01Wide rounded arch
A full semicircular arch spanning the opening between living and dining looks classic and calm. Finish it in the same colour as the walls for a seamless look.
Dining hall design arch: 12 arch ideas for your home
Arches soften a room and give the dining area its own identity. Here's how to use them in modern Indian homes.
A dining hall design arch is one of the simplest ways to add character to an open-plan flat. An arch marks where the living area ends and the dining area begins, without the heaviness of a wall or a door. Arches also soften all the straight lines in a modern home.
Here are 12 arch ideas for the dining hall and living room, with notes on materials and how to build them in an existing flat.
02Wooden arch design for hall
A wooden or wood-laminate frame around the arch adds warmth and highlights the shape. Walnut and oak suit modern interiors.
03Arched niche in the dining wall
If you can't change the opening, add an arched recess in the dining wall for a buffet or crockery. Light it from inside.
04Arched mirror behind the dining table
A tall arched mirror gives the arch look without any construction. It also makes the dining area feel larger and brighter.
Flat-topped arch with rounded corners in a modern flat
05Latest arch design: flat-topped arch
A squared-off arch with rounded corners is a modern twist on the classic. It's easy to build with gypsum and looks fresh.
Arch with a carved jaali panel in the curve
06Arch with jaali infill
Fill the upper curve of the arch with a jaali panel for a traditional touch. It lets light through and adds pattern.
Two side-by-side arches leading into a dining hall
07Double arches
Two side-by-side arches, perhaps with a pillar between them, make a grand entrance to a large dining hall.
Crockery unit with arched glass shutters
08Arched crockery unit
A crockery unit with arched glass shutters echoes the arch theme in furniture. It's a subtle way to add curves.
Terracotta painted arch on a white dining wall
09Painted arch on a flat wall
Paint an arch shape in a contrasting colour behind the dining table. It costs very little and makes a big impact.
Linen curtain hanging inside an arch opening
10Arch with a curtain
Hang a curtain inside the arch for privacy when needed. Linen or cotton in a neutral colour keeps it light.
Lime-plaster textured arch in a warm beige tone
11Textured lime-plaster arch
Lime plaster or microcement gives the arch a handmade, Mediterranean look. It suits warm, earthy colour schemes.
Arched opening with built-in shelves on both sides
12Arch with built-in shelves
Build shelves into the thickness of an arched opening for books or decor. It uses the wall depth cleverly.
Thinking of adding an arch to your flat? Our interior designers in Kolkata can check your walls and show you how it will look in 3D.
How to add an arch in your dining hall
- Check the wall. Many flat walls are load-bearing or carry plumbing. An engineer should check before cutting any opening.
- Use gypsum for curves. In most flats, the arch is created with a gypsum or ply frame inside an existing opening, not by breaking the wall.
- Match the proportions. A wide, shallow arch suits low ceilings; a tall, narrow arch suits high ceilings.
- Repeat the curve. Echo the arch in a mirror, a crockery unit or a pendant to tie the look together.
- Plan lighting. A pendant over the dining table and a wall light inside the arch make it glow.
Materials and rough cost factors
- Gypsum arches are the most affordable and quickest to build.
- Wood or laminate framing adds to the cost depending on finish.
- Lime plaster or microcement finishes cost more than paint.
- Civil changes to widen an opening cost the most and need structural advice.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can I add an arch in an existing flat?
Usually yes, by building a gypsum or ply arch frame inside an existing opening. Cutting a new opening needs a structural check.
What is the latest arch design for a hall?
Flat-topped arches with rounded corners, textured lime-plaster finishes and arched mirrors or niches are popular modern options.
Do arches make a room look smaller?
No, a well-proportioned arch makes the opening feel softer and more open. Avoid very narrow arches in small rooms.
Which material is best for a wooden arch design?
Termite-treated ply with veneer or laminate finish, sealed on all edges. Solid wood is also used for carved designs.
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