nealtw

Here is a selection, I like the fifth one.
http://www.houzz.com/arch-doorway

drewdin

I like the 3rd and 5th one, im leaning towards that design, the wife might nix that decision tho...

nealtw

As long as you know who has to be happy.

drewdin

here is an update, i just put one screw in the center to I could get a nice visual and make sure I liked the height (I know its a little crooked...right now anyway). Here is the before and after, any suggestions?

nealtw

The arch looks allwrite. You are sure that isn't a baring wall?

drewdin

it is a bearing wall, i don't plan on removing anything, just adding the arch.

I removed all of the horsehair plaster and what you see is what was there.

nealtw

It has a drop in the middle and should be fixed while you are at it. A short wall on each side with studs a little to long, hammered into place will lift the ceiling up, notch in a header. A 2 ply 2x8 should hide nicely behind your arch. Evan if that's the why it was it needs a header.

drewdin

Hi Neal,

I planned on setting a 2x3 behind the arch but if a 2x8 is recommended ill do that instead if it can fit. The arch is too thick right now so I plan on cutting 6" off the height of it, that was going to leave 2" or so between the center of the arch and the existing header.

nealtw

If I was doing this for you and if that's a baring wall, the header would be installed and the I would ask how you want the arch to look. Your picture does show a droop in the center.

drewdin

Hi nealtw,

Are you saying that you would install 2x4's on the sides holding up a new 2x8 header and then the arch under the new header?