Curvy, wavy and arch decorating ideas for every room
Cut corners with well-rounded decorating ideas
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Curved forms sit so well with this season's other key trends such as warm neutrals, global influences and Art Deco opulence, therefore it's no wonder round figures are so sought after right now. From architectural arches and niches to circle motif wallpaper, paint-effect scallops and rounded furniture, curves are leaving lines, right-angles and equilateral shapes grounded. Click or scroll through and take a look at these beautiful curvaceous decorating ideas that certainly soften any sharp edges.
Contrast with colour
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A bright colour on an archway, either inside an alcove or outside around its frame, will create a contrast that highlights the shape. It's a striking way to add even more impact and enhances the sense of space. This sunny shade called Marblehead Gold by Benjamin Moore cheers up the neutral scheme like a sunrise.
Enhance curved windows
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Windows are usually rectangular or square. So, if you have an arched or circle porthole design then show it off with pride! This contemporary home office looks sophisticated and luxe in monochrome, and the black-framed window is elevated by striking mural wallpaper that's printed with oversized black brushstrokes. If your window is white or varnished wood, paint it black for a striking statement.
Paint a curvy headboard
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Give a divan bed an update with a faux headboard that's curved. Measure the spot behind the bed to mark the position and length of the focal point. To create, hammer or nail into the wall to mark the centre of the semi-circle of the arch. Tie a piece of string (with a pencil on one end) to the pin. Hold the string taut and use the pencil to create an outline of the arch. Mask the semi-circle off with decorator's tape and paint inside. Visit Furniture And Choice for the full tutorial.
Highlight a heavenly bathroom vanity
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Enhance an alcove with leftover tiles to create a curvaceous statement in the bathroom. Glossy raspberry tiles brighten up this bathroom niche, while a rounded basin and arched mirror continue the soft understated and nostalgic glamour.
Stencil in scallops
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A two-tone wall adds impact and increases the sense of space. But, straight lines can look harsh. We love this vibrant look with extra scallop-edge detailing that instantly softens the feel. Create the look by using a side plate as a stencil to draw semi-circles where the two colours join.
Take to the floor
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Painted floors can look striking but when the statement is made in curves it's twice as noteworthy. "The idea of using soft pink chalk paint in Antoinette with rambunctious, zesty Barcelona Orange to paint those circle shapes was born of a desire to simple paint something happy," says paint pro, Annie Sloane.
Soften monochrome
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Shaped boucle sofas and armchairs make a refined yet inviting statement in all-white contemporary spaces. Dunelm's Curves range gives a nod to the sculptural trend with a selection of cocooning boucle sofas and asymmetric armchairs. "Each piece makes for a considered addition to a grown-up setting," says Debbie Drake, Design Director at Dunelm.
Curl up with wallpaper
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Wallpaper is a useful tool for easily adding temporary colour and pattern to a space. Pastel colours and a repeat pattern of soft arching shapes in peach, baby blue and mint green will freshen up a teen bedroom with a retro twist.
Make waves in the bathroom
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Nautical themes are a bathroom scheme favourite so a windowscape of tumbling waves looks right at home here, to create privacy without heavy blinds or shutters. The stormy and whirling print eases the harsh edges of exposed walls and black window frames, yet suits the industrial tone.
Shape up an upcycle project
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Breathe new life into an old 'square' chest of drawers by giving it a new scalloped paint design. Interiors influencer Rachel Verney of @the_shoestring_home stamped her own style on this upcycled dresser with perky pink and teal paint. Curved hairpin legs raise the bar further, creating a vintage finish.
Zone a dressing table
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Zone a compact dressing table in the bedroom with an arched paint effect. This pretty blush arch softens the black furniture and creates a dedicated area for pampering. Use the pencil and string technique to sketch out the curve from the midpoint first. A circular mirror enhances the curved feature wall with a luxe look.
Settle into a home office snug
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Set against a linear backdrop of russet red, this curved enclosed home office desk space set under a low hanging complementary circular pendant oozes contemporary professionalism. The clever desk screen allows light to fall through the woven craftsmanship as well as plenty of privacy. The curvaceous black desk lamp and chair are also no coincidence.
