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Painted arch above desk with child’s bed
Looking for a wall painting technique that can update any room and create a stylish zoned area at the same time? Try painting an arch. Follow our simple steps for creating the perfect painted arch using Dulux Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground.
The launch of Dulux Colour of the Year 2021,
, is the perfect opportunity to think about being bolder with paint in your home. Want to update a tired space or add a bit of visual interest to a room? Painting an arch can help you achieve both. Not only is it a wall-painting technique that allows you to experiment with a two-color combination, it’s also a clever way to zone your space, creating an interesting focal point. Think it’s hard to achieve? Think again. Our simple step-by-step guide makes it easy. Brave Ground
Painting equipment including rollers and paint
To paint an arch on your wall, you will need:
Tin of each of your chosen paint colors, with a contrasting shade for the arch
x1 large roller and tray
x1 small roller and tray
Spirit level
Measuring tape
Pencil
Ball of string
Keys
Chalk
Masking tape
1.5” paint brush
Pins
Scissors
For an instant preview of what your color choices could look like in your room, download the free
Narrowed it down to a few shades? Try them out with a tester to discover your perfect color combination.
Apply your background color first, using a roller to cover a large surface area. Create M and W shapes as you roll to achieve an even coverage. Once the paint is completely dry (this can take from 2-4 hours), you’re ready to start your arch.
First, cut a long length of string and attach keys to one end.
Use masking tape, stick the string to the wall at the right height for the side of your arch. Cover the string with chalk and ping against the wall to make a chalk-line guide. Mask along this line with tape.
Decide on the width of your arch and, using a spirit level, make a mark for the top of the the other side at the same height. Repeat the process above.
Measure the gap between the two sides and mark the mid-point.
Attach a pencil to the end of a length of string. Pin the string at the mid-point between the two sides so that the pencil reaches the top of both side lines.
Draw a semi-circle to form the top of your arch, then carefully paint the outline using a paintbrush. Fill in the rest of the arch using a roller.
Gently remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet.
Looking for more inspiration on clever wall color ideas using this technique? Here are four ways you can bring a beautiful arch into your home:
1. Simple and stylish zoning with a paint-effect arch
Painted arch above desk with child’s bed
Creating a simple arch using a paint color a few shades paler than your wall color is an effective way of defining the area above a desk or sideboard. Mixing the warm natural tone of Dulux Colour of the Year 2021 with a lighter, complementary shade makes for a smart and subtle two-tone look that would work anywhere.
Which colors?
10YY 30/106 E7.10.53
90YR 48/062 E0.04.67
2. A tailormade headboard for the cost of a can paint
Split painted arch behind bed with window and shutters
Wondering what to do with your bedroom walls? Here’s an idea that’s easy to achieve and very effective. Create a dramatic feature wall in the bedroom, by painting an oversized arch behind your bed in Dulux Colour of the Year 2021, Brave Ground. Divided with a stripe the same color as your wall, it creates a stylish and inexpensive paint-effect bedhead.
Which colors?
10YY 30/106 E7.10.53
00YY 74/053 E5.03.82
3. Combining colors and curves with a repeat arch pattern
Cream and brown curves on wall with dining table and chairs in front
Don’t want a conventional arch on your walls? Get creative with this wall-painting technique. Paint a series of side-on arches on your wall in toning Timeless colors – one of our ready-made paint palettes that make it easy to experiment with complementary color combinations. Creating interesting and graphic curves on your wall, this paint effect will give a graphic, modern look to any room.
Which colors?
10YY 30/106 E7.10.53
00YY 26/220 E4.22.49
00YY 74/053 E5.03.82
4. Clever paint effect idea for an open plan living room
Open plan dining room with wooden table and tall windows on left-hand side
Once you’ve mastered this wall-painting technique, why stick at just one arch? In a large, open
space, a series can make a real impact. Here, arches in Dulux Colour of the Year create a feature between floor-to-ceiings windows. Offset against warm ochre walls, they make a striking backdrop for a contemporary kitchen. You can create the same effect using a range of different colours, so be bold and experiment.
Which colors?
10YY 30/106 E7.10.53
00YY 26/220 E4.22.49
00YY 21/321 E5.37.44
