There are six basic arch styles that frame and
support doors, windows, porches, and other wall openings in homes.
A Roman
arch is a strong, rounded arch that
forms a semi-circle. Often made of masonry, Roman arches still stand in the
Coliseum.
A Syrian, or
segmental, arch forms a partial curve,
or eyebrow, over a door or window. This arch has a slight rise and is
semi-elliptical across the top.
Tudor
arches are often described as "flattened" Gothic arches. They feature a point at
the crown, but the span is much wider than the Gothic style.
A Flat
arch, also known as jack or straight arch, extends straight across an opening
with no curvature, creating a horizontal emphasis.
A narrow, pointed opening is the hallmark of a
Gothic
arch. The Gothic arch developed as a more sinuous and elegant successor to the
Roman arch and was widely used in cathedrals of the Middle Ages such as Notre
Dame in Paris.
A Moorish,
or horseshoe arch, extends beyond a
semi-circle. The top of the arch is rounded and then curves in slightly before
descending.