Leyla Sawyer
From the Colosseum of Rome to the Gateway Arch of St Louis, there’s no end to the creative and structural ways architects have incorporated this shape into their work. Following a trend towards sleek, minimalist interiors, modern buildings have tended to shy away from arches, instead opting for plain walls, rectangular doorways and open-plan spaces.
However, indoor arches are making a comeback, particularly in the popular Scandi and Japandi trends that have emerged over recent years. This is particularly appropriate for Scandi-inspired designs, as it makes the space feel calm, relaxing and uncluttered while still being cosy, offering perfect hygge vibes.
Arched alcoves are both attractive and functional, offering a recessed space for shelving, console tables and cosy armchairs that looks beautiful when painted a contrasting colour. As well as being an attractive design piece in its own right, a screen is a great way to add privacy to a room or separate larger spaces into individual zones.
These items can be easily moved around or swapped out to suit your changing tastes and the evolving Japandi and Scandi styles. Even circular or fluted furniture can help to embody the indoor arch, and can be found in a variety of materials to complement your style. A console table is another practical addition to any room, offering a usable surface without taking up too much floor space. There are some beautiful arched designs available, including architecturally inspired statement pieces that bring to mind Roman aqueducts and viaducts. Whether you opt for one large mirror or a few smaller ones grouped together, it’s an easy way to incorporate the architectural arch feel without any DIY. Similarly, an arched cupboard can mimic the look of a doorway, giving the impression of more space even though you’re adding a piece of furniture to the room.
The soft, rounded arch helps to make larger cupboards feel softer and less imposing, even if they have wooden doors.
