Give your design a lift with groin arches

Groin Arches Add Character to Your Home Design

Groin arches are among our most popular arches, and it’s easy to see why. Install them in just one room and you’ll quickly see how it transforms your entire home. Although it seems to be a very specific look, the groin arch can actually work with many different styles. With an intricate design and rich history, it’s easy to think that it should be reserved for Romanesque or medieval designs – but that’s just not true. Many modern homes incorporate groin arches seamlessly. It just goes to show that what you do with the arch is as important as the arch itself. The groin arch has its own character, but it really comes alive when you add a personal touch. Let’s look at a few examples.

This example shows that groin arches don’t have to be typical. Many groin arches are installed in hallways and entryways, and they span the entire width of the ceiling. This arch is inset into the center of the ceiling with a cove around it. When it’s dry-walled and designed, it’ll be a sight to behold. This design would be perfect to add character to a bedroom or media room.

And sometimes, groin arches are installed in small rooms to span the width of the ceiling. It creates a very dramatic effect, for sure.

When groin arches begin further down the wall, the result is always more dramatic. Up until now, we’ve looked at bare arches. So now, it’s time to see how a finished arch can give character to a home. Because the arches themselves are somewhat elaborate, even simple artwork can provide a major impact. Can you imagine a hallway like this one in your next home design? It certainly has character.

Now, let’s talk logistics. Sure, groin arches have that “wow” factor, but that usually means it’s not going to fit in your budget, right? Wrong. Actually, our arches are quite affordable because they’re prefabricated. That doesn’t mean you’re going to get a cookie cutter product, though. Every arch is made to your precise specs (within ¼ inch).

Want to get started right away (and how could you not with such great inspiration)? No problem. As soon as we have your order, we’ll start building your groin arch. In fact, it’ll be on a truck en route to you within just five business days. So, what are you waiting for? Get off the computer and get out the measuring tape. We only need three measurements to get going.

Groin Arch vs. Barrel Vault

Can’t choose between a groin arch or barrel? Here are some things to consider.

Are you torn between which arch to choose for your ceiling. If you ask us, you can’t really go wrong either way, but still, there are some things you may want to consider before making your decision.

Style

Style is the most obvious consideration. Although a groin arch is made up of intersecting barrel arches, the look is very different. A groin arch will give your space a more gothic look, while a barrel vault is much more smooth and simple. It’ll give you the feeling that you’re walking through a tunnel whenever you enter your barrel vaulted space. With a barrel vault, you have the option of having an intricate mural painted on its inside. You could do the same with a groin arch, but it’ll seem busier. Most groin vaults aren’t heavily decorated because of their more intricate design. With all that said, though, a groin arch will create a more unique and awe-inspiring effect.

Budget

Because a groin arch is made up of intersecting barrel arches, there’s a bit more involved in its creation. Of course, that translates to a bit more in cost too. Those who add groin arches to their homes say it’s well worthwhile, but that choice is yours to make. If you’re looking for an extremely opulent ceiling, there’s nothing that will compare to the groin vault. There is one possible workaround, though. Going back to the style consideration, if you happen to be an artist or know one that would be willing to do a pro bono painting on your barrel vault ceiling, you can create a similar jaw-dropping effect with a custom-painted mural.

Timeframe

If you were having these arches custom built, time would be a consideration. A groin vault would probably take longer to craft than a barrel arch because a barrel arch is simpler in design. But with our prefabricated kits, there is absolutely no difference. From the time you place your order, your groin or barrel vault will be shipped to your doorstep, or at your jobsite, within five days. Period.

Effort to Install

Our prefabricated ceiling kits are so easy to install that it doesn’t make too much of a difference between barrel and groin. The biggest disparity of time and effort is going to be with installing drywall. Instead of dealing with the one curve you would have to drywall with a barrel vault, you’re going to have four with a groin arch. If you’re paying someone to do the drywall, the groin vault will cost more.

There are definitely a few things to consider before you decide to go with a groin arch over a barrel, but it’s your choice to make. Have a look through some of the pictures in our gallery to see what both look like when they’re installed and painted. If you’re wavering, a little eye candy should help seal the deal.