How to Make an Arch for the Bathroom

Measure a 1-inch-by-1-inch notch in the corner of a wood board measuring 29-inches-by-10-inches-by-1-inch. Cut a notch of the same size from each corner of the board with a circular saw. Repeat this step with the other 29-by-10-by-1 board. The boards serve as the shelves for the arch.

Lay out all of the wood pieces and sand the tops and sides with fine-grit sandpaper until they're smooth. Finish each piece of wood with a coat of paint and let them dry. Apply additional coats if needed for a darker shade.

Place two of the 60-inches-by-2-inches-by-1-inch boards vertically against the wall, so the boards sit 60 inches above the floor. Measure down 6 inches from the top of each board and apply a dab of glue to both pieces. Press the notched areas of the shelf board onto the glue. The notches should wrap around the leg pieces. Add more glue to the remaining two 60-by-2-by-1-inch pieces and attach them to the remaining two notches in the shelf. Clamp the wood together. The piece should have four legs with a flat shelf near the top, resembling a table with long legs.

Measure 8 inches down from the top shelf board and apply wood glue to the four side boards, which also act as the legs. Slide the second shelf board against the glue and clamp. Press the notched areas of the shelf against the glue, wrapping the notches around the legs. Let the wood glue dry overnight and remove the clamps. The notches on the corners of each board should sit flush with two corners on each leg.

Drive a 2-inch wood screw through the side board and into the bottom shelf. Work your way around the shelf, driving a 2-inch wood screw through each corner piece. The combination of glue and screws keep the shelf together.

Apply a dab of wood glue to the tops of the two side boards on the left side. Lay a 12-by-10-inch lattice board on the glue. Apply wood glue to the top edge of the lattice and to the right side legs. Lay a second lattice board on the glue and press it into place.

Attach 2-inch wood screws through the lattice board and into the legs on either side. Apply a thin coat of wood glue across the top, where the lattice boards meet. The lattice creates an angular arch at the top of the bathroom shelf.