Simple Interior Arches

Interior passage arches are one of my favorite design elements. They add interest and grace to a house that’s otherwise routine on the interior. They also soften the transition from one room to another and, when properly positioned, allow light to flow into formerly dark spaces. But use restraint: Unless the house is really grand, a few arches go a long way. They work best when they serve as contrast, not when they’re piled one on top of the other. Curves Ahead Arches come in three common shapes: semicircular (Roman), segmental, and elliptical (Figure 1). In determining the shape of an arch, you must consider the height and the width of the opening. A semicircular arch can be attractive, but unless