Kitchens with an arch – practical elegance. Arch design between the kitchen and living room photo Drywall arches in the kitchen and living room

In the process of renovating an apartment, you always want to make the interior more individual, expressive, and different from other rooms. One such method is to install an arch between the kitchen and living room. At first glance, there is nothing special; instead of a rectangular ceiling, the ceilings of the two rooms are separated by an arc. Instead of tricky zoning options using furniture or various floor coverings, a simple arched design solves the same problem much easier and more efficiently.

Advantages of an arch between the kitchen and living room

The construction of an arched ceiling is resorted to not only out of a desire to express oneself or to realize an artistic decorative idea. The arrangement of the arch bears completely real benefits and benefits:

  • Thanks to the arched shape of the ceiling, it becomes possible to increase the height of the opening between the kitchen and living room almost to the level of the ceilings;
  • Frees residents from bad habits, for example, touching the sides of the opening between the kitchen and living room with their hands.

Compared to a regular opening with a rectangular ceiling, connecting the kitchen to the living room through an arch is more convenient. The upper edge of the passage is higher, which is convenient for tall people, and the total overlap of the ceiling space is larger, which means that less hot air and odors accumulating under the ceiling penetrate into the atmosphere of the living room.

Disadvantages of the design include higher costs and the need to assemble an arch between the kitchen and living room from plasterboard. Accordingly, it will be necessary to build side support posts from galvanized profile. Arch living room - kitchen is always on the line interior walls, therefore, when building a vault, you have to think about how to coordinate the plane of the superstructure with the plane of the partitions, if any.

Types of arches

If you set a goal, then if you wish, you can find many options for an unusual arch design, but futuristic or excessive complex structures resort only if the interior of the living room or kitchen requires it.

For ordinary kitchen and living room spaces, decorated in one of the traditional design styles, two types of flooring are used:

  • Classic arch or half arch, resting on side posts, often designed in the form of columns or decorative supports;
  • Complex multi-section arches, the contour of which represents a combination of straight, compound or arbitrarily curved lines.

It is clear that the more complex the ceiling arrangement, the prettier the kitchen looks with an arch into the living room, photo; it is not easy to do, but the effort and resources spent are worth it to make the transition from one room to another look artistic and stylish.

Classic arches

In most cases, customers prefer to build the simplest versions of arched vaults. The classic arc always occupies the minds of designers, no matter professionals or amateurs. Of the 100 arches built in the transitions between the kitchen and living room, 2/3 are classic arches with a small amount of additional decor:

  • Lepnina;
  • Wooden panels;
  • Metal and plastic inserts.

In addition to the direct benefits in the form of low costs, the classic arch has always been distinguished by its simple construction technology, accessible even to amateur builders.

For your information! An arched arch in a classic design with a moderate amount of decor fits perfectly with any interior design.

If the kitchen and living room are completely finished different styles, then the only reasonable way out of the situation would be to use the classic design option. It will be much more difficult for novice designers to independently select a successful composition with a curly arc, if it is even possible to do something like this without experience and design skills.

Figured arches

All existing options for a complex curved line, on the profile of which the arched design of the transition from the kitchen to the living room is formed, can be divided into two large groups:

  • Asymmetrical curves of arbitrary radius and inclination;
  • Vaults made up of sections or sections of broken curves.

Irregular arches have always been the most difficult to design and manufacture, and at the same time are considered the most spectacular and graceful. Asymmetry remains the most popular layout for complex design. Especially when the transition between the kitchen and living room is simultaneously part of the interior of both rooms.

Building a structure from several straight sections is not particularly difficult even for a novice designer; the main thing is to maintain the selected proportions as accurately as possible and comply with the requirements for decorative design arch surface.

Manufacturing materials

For the construction of complex arched structures, plasterboard and galvanized profiles are mainly used. To obtain a smooth bend, one of the shelves of the U-shaped thin-sheet metal strip is cut into segments and bent to the required radius of curvature. The resulting frame is covered with sheets of plasterboard, puttied and decorated to match the interior of the kitchen or living room.

Large arches between the kitchen and living room are made in a slightly different way. Initially, horizontal load-bearing beams made of timber or galvanized profiles are built into the opening between the two rooms, then cross members and frame spacers are installed and sheathed with plywood or thick plasterboard.

The smallest arches can be bought ready-made, made of plastic with side posts. The size of the base of the arc rarely exceeds 1.5 m, so such options are used mainly when renovating small kitchens and living rooms in old apartments of Khrushchev and early Moscow projects.

A special category of arches is made of forged or welded metal structures, made in the form of decorative partitions, dividing one room into a kitchen and a recreation area. It's easy to make, but much more difficult to select. good design so that the dividing line is not too similar to entrance gate or part of the fencing of a house.

