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Paint Color Ideas Around Corner Arches

by Garnet Greene

Overview

If you're lucky enough to have a home or business designed in the style of European or Mediterranean architecture, you may have arched details. An arch is a sensual design feature that draws the eye. Your paint choices can either accentuate or play down this tendency.
Put The Spotlight On Your Arch

An arch will naturally stand out in any room. Ways to make it more prominent include the following: paint any trim in a contrasting color, paint the inside of the arch a vibrant or contrasting color, or paint what is beyond the arch a brighter color then the space preceding it. You can also decorate the arch itself with painted stencils, mosaic tile or wooden or metal scrollwork.

Traditional Arch

Neutralize Your Arch

If you dislike your corner arch, or don't want it to be a focal point, you can limit its impact. Paint it in the same tones as the surrounding room and do not choose a different color for its trim or accents. In fact, you could choose to remove the trim on your arch altogether. The area beyond your arch should also be neutral in color if you do not wish to call attention to it. Another way to neutralize the effect of your arch is to create another strong focal point in your room. If you dislike your arch intensely, consider eliminating it through construction, or hide it with strategically placed curtains or a tapestry.
Choose Colors Based on Design Styles

If your arch is part of a house with Mediterranean architecture, consider working with colors appropriate to that style. A Mediterranean palette includes colors of the ocean and the dry countryside, including colors such as browns, olive and sage greens, eggplants, creams, golds, aquas and whites. If your arch resides in a traditional home, choose white trim with traditional colors like Wedgewood Blue, subtle pinks, true reds, pale yellows and hunter greens.

Arch with Mosaic
Gild Your Arch

A variety of techniques could make your arch shine. If you like the look of metallic colors, consider gilding your arches' trim in gold, copper, bronze or silver. Metallic accents can be created with metallic color paint or actual gilding. Gilding involves buying very thin sheets of your metal of choice and rubbing or burnishing them onto your surface. Sheets of gilding are very delicate and a little tricky to work with at first. With patience you can quickly get the hang of the technique.
Add Beads To Your Arch

Strands of beads dangling from your arch will add interest and a touch of exoticism. Because your arch is a unique shape, you may not be able to work with bead dividers that are purchased commercially. You'll have to make your own strands, but this will allow you to decide on their length, and even have your strands end in a rounded line paralleling the shape of the arch. If you need technical help on stringing beads and securing them, ask for help at your local bead store. Most bead stores are delighted to assist paying customers, and the majority of their employees are beading experts.