New topic here–I’m desperately seeking an answer to my dilemma: I recently purchased a 1940s era home, which features an archway leading from my art studio to the back rooms. I would like a door constructed for that archway. The arch is a little rough, not a perfect arch. And this home is not Spanish-style, which might feature an arched doorway. The other interior doors are all narrow and taller than this doorway, with inset panels, and they are wooden doors.
Can you give me an idea of the type of door that would fit this period home and how to construct it? Wrought iron? Louvered? Glass? And how do I handle that rough-hewn arch at the top? The door is constructed from plaster, and all walls in the house are a simple white finish on plaster.
The purpose of this door is to keep several pets (cats) in the back part of the house. If the door has large openings, the cats could climb through.
Thank you for any assistance.
Replies
What style is your house?
"A completed home is a listed home."
It was built in 1948, but was rehabbed before I purchased it. Only the period light fixtures, older kitchen cabinets, and large bronze heat registers identify it from that time period. I think it's basically open to almost anything design-wise.
From what you've said (existing doors are more narrow and tall, roughness of archway), I'm wondering if the archway might have been part of the "rehab" you mention, and not original to the home? If it's not original (and so not a part of the architecture of the original building), why not take out the arch, square off the opening, and put in a full divided light glass door?
That would be very much in keeping with the age of your house and wouldn't block light to the back hall, but would keep the cats where they belong. It would take a lot less time to remove the arch than it would to make a door yourself. Get some vintage reproduction hardware for the door and it will look like it has always been there.
"A completed home is a listed home."
Lisa, that sounds like it would work--I've been racking my brain and probably making it a more complicated procedure than it needs to be. Thanks for the advice.
You could use a solid arched transom panel, to square off the arch and put in a regular door, if you have the height.