Photo of beautiful arches between the kitchen and living room

Choose the most suitable design arcs, without experience in connecting the interiors of rooms, is quite difficult. In fact, we have to solve the problem of the consistent “flow” of the composition and layout of the kitchen into the interior of the living room, and the transition should be smooth and natural, while remaining a line of demarcation.

Arches with straight and sectional vault

Direct device arched vault requires a fairly balanced approach to the choice of cladding. The most successful design option, photo, is designed as an enlarged doorway with decorative pseudo columns and overlays made of plastic or tinted wood.

Straight arches with trapezoidal contours are used when placing a kitchen and living room in an attic room.

The ceiling beam of the arch does not have to be built in the form of a straight line; a more expressive effect can be achieved by forming it in the form of a cascade of straight segments. In this case, the broken line of zoning the kitchen and living room turns out to be very unusual in form and content.

For your information! The formation of an arched span from individual segments is considered the simplest and in an accessible way vault construction.

To achieve the ideal construction of an arch, first of all it is necessary to form a perfectly even arc, which often remains an impossible task for amateur decorators. If the previous version can be considered a transitional model, then the next arch is better called a compromise solution.

The arched span, decorated in classic version in Baroque style.

Symmetry as the basis of the beauty of the arch

Curvilinear floors are chosen primarily for their attractive, unusual shapes. You can copy the classic passage with an arched top and smooth vertical supports, but today this option looks slightly outdated.

An arch in the shape of a truncated circle is considered more impressive and modern, photo.

The opening between the kitchen and living room can be made in the form of a semi-arc, an ellipse, or even in the shape of an egg.

The base of a symmetrical arch can rest either on the floor or on raised columns, it all depends on the size of the room and the radius of curvature.

Arched structures of asymmetrical shape

Interior openings of asymmetrical shape cannot be classified as either simple or practical. You need to have an innate instinct as a graphic designer, experience and courage to draw the line of division between kitchen space and a living room in the form of an asymmetrical arch.

One of the most popular options involves the use of an inclined arc that covers most of the ceiling space of the room.

With a sky-colored ceiling, stone cladding and yellow painted walls, the structure looks like part of the scenery.

The asymmetry of the arch does not have to cover half of the living room or kitchen; you can always use a regular arch as the base of the arch, but shifted a short distance from the center line.

Arch lighting options

The easiest way to solve the problem of contour lighting is to install spotlights, both on the inner surface of the arch and on the adjacent area of ​​the kitchen ceiling.

Sometimes lighting an arched vault is achieved through one or two powerful lamps installed on the ceiling in the living room. This solution is used if you want to highlight decorative elements on the partition walls.

Conclusion

The construction of an arch between the kitchen and living room has always been and remains effective way enhance the interior design of both rooms. The decorative arc in the center of the studio-living room sometimes looks so expressive that the kitchen furniture gets lost and fades behind it, not to mention the more balanced design of the recreation room. If it was not possible to solve the problem of a unified interior, then installing a beautiful arch will help correct its weak points.

Ever since people came up with the idea that they didn’t have to be content with the apartment layout from the developer, active demolition of old partitions and the construction of new ones began. But what to do if the partition is demolished, but the need to delimit zones remains? Such a simple one comes to the rescue, but at the same time beautiful element decor, like an arch. The arch delimits the space, makes it visually wider, and becomes the highlight of the room. Constructing an arch is not a troublesome task, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money or hire a construction team to build it. The design of the arch between the kitchen and living room is easy to create on your own.

What are arches for?

Arches will never go out of fashion, so their use in repairs for a long time is desirable. Functions of arches in the room:

  • Space zoning
  • Increase and visual expansion of space
  • Additional space decor
  • Adding individuality standard layouts apartments

Types of openings decorated with an arch

The arch is considered an ancient architectural structure: it was relevant during the construction of massive buildings of antiquity, and is now used as a partition between zones. The modern interior offers several types of arched opening. Let's look at them:

Classic

The arches have a smooth arch and are framed with platbands. There are no unnecessary elements that attract attention.

Curly

Arches have different shapes, the lines are not always smooth. The emphasis is on decorative elements. Figured arches are divided into many subtypes, which will be discussed further.

Classical type is usually used in the design of the arch between the kitchen and living room. She also shares a hallway and a kitchen. The difference between an arch is that it has a radius equal to the distance between the side walls of the opening.

A traditional arch can be made from various materials. This can be budget drywall or metal, tiles and other building materials.

