The three curves people mean
A curved wall can be a faceted polyline (flat cabinets at angles), a smoothly bent cabinet, or a flexible module on a custom frame. Each has a different minimum radius and a different visual result. A sketch of an arc does not tell you which one you are buying.
Minimum radius by construction
| Construction | Typical minimum radius | Seam visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Faceted flat cabinets, 500 mm wide | 3 m at 10° per joint | Visible on slow pans |
| Die-cast cabinet with angle adjusters | 1.5 m | Slight, acceptable in most rooms |
| Bent cabinet | 0.8 m | Low |
| Flexible module on curved frame | 0.3 m | Very low, highest cost |
The geometry that decides seam visibility
For a faceted wall, the angle per joint is the arc angle divided by the number of joints. Ten degrees per joint reads as a series of flat panels from three metres. Four degrees per joint reads as a smooth curve from the same distance. If the design brief says 'smooth', the joint angle has to be specified, not just the radius.
The thing nobody calculates: content
A curved wall showing a straight horizontal line will reveal every facet. A curved wall showing video with movement hides them. If the client intends to show dashboards or architectural renders with straight lines, spend the money on a smaller joint angle or a bent cabinet. If it is brand video, a faceted wall is fine.
Structural note
A curved frame has to resist hoop stress. Each cabinet pushes outward against its neighbours. The end constraints carry that load, so the two end cabinets need heavier anchoring than the middle ones. Most frame failures on curved walls start at the ends.
What to ask for in the drawing
Radius, arc length, number of cabinets, angle per joint, and the cabinet type. Those five values let any supplier quote the same thing. A radius alone lets three suppliers quote three different walls.