Make a movie star statement
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When teamed with opulent upholstery and finishes, curves and arches take on the glamour of the 1950s. Influenced by Art Deco style, decadent beds made with striking plush velvet headboards and sphere lamps with curvaceous gold fixtures conjure up scenes of prestigious five-star hotel rooms for film stars and cruise liner cabins for celebrities of that time.
Install a curvy kitchen island
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Add some curves in the kitchen by installing a curved kitchen island. While curves can be more expensive than standard cabinetry due to the extra craftsmanship involved, to keep costs down opt for just a curved centre island and go for a contrasting shade to make it the star! If you've not got the space for an island, add a curved cabinet at the end of a run of units instead.
Tile with curves
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These fish scale patterned tiles in soft pink and powder blue add a whimsical mermaid vibe to this pretty bathroom. Additional curved fixtures and fittings like the pill-shaped bath, floor-mounted taps and lozenge-shaped mirror complete the Art Deco opulent space.
Blur sharp edges in the kitchen
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In a galley kitchen with long straight worktops and structured lines of open shelving, a circular patterned, kitchen splashback of patterned tiles offers welcome relief. This trellis pattern creates a kaleidoscopic look that's not too overloaded thanks to a white background.
Double up on paint effects
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The great characteristic of ovals and curves is that there is no need to be exact. We've shown you how to create a perfect semi-circle focal point on walls. But a free-hand paint impression can look inviting and abstract, too. Double up the effect with not one but two arches in paint tones that complement or contrast each other.
Love lozenge shapes
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Lozenge shape furniture began popping up in architectural and design magazines back in 2019 and finally, they are hitting our homes. While some curvy pill-shaped sofas and curved capsule furniture have been tapered down for us consumers, this luxe design by Jonathan Adler perfectly embodies the trend. Sociable and stylish – it's gorgeous!
Nurture curves in the nursery
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Curved furniture looks beautiful but of course, it serves a further purpose – there are no sharp edges for little ones to bump themselves on. This luxury Danish designed cot bed is suitable from birth up to eight years old, so it will grow with your child and won't go out of style. Made from eco-friendly beech painted in soft sage green, it has style and substance ideal for a gender-neutral nursery.
Bring in arched alcoves
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If you're handy at DIY or know a good carpenter, why not give an alcove on-trend curved edges, using plasterboard and plywood? Then, if you don't need to use your alcove for storage, why not highlight it as a decorative feature instead? Wallpaper with strong colour and pattern can often overwhelm a space, but used sparingly in just one zone can create a balanced character. We love how the floral print of this vintage 'Bloomsbury Neo Mint' wallpaper by Graham & Brown creates a striking, feature headboard effect in an arched alcove.
Cocoon yourself in bed
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Choose a piece of statement furniture that encapsulates the look both practically and aesthetically. This vibrant yellow, elegantly curved bed has super soft winged velvet sides that encase and swaddle you to sleep. Against a cobalt blue backdrop, its shape makes a striking, mid-century style statement.
Stick with Scandi shapes
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Scandinavian design has always had a love affair with curved forms. There are so many signature Scandinavian pieces, such as the famous Fritz Jacobsen Egg chair, the Wishbone dining chair designed by Hans J. Wegner from Carl Hanson & Son and the Poul Henningsen PH Artichoke pendant. These icons are still replicated today and are curved to perfection. Complete the look by hanging a rounded pendant over a circular table to create a space that's welcoming and perfect for entertaining.
Paint retro rainbows
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Featuring a painted rainbow wall effect in bold colours, this bedroom ticks all the retro boxes. Clashing shades in purple, yellow and pink burst out of the navy blue backdrop. Bold jewel colours and gold-toned accessories add to the 70s-style drama for maximum impact.
Embrace natural curves
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The beauty of natural materials is that they can be manufactured into all sorts of shapes and curves like a charm. Sustainable supplies like rattan, seagrass and bamboo is a fool-proof fit for circular seating, arched accessories and belly basket storage. In this calming living space, the circular natural rattan coffee table is the true star of the show.
Set up a serene bedroom
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Combining curved accessories and artwork on a shelf above a scalloped headboard evokes the glamour of 1970s fashion houses. Soft shades such as cedar green and pastel pink teamed with luxe fixtures creates a soothing and refined bedroom that's ideal for trend followers who like to feel pampered.
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