from the plane of the interior wall by the thickness of the plasterboard sheet plus 2 mm for subsequent plaster on top of it.
4. After plastering you should have a single, flat surface.
5. On each side and at the top of the arch being created, you will need to secure two such profiles parallel to each other.

Advice! If the walls are made of wood, then self-tapping screws are sufficient to attach the guides, but in the case of concrete or brick, dowel screws will be required. The spacing between fasteners should not exceed 30 cm.

If the columns of the arch are made of small thickness, then two arches can be easily replaced with a wide profile. All cutting and bending manipulations in this case are carried out according to a similar pattern. However, transverse installation will no longer be necessary. When using wooden blocks instead of a profile, the frame for the arch is made using a similar technology. Only changes raw material load-bearing frame structure.

Two ways to bend plasterboard sheet

Rough sheathing of the frame

After completing the assembly of the arch frame, all that remains is to mount the gypsum board or wood board. To give plywood or fiberboard the desired shape, they will have to be pre-moistened, fixed on a template and steamed with a hot iron.

Ideally, you need to use special arched plasterboard, reinforced on both sides with non-woven fiberglass. It is enough to knead it longitudinal direction and give the desired shape.

Bend regular plasterboard sheet There are two ways: wet and dry.

• Wet technology involves soaking the back side of the plasterboard with water and gradually bending it onto a template of the required shape and fixing it on it. This process is lengthy; haste can lead to rupture of the cardboard layer of the sheet. And the resulting part can be installed and secured with self-tapping screws on the arch frame only after the plaster has completely dried.

Advice! It is possible to speed up the process of moistening gypsum board to give it elasticity using a needle roller.

• The dry method involves making parallel cuts on one side of the sheet, which affect the plaster and the upper outer layer of cardboard. But the front cardboard layer remains intact. The bend is smooth and of the correct shape.

Installation of the main element of the arch

Cutting sheet material is best done with a jigsaw. When using a hacksaw, the cutting edges will certainly be less even. The sheathing is fastened with self-tapping screws in increments of 5–6 cm. After fixing it, the edges of the plasterboard and plywood sheets. And then a special plastic corner with perforation is attached to the curved edge to protect it from chips.

GKL fastening

Putty for perfect surface leveling

Next stage Finishing a plasterboard arch is a primer and putty. After applying the first one, you need to wait until it dries. And fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce the second layer. The corners are also reinforced and leveled using a mesh.

The edges must be smooth

Surface putty

Putty joint with wall

Mesh reinforcement

Edge reinforcement with mesh

Next, apply the third finishing layer. The putty, which has hardened after 10-2 hours, is sanded with sandpaper to remove excess and make the surface as smooth as possible. There should be no protruding screw heads or dents left on it.

This is what the arch should look like

Decoration of the structure and design techniques

You can finally decorate the arch in the apartment with your own hands and make it beautiful:

• painting in color with the walls;
• wood paneling or plastic panels;
• wallpapering or veneering;
• finishing with decorative stone on a gypsum base;
• decoration with mosaics and mirrors;
• decorating using stucco or ready-made columns.

Simple finish with backlight

Materials in finishing Interior arches are used both natural and artificial. The choice here depends on the general design idea for apartment interior design. To improve the doorway, you can use polyurethane stucco and even textiles. All options are acceptable, the main thing is that they are in harmony with the surrounding decor.

Shelves in the design of an arched passage to the corridor

The frame of columns made of clinker or decorative stone. Manual installation will require time and diligence, but the result will certainly please the master. The uniqueness of the apartment with this method of decoration is guaranteed.

Decor artificial stone

Decorating the arch with natural wood will bring solidity and elegance to the house, and the mosaic pattern invented by the owners will add uniqueness to the decor. The main thing is not to overdo it with the design, making the design a tasteless heap of elements of different styles. All interior details should be in harmony with each other and complement each other.

Stucco columns in an arched doorway with wide walls

Often, simple painting in white or brown is enough to complete the design, making the arch with your own hands beautiful and elegant. However, some require built-in lighting and additional decorative elements in accordance with the style chosen for the apartment. It will take more time to finish the arched opening, but it will be worth it.

Decor with corner and wallpaper

Install and design yourself interior arch instead of a door it's easy. For work, it is enough to have metal scissors, a screwdriver and a hacksaw in the house. But if you have no experience in handling these tools, it is better to trust professional installers.