QA

Quick Answer: How To Decorate Ceiling Beams

How do you decorate an exposed beam?

Give exposed ceiling beams a contemporary style by painting them the same color as the ceiling. The ceiling will still have a textured, three-dimensional look with a more subtle effect. For a hint of contrast, use a darker shade or a lighter tint of the same color, such as white and cream.

How do you cover exposed ceiling beams?

A drywall cover makes the beam virtually disappear into the ceiling, making it look more like a soffit than a beam. Secure the drywall directly to the beam, tape and cover all the nails and corners. Add texture with drywall mud to match the ceilings and walls. When dry, paint the beam to match the ceilings and walls.

What can I do with old ceiling beams?

Boxing in old ceiling beams is a simple way to cover them up. You can dress the beams up with new wood, leaving hem natural or staining them with a contemporary tone. If the old ceiling beams have irregular lines or the wood looks too old for your taste, the new wood will make them look like a new addition.

How do I make my ceiling beams look like wood?

Construct a simple 3-sided box from one 1×4 and two 1×6 whitewood boards using wood glue and a nail gun. Fill in nail holes with wood filler, then distress and stain the box for a rustic look. Repeat until you have enough boxes to span the length of your ceiling. These boxes will be your ceiling beams.

How do you modernize wood beams?

There are several options for updating ceiling beams. One is to paint them a color that contrasts with the ceiling to give a room a bolder look. Or, the beams can be painted a matching color for a more subtle effect. Other options include sanding and staining the beams instead of painting them.

Should ceiling beams be painted white?

Should ceiling beams be painted white? White is the most popular color for interior design because it is the brightest neutral. It will work with literally anything because white reflects all colors. This makes white an ideal color for ceiling beams.

Can you expose ceiling beams?

Favored for their old world and country-chic appeal, exposed ceiling beams add a dramatic sense of strength and heft to a room. You can also bring the rustic yet elegant look to an existing home with faux beams that closely resemble the real thing.

Do ceiling beams make a room look smaller?

Ceiling beams are a strong design element that affect the sense of size and height in a room. In reality, ceiling beams, whether they are hand-hewn vigas in historic adobe homes or steel beams in a converted industrial loft, can add to the decor and the perceived size of the space they preside over.

How do you cover an existing beam with wood?

Flooring can be applied directly to the beam, just by laying enough pieces to cover it. Spread wood glue on the back of each piece, then tack it in place with finishing nails. Cut pieces as necessary to cover the whole beam.

Are ceiling beams in style?

Ceiling beams are a popular home decor element in many homes today. They largely stem from rustic designs; however, they can be incorporated with many design styles. Wooden beams can be added to contrast with a cold, clean look, or it can accentuate an already warm design style.

What paint to use on beams?

They recommend latex paints (it dries quickly and is inexpensive) and milk or chalk paint for a distressed wood look. A high-gloss or semigloss sheen adds interest to the ceiling beams, too.

How do you paint old wooden beams?

Simply dilute the Claypaint with water (a ratio of 1 part water to 1 part paint is a good starting point) and apply with brushstrokes in the same direction as the wood grain. As you work, have a soft, damp cloth ready to ‘remove’ excess paint before it dries.

Should ceiling beams be painted flat or semi gloss?

For places like your ceiling and other low traffic areas, flat is your perfect sheen. Flat paint absorbs light and hides small imperfections. This provides a simple yet smooth appearance. A busy or glossy ceiling draws unwanted attention away from the furniture and other highlights of the room.

Should you paint beams?

Black and white beams are contrasting to the eye and can create a restless feeling in a room . Painting both the beams and the ceiling all white, or off-white is a good choice, or try cream beams on a white or off-white ceiling. Grey beams also look good on an off-white ceiling.

How do you lighten dark stained beams?

Use our guide below to get it right. Test a small sample area first. Remove flaking paint from beams. Scrub away dirt and grim. Allow beams to dry slowly. Apply ESP to help bonding. Dilute casein distemper. Apply distemper in several coats. Maintain beams regularly.

Can you paint over black beams?

The most practical option may be to paint over a dark finish on beams with an appropriate coating, for instance, a pale soft distemper.