An arch is also considered a classic if it has a different shape, but its decorative elements are close to the classical antique style. In this case, the perimeter of the opening has a platband made of stucco or its imitation. In the center of the arch there is decorative element, which symbolizes the capstone.

Arches are available in many options. Let's look at the main ones:

British

In another way, such arches are called “modern”. The arc of the vault has a more straight outline, the radius of the arc is truncated. The corners are smooth. Suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

Slavic

Rectangular arches with rounded edges.

Thai

The shape of the arch on one side has a right angle, on the other - a rounding of any radius. Such arches are now relevant, their photos are found everywhere.

Portal

Rectangular arch with various decorative elements: stained glass, wooden carvings.

Niche

A projecting arch attached to a wall. Contains open niches of various sizes. Photos of the arch can be found by searching on the Internet.

Ellipse

The arc of the arched opening is presented in the shape of an oval. Can carry a functional load in the form of shelves.

Trapezoid

The arch is made in the form of a rectangle with beveled corners. This arch will look great if trimmed with wood.

Circle

Vaults in the form of a circle, turning towards the bottom into smooth side lines, have proven themselves in rooms with low ceilings. A round arch smooths out sharp corners and makes the transition from the kitchen area to the living room soft.

Materials that are suitable for installing an arch between the kitchen and the living room

Arches can be created from anything. You can make them yourself, or buy ready-made ones, stylized for a certain type of interior. Independent decoration of purchased items is not prohibited. arched openings. The materials for making arches are as follows:

Plasterboard sheets

Cheap look building material. Durable and flexible when wet. This allows you to make any shapes of bends from gypsum boards. Easy to install. Drywall can be easily finished with finishing putty and given a finished look. The material is environmentally friendly and can be used to make decorative arches in a house where children live.

Stone, concrete, brick

This type of material is used mainly in large areas, for example, in a private house. It is possible to install such a structure in an apartment, but this will require large expenses and qualifications. The weight of the material is quite large, so you need to take into account that not all are old panel houses will be able to withstand additional load on supporting structures.

Wood, chipboard, MDF, metal

You can make arches from these materials yourself, but purchasing them assembled is more profitable. The price of the structures is high, however, the purchase will add an additional style element to the combined space. Arches from such materials are made to order in workshops for the individual interior of an apartment or private house.

What to make the structure from

A plasterboard arch is mounted in the same way as all other structures consisting of a frame.

Attention! Install arches only in openings whose height exceeds two meters. The design takes 0.1-0.15 m from the height of the opening.

Before you start installing the arch in the apartment, stock up on tools and materials for construction. To make an arch you will need:

  1. Metal profiles: guides (28*27) and rack (60*27)
  2. Screws for working with metal and dowel screws
  3. Plasterboard sheets for arc and side walls
  4. Arched corner to strengthen the arced edge
  5. Self-tapping screws

To perform the zone delimitation action, you will need the following tools:

  1. Tape measure
  2. Screwdriver manual or electric
  3. Metal cutting scissors
  4. Drill
  5. Stationery and regular knives
  6. Marking pencil
  7. Nail
  8. Nylon thread

The listed tools and materials are inexpensive. A drill and screwdriver for one-time work can be rented at a tool rental.

First stage of work

Begin work on installing the arched opening by preparing the surface. To do this, dismantle the ceiling between the living room and the kitchen, if this has not been done previously. If there is a door between rooms, remove it from its hinges and remove the frame from the opening. If necessary, expand it to required sizes. Clean the surface from any remaining decorative coatings and remove the plaster. Be sure to degrease the surface and make it as smooth as possible.

Measure the width of the opening - X, the distance from the top floor beam to the highest point of the new arch - Y. The measurement results will be used to make some parts of the structure.

Making the side parts

  1. Cut a strip from the gypsum board sheet equal to the resulting x value (opening width). x/2 – the middle of the central axis. Measure the value on a strip of drywall and use a pencil to mark it with a vertical line.
  2. Add the y value to the mid-axis value. Measure the result obtained from the top edge of the workpiece in the center of the axis. The resulting point will be the center of the arc circle.
  3. Use a nail, pencil and nylon thread as a compass. Place the nail in the center of the future circle. Calculate the radius of the circle using the formula 1/2x and draw its boundaries. You will receive a diagram of the side part with an arched cutout.

Preparing a metal profile for work

Make an arch frame from a metal U-shaped profile. To do this, use metal scissors to make cuts on the side flaps every 5 centimeters. After this, the profile can be easily bent into any shape. In your case, in the shape of an arc.

