Design your own arched wall moulding frames
A rounded top gives a wall frame a different presence. Arched wall mouldings draw the eye upwards and introduce a softer outline beside the straight edges of furniture, doors and windows.
Use a single arch to define a particular part of the room, or repeat the curve to establish a gentle rhythm across a longer wall. The relationship between the rounded top and the vertical sides gives each arrangement its character.
Explore how that shape could work in your home with the Orac wall moulding calculator. Begin with your own wall and develop an arched composition that belongs in the space.
Bring curves into your wall design
Arches can introduce a new shape into a room without changing its architecture. A repeated curve offers a contrast to a straight ceiling line, while a single rounded frame can make an otherwise overlooked area feel more deliberate.
Think about where the curve should sit within the whole wall. Its height, the length of the straight sides and the breathing space above it all affect the result. A balanced design gives the rounded detail enough room to be clearly recognised.
- Judge the height of your archesUse the scaled view to assess the rounded tops in relation to your wall and the space above them.
- Understand the profile quantitiesThe material calculation distinguishes the flexible curved sections from the matching straight mouldings.
- Compare the cost of your arrangementCheck the material total as you change the selected profile and the number of arches.
- Allow for existing wall fittingsInclude faceplates early and explore suggested changes if they interfere with a frame.
A few arch ideas, almost endless combinations
The designs below illustrate only a small selection of what you can create. Combining frame counts, row proportions and spacing in the calculator opens up almost endless possibilities, within the limits of your wall and chosen flexible profile.
Each diagram uses a 400 × 270 cm wall as a common reference. Compare the open and closed outlines, then look at how extra rows alter the composition. Your own dimensions may lead to a different balance between the curve, the straight sections and the surrounding wall.
One generous arch
A single curved frame creates a focal point without dividing the entire wall into separate panels. It can give a reading corner, console or bed a distinct backdrop. Think about how the top of the arch relates to the ceiling and any nearby doorways so the curve has room to stand out.
A balanced pair of arches
Two matching arches introduce a gentle repetition across the surface. This arrangement can frame a pair of furnishings or divide a wide backdrop into two visual zones. The space between the arches helps separate their outlines, so consider that interval alongside the width of each frame.
Three arches in a continuous rhythm
A sequence of three curved tops creates a recognisable rhythm across a longer wall. Repeated proportions connect the frames while the vertical sides keep the composition structured. View the arrangement with your furniture in mind: the arches should read as one considered backdrop rather than three unrelated decorations.
Arches with an open lower edge
Leaving the lowest frames open changes the outline from a complete enclosure into a more architectural gesture. The vertical sides continue towards the lower part of the wall without a closing horizontal moulding. This gives the bottom edge a different relationship with your skirting and furniture.
Arches above a second row
Combine curved upper frames with a smaller row beneath them to introduce a horizontal division. The upper section carries the rounded detail, while the lower frames give the arrangement a grounded base. Choose the row proportions with the height of seating and other furnishings in mind.
A layered arrangement over three rows
An arched top row can become part of a more detailed composition with two rows below. This adds structure without repeating the curved top at every level. Consider the overall density of lines, especially where artwork, shelving or other decorative elements will also appear on the wall.
Plan your arches around sockets and switches
A faceplate near the side of an arch can interrupt an otherwise continuous line. Recording it during the design stage helps you consider the frame as it will actually meet the wall, including the space needed around the fitting.
Add the faceplate dimensions, its position and your chosen clearance in the calculator. If the arrangement creates a collision, request suggestions and compare the available alternatives. The adjustment concerns the moulding layout; the socket or switch remains where it is.
A fitting interrupts the outline
The initial arrangement places a moulding across an existing faceplate. Marking its position reveals where the arch layout needs attention, rather than leaving that decision until installation.
Room for the fitting within the design
The revised composition allows for the faceplate while retaining the arched character of the wall. Review the effect on the neighbouring frames as well as the clearance around the fitting.
Create your arch layout in six steps
Have your wall measurements ready before selecting an arch profile. The curve needs to work within the available surface, so the calculator takes you from the wall dimensions through the frame arrangement to the details around existing fittings.
The six design steps are followed by a separate cost summary. Keep the scaled drawing in view as you make your choices to check how each change affects the arched composition.
Enter the wall measurements
Give this wall a name and enter its full width. For the height, use the area between your skirting and cornice, excluding any existing or planned mouldings at those edges.
Select the arch shape
Choose Arch in the frame shape options. This sets up a composition with rounded tops rather than the right-angled upper corners of straight frames.
Pick a flexible Orac profile
Choose from the flexible profiles offered for arches. The curved sections use the flexible version, while the straight sides are formed with its corresponding standard profile.
Arrange your arched frames
Set the number of columns and rows, then choose the available proportions. For a single-row arch arrangement, select whether the lowest edge is open or closed.
Leave space around the outlines
Set the outer margins and the intervals between frames. Use a shared spacing value or refine the individual edges and gaps. These measurements refer to the outside of the moulding.
Include electrical faceplates
Add your sockets and switches with their dimensions, positions and clearance. Where a conflict is detected, check the available layout proposals before accepting an adjustment. Skip this step if it is not needed.
Review the materials for your curves
The cost summary brings together the required flexible and standard mouldings, along with the total material cost. Add the recommended Orac adhesives and filler if needed, then place your selection in the cart. Arched designs are supplied uncut; the cutting service is not available for this shape.
Calculate your arched designFlexible curves with matching straight sections
An arched frame combines two different requirements: a profile that follows the rounded top and straight mouldings for the sides. The calculator uses a suitable flexible Orac profile for the curve and the corresponding standard profile for the straight parts.
The minimum bending radius matters when you choose the dimensions of an arch. Check the information for the selected profile and work within its limits. Some longer curved sections require two flexible lengths to be joined, so allow for this when preparing your installation.
Prepare the curved outline
Mark the intended curve on the wall before fixing the flexible moulding. Check the profile-specific bending and installation guidance, and plan any joins required along the curved section. A consistent outline helps the transition into the vertical sides look deliberate.
Order uncut and finish on site
Arched designs are supplied as uncut moulding lengths. Prepare the straight sections and flexible parts to suit the final set-out on your wall, then follow the Orac instructions for fixing, joining and finishing the selected products.
Questions about arched wall mouldings
Which Orac mouldings can form an arch?
Use a flexible Orac profile offered in the Arch section of the calculator. The suitability of a curve depends on the selected profile and its permitted bending radius; standard rigid mouldings are used for the straight sections.
Can I leave the bottom of an arched frame open?
Yes. For a single-row arch arrangement, the calculator provides an open or closed lower-edge choice. An open frame has no horizontal moulding closing its bottom.
Can I place smaller frames below the arches?
The arch layout supports multiple rows. You can use an arched upper section with additional frames beneath it and adjust the available row proportions.
Are arched frames supplied cut to size?
No. The cutting service is not available for arched frames. The calculator lists the required mouldings, which are supplied uncut for preparation and installation on site.
What happens when a faceplate crosses my arch layout?
Once a socket or switch has been entered, the calculator checks it against the mouldings and the specified clearance. If there is a conflict, request alternative layouts and preview any suitable proposals. The electrical fitting stays in its original position.
How are longer curved sections made?
The calculator notes that some long arches require two flexible moulding lengths to be joined for each curved section. Follow the guidance for your selected Orac profile when preparing, joining and fixing these lengths.
See where another outline could take you
