Easy Ways to Arch a Doorway

Plywood or Drywall

• For a permanent addition to your home, construct your doorway arch from a standard framework of lumber and face it with plywood, Masonite or drywall. Newer, more flexible plywood can make a “from-scratch” job even easier, or purchase arch kits from most DIY stores to simplify the job still further.

Decorative Brackets

• If a permanent installation is out of the question because you are renting or don't care to tackle a construction project, you can simulate an arch with decorative brackets -- in architectural parlance, called beams, brackets or corbels and usually collectively referred to as the cornice. Though primarily installed to support structures in the past, currently they are used mostly decoratively, often as light support for shelves or bar counters. They are available from home improvement stores in plain to highly ornate styles. Mount one against each upper inside corner of your door frame to quickly create an openwork arch that you can unfasten just as easily when you move.

Swags and Curtains

• Another way to simulate an arched doorway is with draperies. Mount a piece of curved PVC pipe over the top of the door frame with screws or curtain rod brackets, then use that as a curved curtain rod to hang swags or draperies that conceal the square door frame. You can also purchase ready-to-mount curved curtain rods. Cover both sides of the doorway for a more complete illusion.

Hanging Decorative Elements

• For a softer, less obvious arch, hang decorative elements on monofilament line or thin wire from a curved rod mounted inside the door frame. Vary the length of the strands to create an arching effect. Hanging glass beads, shells or even polished copper or brass tubes such as those used for wind chimes adds a bit of subtle flair to your decor.