To make a classic opening, you will have to bend drywall for an arc. This is done in two ways:

  • Dry. This method is complex and is not always possible for a beginner in repair matters. It consists in making cuts on one side of the sheet, with the help of which further bending occurs.
  • Wet. As the name suggests, drywall needs to be wetted. Cut off an element of the future design from the sheet and apply multiple punctures with an awl. Wet the part with water and place it on a template previously made from any materials. As soon as the gypsum board gets into the improvised form, it will take the same shape. Use part for further work It will be possible after drying.

Installation plan for a classic arch between the kitchen and the living room

After you have completed all the preparatory activities, proceed directly to the installation. It is not difficult, but requires care and patience. Let's look at the steps:

  • Install profile frame. Strengthen the guide profile with dowels. Make reinforcements on both sides of the top floor. On the side walls of the opening, install similar parts from the top of the structure to the end of the rounding of the arch arch. Fasten the frame parts using self-tapping screws. Next, strengthen the arc elements onto the U-shaped profile. This design needs strengthening. Rack profile strips will help with this.

  • Manufacturing of cladding. Take the strip of drywall on which you previously made marks with dimensions. Try it on the opening and if it fits perfectly into the structure, make another similar part. After this, secure both parts with self-tapping screws to the frame of the arched opening on both sides. Place the screws at a distance of 10 centimeters from each other, press the caps deep into the sheet. Inner part cover the arc of the arch with a plasterboard strip curved in the shape of the arc. Attach the screws to the profile in increments of 5-7 centimeters.

Important! Mount the frame with a retreat of 0.15 centimeters into the opening depth. This is the distance that the sheet of drywall along with the finishing will subsequently occupy.

At this point, making an arch with your own hands can be considered complete. Now the entire structure requires finishing. Remember that by using an arch to separate spatial zones, you oblige yourself to adhere to a certain style in the design of the common space of the living room and kitchen. An arch is a durable element that will never go out of style. Depending on changing tastes, it can be decorated in a new way each time: this can be done together with the existing interior or separately, adjusting it to it. If you get tired of the arch, its dismantling will not be expensive either in time or in finance.

Apartment renovation is necessary and inevitable. It is during this period that it is best to start optimizing it, both visually and functionally. One of the most popular solutions when updating a kitchen is an arch.

Advantages and disadvantages of arched structures in the kitchen

Most of the pros and cons of arches depend directly on the size of the apartment, its layout, as well as the kitchen itself. An important factor is the combination of the kitchen with the living room or hallway. Very often, kitchens in small apartments have an entrance from a corridor or hallway, separated by doors, especially in houses with an old layout.

But the kitchen is not a place of special privacy, unlike a bedroom, children's room or bathroom. Therefore, the presence of doors that take up a lot of space when opened, as well as greatly shading the corridor or hallway, is not entirely appropriate and effective.

This is where we see the first and main advantage of the arch, which is used instead of doors, giving more space and combining the kitchen with other rooms.

Remember, the advantages and disadvantages of arches are highly subjective and depend on each person's personal preferences. What is not suitable for one is an advantage for another. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when listening to other people's advice.

Undoubtedly, it also creates some inconveniences, such as the spread of noise and odors into the corridor, and the physical absence of doors does not make it possible to close them and privacy if necessary. Especially for people who like to make some noise, both during the day while cooking and at night while gathering with friends.

But in any case, the benefits of such a solution are much greater than the inconveniences.

Looking at examples of large apartments or private houses, you can see a completely different picture.

The kitchen most likely has a combined living room or dining room, which creates the need for:

  • Divide the space, as opposed to the situation with a small apartment.
  • Establish a conditional visual boundary, dividing the spaces of the kitchen and living room and maintaining a comfortable passage from one zone to another.

In large rooms, an arch can qualitatively emphasize the style and character of the interior with its appearance - in in this case it is used in a more decorative direction, in contrast to cramped apartments, where the main purpose of the arches is more functional.

It is difficult to identify significant disadvantages when installing an arch to separate the kitchen and living room in large apartments. The problem of the spread of household noise and food aromas can be solved by isolating the entire group kitchen areas(separated by the arch of the kitchen and living room) from the rest of the house thanks to the doors.

Basic forms of arches

First, let's look at the most common forms of arches, which after centuries and millennia do not lose their relevance. Even though there are new modern solutions and fashion trends, these simple concepts remain favorites to this day.

Classic arches

Regular regular semicircle shape, perhaps the most popular. It has a discreet, but at the same time solid and elegant appearance, and also fits perfectly into any interior.

Portal

The portal is an extremely simple and convenient form with a strict, discreet appearance. Quick and easy to make arch, especially when changing doors to an empty opening.

Ideal for small kitchens And low ceilings, which do not allow much “acceleration” in the process of space reorganization. They combine the kitchen with the hallway efficiently and easily.

