Decorating Guides
What Are the Types of Arches and Their Variations?
Roman or Tudor? Ogee or horseshoe? If that sounds like Greek, we invite you to read on to decode these terms
The arch, a design element that is thousands of years old, represents one of the most pivotal and enduring developments in the world of architecture. While technological development has phased out the arch in everyday construction, the arch’s seductive form has managed to hold its own in modern-day interiors.
Interior archway designs can make for a stylish and elegant addition to most spaces. It is an element that can work structurally, practically and decoratively.
While there are numerous types of arches, they can all generally be categorised into the following main categories.
Interior archway designs can make for a stylish and elegant addition to most spaces. It is an element that can work structurally, practically and decoratively.
While there are numerous types of arches, they can all generally be categorised into the following main categories.
2. Art Nouveau arch
The Art Nouveau arch differs from the Roman arch in that the arch is shallow and elongated, with curved corners, making it ideal for rooms with low ceilings. It is also called a segmental arch. Unlike the semi-circular arch, it is formed of an arc or segment of a larger circle in the middle (upper portion) and segments of smaller circles in the ends (lower parts) that form the curved corners.
The Art Nouveau arch differs from the Roman arch in that the arch is shallow and elongated, with curved corners, making it ideal for rooms with low ceilings. It is also called a segmental arch. Unlike the semi-circular arch, it is formed of an arc or segment of a larger circle in the middle (upper portion) and segments of smaller circles in the ends (lower parts) that form the curved corners.
A variation of the Art Nouveau curve is the arch with a shallow segment of a circle or ellipse that does not have rounded corners. This characteristic makes them popular in modern décor because they are easier to construct and offer design flexibility. They can be used with or without columns, and are a great way to separate zones without reducing space.
3. Tudor arch
The Tudor arch looks quite similar to the Art Nouveau style arc with one significant difference – it has an apex, albeit a shallow one, given its wide arc. The other differentiating feature is that its width is more than the height, giving the impression of having been flattened under pressure. Tudor arches work well in rooms that are large and low-ceilinged.
The Tudor arch looks quite similar to the Art Nouveau style arc with one significant difference – it has an apex, albeit a shallow one, given its wide arc. The other differentiating feature is that its width is more than the height, giving the impression of having been flattened under pressure. Tudor arches work well in rooms that are large and low-ceilinged.
4. Gothic arch
A Gothic arch, popular in the Middle Ages and seen in many European cathedrals, has a sharply pointed apex, the meeting place of two arcs of equal size, which then extend down in long straight lines. Gothic arches look spectacular but are suited only to rooms with high ceilings, thanks to their high crest.
A Gothic arch, popular in the Middle Ages and seen in many European cathedrals, has a sharply pointed apex, the meeting place of two arcs of equal size, which then extend down in long straight lines. Gothic arches look spectacular but are suited only to rooms with high ceilings, thanks to their high crest.
5. Moorish or Moroccan arch
A keystone of Islamic architecture, variously known as the Moorish, Moroccan or Turkish arch, it is wildly different and particularly distinctive from any other type of arch. Often considered a springboard for later styles, Islamic arches are characterised by four main types: pointed, ogee, horseshoe, and multifoil.
Look up Mughal-inspired spaces here
A keystone of Islamic architecture, variously known as the Moorish, Moroccan or Turkish arch, it is wildly different and particularly distinctive from any other type of arch. Often considered a springboard for later styles, Islamic arches are characterised by four main types: pointed, ogee, horseshoe, and multifoil.
Look up Mughal-inspired spaces here
The pointed arch was a precursor to the Gothic design, featuring a rounded design with a tapered apex.
The ogee arch is characterised by the sinuousness of its shape and is composed of two symmetrical S-shaped curves meeting at a central point.
The horseshoe or keyhole arch can be either rounded or pointed, with the defining feature being a wide rounded top and narrowed sides, resembling, yes, a keyhole.
The multi-foil is probably the most recognisable form of Islamic architecture, also reflected in many Rajasthani palaces and temples. The arch features several multiple foils, or leaves (hence the name, taken from the French for leaf, ‘feuille’), resulting in a scalloped design.
Modern living necessitates variations in these basic forms of arches, be it in design or material. Many materials have limitations, not only in terms of the weight of the structure but also complexity of design. We take a quick look at some of the latest arch designs that have fit right into modern homes.
Stone arches are commonly used in traditional-style interiors. They would also not look amiss in a countryside home.
Here’s an Art Nouveau brick arch cleverly instituted in a kitchen wall – an easy way to create a design element, without hollowing out the wall.
A similar wide-angle arch, made in plasterboard, makes use of the broad surface to house various objets d’art in its columns and distinguish two portions of the house from one another.
A classical arch is fashioned into a door with a glass transom that can be decorated with either stained glass or filligreed metal work.
A keyhole arch provides just the right touch of separation and plenty of mystery to this nook off the bedroom.
With so many types and variations at hand, maybe you could adapt one for your own home, to inject a dose of style and subtle drama.
Read more:
8 Indian Homes That Wow With Arches
9 Architectural Elements of the Spanish Revival Style
Tell us:
Which one of these is your favourite type of arch? Tell us in the Comments section below.
With so many types and variations at hand, maybe you could adapt one for your own home, to inject a dose of style and subtle drama.
Read more:
8 Indian Homes That Wow With Arches
9 Architectural Elements of the Spanish Revival Style
Tell us:
Which one of these is your favourite type of arch? Tell us in the Comments section below.
The Roman arch or the classical arch is the most well-known arch design and is commonly used. The top is defined by a perfect semicircular arch that rests on two supporting posts or columns, normally made of stone or wood, but now increasingly constructed of drywall or plasterboard. They are known for their simplicity and brevity of design and lend an elegant look to any kind of setting but look best in rooms with high ceilings.