The Complete Guide to Decorating Your Living Room with Stunning Arches
Arches can transform any living room from basic to breathtaking. The right archway draws the eye, creates captivating silhouettes, and adds architectural flair. Arches introduce shape and curve to soften hard edges. They provide framing, separation, and grandeur. With limitless design options, arches not only enhance aesthetics but also improve flow and functionality.
You'll discover the best types, placement, scale, and decor to create a living room with stunning arches. Read on to elevate your living room to the next level with the ideal arched focal point.
Types of Arches to Choose From
Arches come in endless shapes and styles. Consider the overall look you want before selecting the right archway for your living room.
Circular Arches
The classic semicircular Roman arch makes a graceful statement. A full circular arch takes that fluidity even further. Circular arches work well framing doorways and windows. They create soft, rounded lines complementing contemporary and traditional decor alike.
Pointed Arches
Pointed arches lend a more dramatic, elevated effect. The steep slope ascending to a sharp point pulls the eyes up magnificently. Use pointed arches over mantels or buffets for bold contrast.
Elliptical Arches
Elliptical arches are a slightly flattened take on the traditional circular arch. They make a subtler impact perfect for minimalist, modern, or rustic styles.
Gothic Arches
The iconic Gothic arch's steep angle and ornate embellishments create instant drama. Place a Gothic arch behind your living room seating for a striking backdrop.
Tudor Arches
A flattened and widened Gothic arch, the Tudor arch combines Gothic elegance with more subdued form. Position one over your fireplace to complement the angular lines of built-in shelves and mantels.
Choosing the Right Arch
When selecting an arch, consider the size and layout of your space. An oversized arch can overwhelm a small room, while an undersized arch gets lost in larger rooms. The arch design should coordinate with your existing decor style. For example, a Tudor arch matches traditional interiors, while a circular arch suits modern or contemporary rooms. If your living room has special architectural features, choose an arch that complements them. For open floor plans, ensure the arch provides adequate clearance on each side.
Prime Arch Placement
Entryways
Arches gracefully frame main entrances to your living room. For entryway arches, install attractive columns or pilasters on each side. Hang a pendant light or chandelier from the center of the arch to illuminate the space. Decorate the archway with symmetrical wall sconces, art, mirrors or fresh florals for embellishment.
Room Dividers
Strategically place arches to define living room areas without closing them off. A beautifully curved archway supported by pillars can separate the living room from the adjoining dining room. The vertical details divide the spaces while maintaining an open feel.
Over Fireplaces
Drawing attention upwards, arches make excellent fireplace accents. Choose an arch shape that complements or contrasts the fireplace surround. A Tudor arch mirrors straight lines, or go for striking Gothic arches over classically proportioned mantels.
Behind Seating
Arches spanning the wall behind couches or chairs provide an intimate, cozy backdrop. They soften what would otherwise be a blank, hard surface. The arched shape lends visual interest to the seating area.
Decorating Your Arch
The right lighting, textures, colors and decor take your arch from great to extraordinary. Enhance your arched feature with these tips:
- Lighting: Install recessed, pendant or chandelier lights to illuminate arches and make them focal points.
- Textures: Combine stone, wood, plaster and other tactile textures for dimensional appeal.
- Plants: Hang trailing greenery from the arch or place potted plants around it.
- Mirrors: Strategic mirrors reflect light to enlarge and multiply arches.
- Paint: Vibrant arch colors establish arches as living room stars.
The ideal arch shapes any empty space into a work of art. With limitless design options, arches not only beautify but also improve living room function and flow. Choose the arch types, placement, scale and decor that complement your living room style. Let arches instill your space with striking silhouettes, graceful framing and a captivating focal point.
Follow this complete guide to decorating with arches, and you'll enjoy an elegant, inviting living room that makes a lasting impression.