Modern

The shape of this arch is a segment of a circle, as a result of which an angle is created between the arc of the arch and the wall.

An excellent solution if you want not to deviate too much from strict straight forms, but to give the design a little plasticity. Is a good “hybrid” solution between a portal and a classic arch and does not create inconvenience if the ceiling height is insufficient.

Ellipse

Very a style similar in form to modern and classic. Its shape, as is obvious, resembles an ellipse. It has a pleasant, discreet, but sophisticated look.

Romance

The shape of this arch resembles an elongated ellipse or rectangle with rounded edges. It is most convenient to use with wide openings between the living room and kitchen area.

Having nice rounded shapes on the sides, the arch does not require a large ceiling height in the central part.

Trapezoid

Not uncommon, but far from being a very common arch form. She looks unusual, has cut corners, which gives it dynamism and grotesque mood. It does not cause any particular difficulties in execution due to the possibility of decorative lining of the corners of a regular rectangular doorway.

Eastern arch

A less common type of arches in European-style interiors, especially in kitchens. Often has the appearance of concave or convex pointed arches and silhouettes of a wide variety of irregular shapes.

Used to emphasize the oriental style of the kitchen. It is almost never used on its own without reference to the design, unlike all the previous ones.

Despite the spread of arches simple shapes, today there are also unpredictable ones, especially thanks to modern technologies for their production, fashionable design solutions and a wide selection of materials.

It is difficult to classify them all, because each individually made arch is unique. They can be combinations or modifications of different classical types, and designs of completely non-standard shapes.

Improved classic types and forms have an extraordinary appearance. Or, for example, ensembles of two or three arches that are in harmony with each other.

Combination of the usual kitchen furniture with an unusual opening solution - no less interesting solution, which can be called an arch.

A light symbolic wooden arch that runs along the wall into kitchen table, demonstrates a perfect example of elegance and versatility.

Combining and combining is also a pretty good move in finding a creative solution. A striking example would be the combination of an arch and a bar counter.

Arch materials

Drywall

As in many other cases, drywall is the most common material for making kitchen arches. This is the most profitable solution, especially in small apartments in multi-storey buildings.

Drywall allows you to create arches of complex configurations.

The material is very versatile. Inexpensive and easy to use, it allows you to make designs of basic classical shapes from it, and is also well suited for exclusive designer ideas.

Allows you to further decorate it, which is a big plus. There are no particularly serious shortcomings, but moisture, strong physical impacts and shocks are its weaknesses.

Tree

Thanks to your good physical properties and elegant appearance, wood is very popular material for the manufacture of kitchen arches. It can act as arched structures or decorate them with artistic carvings. Does not require additional decoration.

One of the disadvantages is the rather high cost, especially of valuable types of wood. Sensitivity to scratches and other similar minor mechanical damage.

Stone (brick)

A very beautiful material, especially for making an arch, because the stone recalls the long history of this type of architectural elements and gives it a real antique look. Looks beautiful in large rooms, suitable for installation between the kitchen and living room.

A negative factor can be considered the fairly high cost of materials, especially natural stone, and the work involved in manufacturing the arch itself. It has a lot of weight and requires a considerable area, accordingly, the most appropriate place for her it’s spacious a private house, but not a one-room apartment in a high-rise building.

Plastic

Quite a modern material that allows you to realize interesting, stylish and futuristic ideas. Plastic, thanks to its various properties and colors, will help you create a non-standard exclusive arch.

It is best used in solving bright and catchy youth design options for small apartments. Looks great in combination with built-in lighting.

Plastic is not very popular and not very common. Often does not fit into the concept of cozy warm home and family hearth. Not a very environmentally friendly material, especially for use in the kitchen with its high concentration of vapors and humidity, as well as elevated temperatures. Moreover, this is not the cheapest pleasure.

Important! Have a clear idea of ​​the end result in advance in order to choose the most suitable one. optimal material and avoid unnecessary costs, but get maximum effect.

Decorating the arch

Unlike the arches from natural wood and stone, which require almost no additional decor, plasterboard arches cannot boast of this.

Due to the significantly high cost of natural materials, their imitation and decorative decoration can be used. The differences with a natural stone arch are obvious, but this option is much cheaper and simpler.

An almost similar situation is with wood, when the base of the arch is formed from a different material, and the wood itself is used as an external design. The cost is significantly lower, but the look is very impressive.

Although an arch with a transom is more likely to be a variety of forms, due to the huge variety, it is better to consider it from the side of decorative elements.

You can also use other architectural elements, such as columns, together with the arch. The main thing in everything is to have a sense of proportion and remember that an apartment is not a palace or the Library of Alexandria.

