How to Make a DIY Painted Arch

By
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a DIY expert and writer focusing on cooking, crafting, and making home decor projects.

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Updated on 07/17/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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Tan-colored painted arch behind console table with record player, houseplant and books

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 - 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20

Bold and colorful painted arches are popular design features making appearances in professionally-designed homes and Instagram-worthy bedrooms alike, bringing life to drab walls and giving spaces a retro-chic vibe. If you don’t have the budget for an interior designer, these trendy accents may seem out of reach. But actually, they make for a fun and easy DIY project. Plus, a DIY painted arch is a much more budget-friendly way to transform a room than going through the process of painting it entirely.

Arches painted with neutral and light colors give rooms a spacious and open feel, while deeper colors are more eye-catching and create a bold focal point in an otherwise standard room. Choose a color that fits with your space’s color scheme. Consider centering your arch on a decorative shelf to give it more impact or paint it on the wall at the head of your bed like a headboard.

Painted arches can also help to differentiate areas within the same room that have different purposes—like a living room with a painted arch as it transitions into a dining room.

Before You Begin

Decide where you want to put your arch. You may choose to use it to accentuate your favorite design feature or to enliven a blank wall. Either way, determine what size it needs to be and create a clear image in your mind so you can make a plan.

Examine the wall where you will paint your arch. Fill or patch any holes to create a smooth painting surface so that your paint will go on evenly. Wipe the area clean to get rid of any dirt and debris and make sure it’s nice and dry before painting.

Warning

Prolonged exposure to paint fumes can cause irritation in your eyes, throat, and skin.Be sure you're working in a well-ventilated space and use a fan if necessary.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Painter's tape
  • Pencil
  • Straight edge
  • Level
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint roller
  • Drop cloth

Materials

  • 1 pint Paint

Instructions

Materials and tools to make a DIY painted arch

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  1. Trace Arch Shape Onto the Wall

    Once you’ve settled on the size and location of your painted arch, trace the shape onto the wall. Use a straight edge (a yardstick or long level will work, too) to pencil on the outside vertical lines of your arch. Use your measuring tape to make sure everything is the correct size and a level to make sure it’s straight.

    Connect these two vertical lines to each other to form the curve at the top of the arch. The best way to do this is to measure and mark the exact center point between your two arch edges. Measure the distance from the center of the arch to the edge and cut a string that length, plus an inch or two extra. Tie the string to your pencil and tape the other end to the wall at the center point of your arch. Then, hold the string taut and rotate it from edge to edge, marking the wall with the pencil while you do so. Now, you’ll have an even semi-circle to form the top of your arch.

    Arch shape traced on wall with pencil and string for measuring

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Apply Painter’s Tape

    Surround your arch shape with painter’s tape. For the rounded top portion of your arch, this may require a number of pieces of tape. The purpose is to create a barrier between the part of the wall you won't be painting and the paint. While some DIYers prefer to paint their arches without taping them off, this step is important to avoid mistakes. If you accidentally paint outside the lines, you’ll still have a clean shape at the end.

    Painter's tape added along traced line for DIY painted arch

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Paint the Arch

    Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect it from paint splatters and get to work painting your arch. Use a paintbrush to carefully paint the edge of the arch first. Once the edge is finished, you can switch out your brush for a roller and paint the interior of the shape.

    If you’d like a deeper color, you can paint multiple coats. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding a new one—dry time instructions should be included on the paint can, but plan for at least two hours between coats.

    Paint roller with light tan paint being applied within traced arch

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Remove Painter’s Tape

    Carefully remove the painter’s tape that you had applied around your arch shape and go slow to avoid ripping pieces off. After you’ve removed all the tape, you should be left with a beautiful painted arch with sharp, crisp edges. 

    Painter's tape removed from wall to expose DIY painted arch

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

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  1. Paints for Indoor Use. National Capital Poison Center.