Adding an Arched Doorway to Your Home Remodel

An arch doorway is a door that has a curved top rather than 90-degree angles. Curved doorways have been used for centuries because they provide more architectural stability than a straight doorway. Although this was a must when brick and stone were more common building materials, the appeal of curved doors has never really gone away. 

Historic homes are far more likely to have a doorway arch, with the style remaining popular through the 50s. But in more modern homes, straight-line doors became the norm because they are generally faster and easier to build. 

However, there is a timeless appeal to a curved doorway, which is why many homeowners planning a renovation want to incorporate arches into their home. Before you commit to adding an interior arch doorway, read our thoughts as an experienced Minneapolis design-build company.

Why Add an Arched Doorway? 

So many aspects of homes are hard lines and corners; an arched doorway’s rounded edges give a sense of softness and elegance. It adds architectural interest and creates a connected flow throughout your home.

“Arches work particularly well to connect rooms that work in tandem,” says Morgan Longhenry, one of JBDB’s designers. “By placing an arch between the kitchen and dining room, for example, you get a seamless transition while still keeping separate spaces.”

Here are a couple of other prime locations to add an arched entrance:

• From your entryway into the living room
• From the kitchen to the living room
• Between your bedroom and the connected bathroom suite
• In the bathroom leading to the shower

Arch Styles for Doorways

Arches come in different styles, from full arch, curved, or flattened, and can range from a traditional to a contemporary look, depending on how they’re styled.

For home architecture, arched doorways can go by many names, but here are a few of the most common styles you will find: 

• Semi-circular arches are very rounded, resembling a half-circle at the top of the door. In homes, semi-circular arches are more common for smaller doors, as the bigger the door is, the higher the ceiling needs to be.  
• Semi-elliptical arches are flatter, resembling a half-oval shape at the top of the door. Because the curve is more gradual, semi-eliptical arches are popular for wider doors, such as spaces between a dining room and a living room. 
• Segmental arches have a gradual curve that ends at a straight door frame, rather than tapering smoothly into the frame. They are similar to semi-elliptical arches in that they are suitable for wider entrances. 

In the image below, the larger arch in the foreground is a segmental arch dividing the dining room from the hallway. The smaller doorway in the background has a semicircular arch.  

Source 

When considering an arch for your home, it helps to ask yourself a few questions. Beyond shape, how do you want the arch to function as a design element? Do you want it to blend in or stand out and make a statement? Look to your home for clues about which style will fit best.

The JBDB team can also help you with the pros and cons of various options, making specific recommendations for the architectural style best suited to your home’s look and feel.

Interior Arch Doorway Design Considerations 

When remodeling, you want changes that enhance the features of your home instead of competing with them. Not every interior design style is suited for an arch. Such a big architectural update might be at odds with your current home design. Here are a few things to consider: 

• Ceiling height: A doorway needs enough room above the frame in order to create a curve. If installing a curved doorway or room transition in a space with standard 8-foot ceilings, it can actually make your space feel more closed off. 
• Structural requirements: Some door modifications are cosmetic, while others require reframing the opening or changing a load-bearing wall. 
• Total project cost: Because some door arches require structural changes, you will need to factor this into your renovation budget. 
• Consistency throughout the home: One isolated arch can sometimes feel out of place if the rest of your home has straight lines. Arches tend to feel more natural when curved details repeat throughout your home, whether through its architecture, your furniture, or your decor. 

Because there are so many factors to consider, it’s important to talk through this kind of decision with a design-build team. JBDB’s team can help you determine where and how to add this architectural element in a way that enhances your home’s overall design while meeting your budget and timeline goals.

What if I Want to Remove a Doorway Arch?

Maybe you’ve purchased a home with an arched doorway that doesn’t fit your vision. During your remodel, our build team can help remove or alter an existing arch.

“Adding and removing arched doorways is best left to the professionals,” says Pat Koester, one of JBDB’s lead carpenters. “Not only can we execute your exact vision, but we can plan for structural elements that could interfere with the project. Being proactive allows us to work efficiently, with optimal results.”

If you love arches but adding one architecturally doesn’t work for your space, adding arches to cabinets or custom-built-in shelves is another way to soften your space.

Work With an Award-Winning Minneapolis Design-Build Team

When changing the structural elements of your home, you want a company that understands both an aesthetic and logistical perspective. As a long-trusted Minneapolis design-build team, the James Barton Design-Build team works together to achieve the remodel you envision.

Planning a renovation? Talk to our team to start the process and discuss whether your home can be enhanced with an arched doorway.