Glass inserts or a small stained glass window in the arch will add brightness and pleasant lightness to your kitchen.

Using much simpler and cheaper methods also makes it possible to get good and bright solutions.

The use of mosaics allows you to decorate the arch with both a variety of colored ornaments and conceptual artistic images.

And a beautiful painting can breathe life into even the simplest and most boring arch. A portal to a fairy tale right in your kitchen? Nothing is impossible for a talented master!

Even just a well-chosen paint can originally emphasize any of your fantasies, from the most daring to the modest and ordinary.

One of the ways to design an arch on classic cuisine, there will be curtains that, when closed, also perform a separating function. But do not forget that they collect dust and also absorb odors and kitchen fumes. The more often you cook, the more the inconvenience worsens. As a result, curtains require regular cleaning and care.

Interior arches today are becoming perhaps the most popular element of the interior of our home. These “highlights” of apartment design give the room a very attractive, unusual look. They look great in partitions that “zone” the living space, and a stylish arch between the kitchen and living room can generally transform the entire appearance of the home. The advantage of these structures is that even a novice home craftsman can install them.

Naturally, before starting work, it is necessary to carefully study the entire technological process, and this is exactly what we plan to talk about in our review. I would like to draw your attention to the variety and design of interior arches, consider what is needed to install them yourself, and also discuss some of the installation nuances. For complete ease of perception, you will be presented with photos of various arches and a detailed video review of the entire process.

Variety of interior arches

Arched vaults in openings have differences in shape, which depends both on the characteristics of the supporting structures and on the personal aesthetic “preferences” of the owners of the home. Let's look at the main types of design elements using the example of an arch between the kitchen and living room.

Trapezoid

The designs have non-standard look, which is distinguished by a “broken” angular arch shape, which perfectly highlights the design of the room. Trapezoid arches can be great for openings of any size.

Modern

The arch design is made in the shape of a hollow arc. Their peculiarity is that they visually “lengthen” the doorway and give the interior of the kitchen or living room a special, attractive look.

Romance

This vault is rectangular in shape, with slightly rounded upper corners. An arch of this design - perfect solution for wide openings, because its advantage is a very small “loss” of space.

Classic

Probably the most popular type of arch today has the shape of an even semicircular arc, which significantly enhances the doorway. The “classic” vault is perfect for any interior. It is this style that most craftsmen choose when developing the design of an arch between the kitchen and living room or office and bedroom.

Here are just a few of the most basic types of arched vaults. In addition, there are many designs in the form of semi-arches, elliptical arcs and so on - the design depends only on your imagination and the characteristics of the room.

Materials for making arches

A variety of building materials can “take part” in creating an arch between our kitchen and living room with our own hands:

  • Stone, brick or concrete. They are quite suitable for work, but it is worth taking into account their considerable weight and significant dimensions. Can you expand the doorway and are the load-bearing structures of the kitchen or living room able to withstand the additional load? Will you be able to install a brick or concrete arched vault with your own hands? These questions definitely need to be thought through.
  • Metal, wood, chipboard or MDF. An arch made from these materials can be purchased already assembled, but such a purchase is usually very expensive. Of course, in a specialized workshop they will also be made to order, but the issue will still come down to price.
  • Drywall. The most popular and “low-budget” option for installing an arch between the kitchen and living room with your own hands. It is durable, ready for finishing and ease of installation.

Let us dwell on the last material from our list and, using the example of a plasterboard structure, we will take a closer look at the technology for installing an interior arch.

Technology for making an arch between the kitchen and living room

The process of installing a plasterboard arched vault will differ little from the creation of any other frame-sheathing structure.

Attention ! It should be remembered that installing the arch in doorway a height of less than two meters is impractical - the structure will “eat up” a distance of at least 100-150 mm.

Materials for manufacturing

All materials necessary for the work can be easily found in every hardware store. To install the arch frame with your own hands, we will need:

  • Metal profile rack (60x27) and guide (28x27);
  • Self-tapping screws for metal and dowel screws (6x60).

We will cover the arch using:

  • Sheets of plasterboard with a thickness of 6.5 mm (arc) and 12 mm (side walls);
  • Arched corner, strengthening the edges of the arc;
  • Self-tapping screws securing the sheathing to the frame.

Necessary tool

To work on arranging the arch between our kitchen and living room, we will need a completely accessible set of tools:

  • drill - hammer
  • screwdriver
  • metal scissors
  • construction tape
  • pencil
  • punch or nail
  • durable nylon thread

As we see, no expensive materials and no complicated tool is required. It remains only to study in detail step by step instructions for the installation of a plasterboard arch between the kitchen and the living room, the photo of which is presented below - this will help us complete the work quickly and efficiently.

