Arch You in the Know? Using Arches in Interior Design

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you must have noticed this trending repetitive arched shape literally everywhere — from closets to artwork, furniture, wallpaper and fabrics.

Here's an interesting phenomenon that makes me remember Chanukah all year round. Look at our symbolic and holy Menorah. Do you see what I see? Repetitive arches — in this case, repetitive arches in all directions.

A very old trend

From architectural arches to artistic strokes, arch shapes are definitely trending. The technique was mastered by the Ancient Romans, who used arches in bridges, aqueducts and domestic buildings. They made less of an appearance once iron and later steel bars were used in construction. But in recent years they have definitely made a comeback.

A store makeover, arch by arch

See how we used the arch shape in a store makeover — reinventing the arch with recessed lighting to create a striking facade.

Where is this? The famous and glamorous Exquisite gown rentals. If you're not yet familiar with the store, make it your next stop for an upcoming wedding.

In the next area we continued the arched theme, which works so nicely with the aristocratic, grandiose feel of a bridal preparation experience.

To avoid the magnificent gowns looking dwarfed under a 3.7m ceiling, we carefully customised a wallpaper to fill the higher space, edged in moulding. (For your information: some mouldings come in flexi, which makes them possible to use in round and arch shapes.)

The arched theme continues with free-standing arched mirrors, telling the story to each delighted customer. And over on the left wall, another customised wallpaper with — you guessed it — small arches.

This was a low-budget renovation for a store that had been home-based until now. Small buck, big wow.

Where arches work

Arches and curves are being incorporated in architecture — windows, archway entrances, accent walls — and in furniture: headboards, armchairs, mirrors and artwork.

Want to get on board with the trend without renovating? Adding a piece of artwork with an arch abstract display will upgrade your space a notch or two.

So now that you've seen some ideas — is the arch design trend obsession-worthy? I'd love to hear your thoughts.