Ceiling Beams – Structural Element Transformed into Decoration

Photo 1 — Ceiling beams in modern interior

Repair and Decoration of Beams

A house with beams is a great asset. They can be used as the basis for creating a stylish interior. The decoration of a ceiling with beams depends on the desired direction in which the room's design will be executed.

• old wooden beams can be sanded and stained, painted or varnished;

The color of the beams can match the ceiling or contrast with it. Each interior will suit its own decor: classic smooth varnished or rustic aged stained, Provence natural wood color, whitewashed Scandinavian, dark, bright modern, silver-plated, etc.

• painting on beams makes the interior special;

Vine patterns of plant ornaments, intricate curls, geometric motifs or ethnic drawings bring an atmosphere of mystery and fairy tale to the home.

• wood carving is a more complex way to decorate beams;

If the design can be done independently using a stencil without artistic abilities, an unsteady hand will hardly create beautiful carving. This work must be ordered from a master and will cost according to its complexity.

• beams can be decorated with lighting;

Cast iron lamps, lanterns and candelabras, LED backlighting, recessed lights, etc.

• to recreate an ethnic color in the kitchen of a country house.

Dried herbs and flowers, spices, bundles of vegetables can be hung on the beams. A beam can be wrapped with a beautiful trim, pots with flowers or beautiful decor can be hung on it.

If you still want to hide the beams, this can be done with any suspended or stretched ceiling, but is it worth it…

Photo 2 — Modern Scandinavian style is characterized by lots of white color and wood, which is also reflected in the beam design

Interior of a House and Decorative Beams

Using beams, you can not only create a countryside home atmosphere in the style of country, Mediterranean or Scandinavian, but even decorate an apartment in classical English or modern style.

Different types of beams can be used for each interior. They are made not only from wood, but also from metal and polyurethane.

Wooden beams are a universal option, suitable for any interior in different styles. To hide utilities, particularly electrical wiring, a ceiling with false beams having a hollow in the center is installed. Polyurethane beams are suitable for these purposes, in addition they are lighter and cheaper than other types, and can be installed without the involvement of specialists, which cannot be said about metal beams.

Polyurethane beams are rarely used in residential buildings, except for loft apartments in former factory buildings. However, urban loft elements blend well with solid wooden beams.

Photo 3 — Light wooden beams are one of the characteristic elements of the Provence style

Placing beams on the ceiling depends on several factors. If the room is spacious and high, the distance between beams can be small. In a small room, just a few distant beams are enough.

Beams can be installed parallel to each other, converging in the center of the ceiling or crossing each other forming a grid. In the latter case, the ceiling will look higher and more voluminous, especially if the beams are painted in dark color and the ceiling between them is light. A similar, but monochromatic wooden ceiling is one of the elements of English Gothic: high vaults in English noble palaces were decorated with keel beams.

It is particularly interesting to see ceiling beams when there is no floor between the first floor and the attic of the house.

Cost of Ceiling Beams

Polyurethane ceiling beams can be bought starting from 500 rubles per meter. Decorative wooden false beam will cost at least 1,100 rubles per meter (if the beam is open on one or both sides, it is cheaper). The price depends on the type of wood; a non-standard size beam made to order will cost several times more.