Preparing for work

  • We prepare the opening for the installation of the arch, expanding it if necessary, removing door frame and cleaning the plaster. We pay special attention to the alignment of the upper plane.
  • Using a tape measure, we measure the width of the opening (x), as well as the distance from the top floor to the highest point of the future arched vault (y). Let's remember the numbers we received - we will need them during production. constituent elements DIY designs.

Marking the side parts of the arch

  • From a sheet of drywall we cut a strip equal to the width of the opening. We find the middle of the part and mark the central axis of the arch between the kitchen and living room, drawing a vertical line with a pencil.
  • From the top edge of the workpiece, measure a distance of half the width (x) and add the “y” size value to it. We “translate” the resulting distance to the line of the central axis and obtain the center point of the arched arc.
  • We “make” a compass from a pencil, a punch (or a nail) and a nylon thread. Having secured it at a point, we draw a semicircle with a radius of half the width (1/2 of the “x”) and get a diagram of the side part with an arcuate cutout.

Preparing your profile

To install the arch frame between the kitchen and living room, we will need to make an arch from a strip of U-shaped profile. The photo clearly shows that by making cuts (with a grinder or scissors) every 50 mm on the side shelves, we can easily bend the base of the part, achieving the shape we need.

Preparing drywall

Making a “classic” arch between the living room and the kitchen is impossible without familiarizing yourself with the basic methods of bending a gypsum board sheet for an arch. So, there are two ways:

Installation of an arch between the living room and kitchen

The preparation is complete, now let’s look at the “step-by-step” plan for installing the arched opening between the kitchen and the living room; photos of some stages of the work will significantly help us with this.

Frame installation

  • We use dowels to strengthen the strips of the guide profile on both sides of the upper ceiling. Similar elements must be installed on the side walls, from the top of the structure to the place where the arch ends. When installing the arch between the living room and the kitchen with your own hands, remember that the installation of the frame must be done with a retreat into the opening of 15 mm - this distance will be “covered” by the thickness of the drywall and finishing.
  • Fastening the parts of the arch frame with metal self-tapping screws, we mount the arc elements on the U-shaped frame. We strengthen the structure with strips of rack profile.

Sheathing installation

  • We take a sheet with previously made marks and cut out a side wall from it. “We estimate” it on the spot - if the part fits, then we cut out another one similar to the first. We fasten the sheathing elements to the arch frame on both sides using self-tapping screws with a pitch of 100 mm, slightly recessing their caps.
  • We will close the arc of the arch between the living room and the kitchen with a curved strip of plasterboard, prepared in advance, attaching it to the profile with self-tapping screws every 50-70 mm.

That’s it, our arch is almost ready and “awaiting” final finishing. Of course, these are only the most basic principles for creating arched partitions. Having familiarized yourself with the site materials in detail and enlisting the support of specialists, you can do it yourself so that the photo of your kitchen with an arch into the living room takes pride of place in our gallery

Competent design and decoration of the doorway between rooms play an important role in renovation. Today, many apartment owners are not satisfied standard layout with doors, but prefer to dismantle them and create new solutions. The arch between the kitchen and living room is both a simple and functional beautiful element of the interior, which has the following advantages:

  • it delimits space and highlights living areas in the room;
  • Thanks to this method, the interior gains individuality;
  • the arch visually enlarges and expands the space;
  • this element serves as additional decor.

Their disadvantages of this design include the lack of privacy of both adjacent rooms, constantly open view kitchens and the penetration of foreign odors from there. In addition, it is worth remembering that in the kitchen special atmosphere: high humidity And heat, which is not suitable for decoration and furniture in the living room.

IN small apartments the doorway between the kitchen and living room is often equipped swing doors, which, when opened, take up even more space from the premises. Installing an arch instead of a door adds free space to a small living space. Make it yourself from available materials Any owner can do it, even without experience in such work.

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Forms

The most popular form is a semicircle at the top, turning into smooth vertical edges to the floor, often equipped with columns. Such projects are suitable for narrow openings and almost any interior. A rectangular arch is also universal option, most often it is combined with high-tech style. Its construction is the simplest. A figured opening in the form of an ellipse will add romance and originality to the interior image. The top of the arch in the shape of a trapezoid is usually used for interiors in an old style.

Exists a large number of ideas for asymmetrical arches. They are successfully combined with wide openings when the width is greater than the height. You can, for example, install a structure that has a curved top on one side, and a horizontal ceiling on the other, smoothly turning into the ceiling. They create asymmetrical models in the shape of a drop, petal or trapezoid with unequal sides.

