Arch decoration with decorative faux stone — various types

4 min readApr 29, 2022

The arch is an essential architectural element through which you can visually enlarge a small area in the house, or zone efficiently a large room. A well-decorated arch passage visually expands the space, separates adjacent rooms functionally and creates a merged space.

Arches can be decorated with different materials. Due to its aesthetic qualities, low weight and easy installation, faux stone is a particularly suitable material for decorating arches.

You Can Decorate the Arch with Faux Stone

Arches decorated with faux stone come in different geometric configurations. The classic — straight sides and arched top — this design fits organically into any interior. Ellipsoid — with an arc in the form of a regular or irregular oval. Rectangular or portal type — the side and upper parts form a right angle. Round — looks really nice in combination with bright, colorful walls — they are usually preferred by owners of futuristic interiors. Curly — the sides form smooth lines and thereby violate the perpendicularity with respect to the floor. The shape of the arch depends on the size of the opening and the height of the ceiling, the function of the room and its interior design.

The pattern of the cladding itself can be symmetrical and asymmetrical. Finished using the “torn stone” technology, the arched openings do not have symmetry, but they look non-standard and complement the rooms with their original layout. A symmetrically lined arch with stones to match the wall looks better in classic, calm interiors. Combine a variety of shades of the same color of the faux stone and alternate vertical and horizontal tiles.

The arches with their decoration can be also divided into passive and active. The former serve as a simple border, while the latter, which are distinguished by an unusual shape, are themselves an interior decoration. Simple passive types include such types as classical, modern (with a pronounced rise), romance (the arc is rounded on the sides, but cut off at the top) and others. Complex active ones are oriental, horseshoe-shaped, trapezoidal, lancet and others. They have jagged edges and are sometimes located at several levels.

There are also two ways of laying the faux stone — with or without pronounced grouts. In residential areas, the grouts are usually preserved, as this gives the arch a special zest. They are made wide enough, and then filled with the desired shade. There is also an angular option that helps to decorate the upper part of the arch without any problems. But it should be selected very carefully, completing all the calculations. If the arch itself is made of drywall, then choose a flexible, lightweight acrylic material, or plaster tiles. A brick arch can be decorated with stones on a sand-cement mortar. Try to choose a narrow tile — it is easier to mount it on the semicircular part of the opening. The cost of such material depends on the country of manufacture, firm, quality, weight and even patterns on the stone.

Often the design of the arched opening is complemented by the right lighting and plant decoration. The choice of lighting depends on the style of the arch and the faux stone used: there are built-in and inconspicuous models, artsy sconces, or bright LED lights. With the help of light, the expected mood is given: mystical, solemn and upbeat, calm and relaxed, or neutral.

Decorative faux stone is usually created from natural components: expanded clay, cement and pumice with the addition of a special mineral pigment to give color. Such material is considered environmentally friendly and safe — it does not corrode, and is resistant to decay and fungi. The way of its creation and processing gives it qualities that are usually not inferior to natural stone. Faux stone is resistant to very high and low temperatures, so it is often used for facing fireplaces and exterior walls. It can also be used in rooms with high humidity — swimming pools, bathrooms and others. The surface is smooth, or resembles a rough and untreated stone. The basis of the decor is made of acrylic, quartzite, or with a base of gypsum, alabaster or a mixture of cement and sand. It is worth adding that an arch made of such material is easy to clean and dry with conventional means.

Browse some interesting faux stone and natural stone products:

Photo by sixtyseven

Arch decoration with decorative faux stone — various types

Written by Valentina Georgieva