Materials

Drywall is often used for the frame of arches. This material is relatively cheap, easy to cut and attached to the base with ordinary screws. Its sheets can be given any curved shapes without any problems using a knife. It is best to purchase for these purposes moisture resistant drywall Green colour. The material itself will not be strong; it must be secured not with stiffening ribs made of a metal profile.

Instead of drywall, you can use plywood or plastic, which are also very easy to cut into fragments with curved lines. Unlike gypsum raw materials, they do not crumble or crack. High-density multilayer plywood is also a natural wood material that is environmentally friendly. If it is laminated, then there is no need for decorative finishing. The plastic is cheap, lightweight, easy to cut and screw on. The polymer material is protected from moisture, rotting, deformation and is easy to clean with a damp sponge.

For a figured arch, fibrous materials are also used: MDF, laminated fiberboard or chipboard. They are stronger than drywall or plastic, harmless and easy to process by hand or electric jigsaw. The result is rigid structures with ready-made decor, with pleasant-looking wood textures or any glossy colors.

Natural wood allows you to create the most sophisticated and prestigious design of the arch between the living room and kitchen. Despite the high cost of materials and installation of the structure, the result is an excellent solution in interior design. This arch is as strong and durable as possible. Surfaces can have magnificent relief curves and be coated with high-quality varnish.

If the arch frame is made of rough material: plasterboard, plastic, non-laminated plywood, untreated wood, then there is a need decorative finishing. For decoration, acrylic, water-based and silicone paints, paper, vinyl and liquid wallpaper, tiles or decorative plaster.

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Design options

An effective method of dividing the space of the kitchen and living room is provided by a figured arch inscribed in the wall. It is made of plasterboard, putty and painted to match the color of the wall, from which it merges into a single element and has no transitions. That is, it seems that a wide opening was simply cut out in the ceiling. This design option is suitable for large spacious rooms, and it will additionally increase the space.

Original version arrangement in the apartment - an arch between the rooms with a bar counter. This idea was invented because of its practicality: prepare cocktails in the kitchen and serve them directly to the living room. In addition, many will appreciate this design as original and prestigious. Such a design requires a wide opening between the rooms, so that in addition to the counter there is space for passage. It is possible to create symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, with columns, shelves, natural wood or modern finishes.

An excellent way to design in a large apartment is an arch with a separate opening for a bar counter. A narrower opening is provided for the passage, and a wider one with a table top is provided for serving drinks and dishes. From available materials - drywall and metal profiles with a minimum exterior finishing can be created a real masterpiece in the interior.

You can, using inexpensive materials, create a figured arch in a medieval style with a frame that imitates masonry. For framing, you will need slabs of foam plastic or other polymer, which, due to their low weight, are simply glued to the plasterboard frame.

Using drywall, you can create a complex spatial arch shape with overhead spot lighting. Installation will require a lot of time and certain skills for such work, but the result is worth it. The design with a monotonous white paint will make an unforgettable impression on guests. There are open and closed niches on the sides for storing various items. This model is both functional and elegant.

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Lighting

In such structures, spot lighting can be installed. It uses LED, fluorescent or halogen lamps. All these lamps produce a pleasant, even light that does not flicker or strain the eyes. They are economical, with less power than incandescent lamps, and do not heat up during operation. Another advantage is their long service life and resistance to mechanical damage. While the spiral of an incandescent lamp under the slightest mechanical impact may break; spotlights are not so susceptible to shocks.

LED bulbs the most environmentally friendly and do not have a harmful effect on the body. Fluorescent and halogen lamps contain dangerous toxic gases and mercury vapor inside. Typically, such devices are mounted inside the arch body; power wires are installed in the niche and connected to the network.

Lighting in an interior arch adds coziness and elegance to the interior, further highlights the division of the room into zones, and adds comfort. In a plasterboard frame you can easily make round holes for lamps of any size. A row of spotlights in an arch with a bar counter will look very good.

DIY installation

Before creating a project and a step-by-step plan, you need to measure the opening between the rooms and calculate the most successful shape, possible materials, and their quantity. Expensive wood should be used for simple forms and models; it in itself can effectively emphasize the beauty of the interior. For complex projects with transitions, several levels, built-in shelves and lamps, it is best to use a frame made of metal profiles and plasterboard.

For work you will need: a building level, a tape measure and a pencil, a knife, metal scissors, a drill and a screwdriver, a set of screws of various lengths. Before installing an arch, it is often necessary to dismantle the old floors, remove interior doors and boxes for them. Everything needs to be stripped down to bare concrete. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account the space for possible wiring of built-in spot lighting. Then on concrete base metal profiles are attached, a shaped frame is created of such rigidity that it is able to withstand future weight plasterboard sheets with external finishing.