30 Decorative Ceiling Beams Ideas To Transform Your Space
A classic architectural feature, ceiling beams are experiencing a major comeback. Fair enough, since they are sure to add visual interest to any space and can suit a variety of design styles, from rustic to contemporary.
The great news is that you don’t have to expose the actual beams — decorative beams can fully meet your aesthetic needs. And if you feel the need for a good portion of inspo, here are 30 decorative ceiling beams ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
1. So Organic. You can create a tasteful rustic feel by adding decorative wood beams to a vaulted ceiling. Wood beams perfectly pair with other natural textures and materials, making for a stylish combo with rattan chairs and a stone fireplace.
2. Cozy Sleep. Adding dark faux wood beams to a white ceiling is a classic approach to make a bedroom look more interesting. The beams are a similar shade as the floor, creating a feeling of an enclosed space and making the ceiling seem lower than it is, which results in an irresistibly cozy ambience.
via @diydalia_
3. Rustic Sophistication. A full wood ceiling design looking like fully exposed rafters is a statement addition to a rustic interior. This chic living room features a sophisticated blend of natural textures and black metal, with the letter coming in thin lines for an elegant touch.
via @vivirdesign
4. Farmhouse Charm. This beautiful kitchen with no upper cabinets is an excellent example of farmhouse-style interior with a contemporary touch. While the painted beams and other elements like the pantry, white cabinets, door, hood, and faucets create a farmhouse vibe, the island and the lighting add a dazzling modern twist.
via @clearcutandco
5. Perfectly Balanced. Thoughtfully layered textures and neutral color schemes are a great way to achieve a classy interior design. Decorative beams matching the furniture help create a perfectly balanced look in this family room. They also draw the eye upward to the alluring light fixture, which serves as a focal point, adding sophistication to the space.
6. Raw Elegance. Natural oak beams with no finish add warmth and coziness to this living room design, beautifully complementing white walls and furniture. Support beams visually divide the space into functional areas, while maintaining an open and airy feel.
7. Black, White, and Wood. Installing faux beams right up against the vaulted ceiling allows you to accent the shape of the room and make it feel more spacious. Also, pay attention how well wood combines with the black and white color scheme of this kitchen, creating an incredibly stylish look.
via @shnordic
8. Other Way Round. What about going for a full wood ceiling with painted beams? It looks unusual and is sure to add tons of visual interest to your space. This dining room combines the warmth of natural wood with the refreshing white and gray, with the statement chandelier taking center stage in the design.
via @farmhouseish
9. Contemporary Touch. Criss-crossing decorative ceiling beams allow you to combine rustic textures with a contemporary ceiling concept, resulting in an ultimately stylish space. The black ceiling in this dining room serves as an excellent background for exposed beams, which together create a dynamic visual impact.
10. Time-Worn Treasures. Cozy and intimate, attic bedrooms possess a unique charm that can be enhanced with the right design elements such as exposed wood beams. Weathered beams running across the vaulted ceiling add a rustic touch and bring a sense of authenticity to this bedroom.
via @sibylcolefax
11. Add Lights. If you’re an owner of a space with high vaulted ceilings, consider adorning them with faux wood beams. Adding several beams makes the room feel enclosed and thus cozier, while a couple of spotlights on the beams feed into the modern aesthetic of this space.
12. Fresh Twist. Making a grid pattern out of faux beams is an excellent idea for a modern take on a traditional architectural feature. This living room has white beams on the gray ceiling, a combination perfectly balancing the overall color scheme.
via @cwcincy
13. Romantic Arches. Arched wood beams beautifully highlight the vaulted ceiling, adding visual interest and architectural character to the space. Their sophisticated shape softens the lines of the ceiling, contributing to a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
14. Slim & Delicate. If you’re hesitating about adding ceiling beams to a low ceiling in a small room, this is a great example to inspire you. The main thing is to select the right size of your wooden ceiling beams — the thinner, the better.
via @ladyofthehome
15. Dreamy Blue. There’s little surprise that exposed ceiling beams pair so well with paneled walls. Together they create an ambience of coziness while offering a classic appeal. I love this stunning shade of blue that amplifies natural light and adds a refreshing touch.
16. Coastal Vibe. A white shiplap ceiling creates a sense of openness in the space, making this living room feel light, bright, and inviting. White shiplap pairs well with natural wood, with exposed wood beams being an excellent choice to make a stylish statement.
17. Warmth of Wood. If you’re looking to create a space that will ooze warmth and coziness, consider this living room idea. Neutral color palette, a fireplace, and a full wood ceiling with decorative ceiling beams all contribute to this feel.
18. Bold & Beautiful. Solid wood beams can go a long way toward creating a tasteful rustic cabin look in your living room. Dark wood beautifully combines with the white ceiling and walls, creating a striking contrast for a visually compelling design.
19. Classic White. Decorative ceiling beams are a great way to make the master bedroom stand out. This bedroom features painted ceiling beams for a softer look while focusing more on textiles such as upholstered wall panels, drapes, and patterned pillows.
via @oakappledecor
20. Bold Statement. Making the ceiling in an attic room a focal point is always a good idea, especially if it features skylights. This living room has a single solid wood beam running just below the ridge with a statement lighting fixture that draws even more attention to the top.
via @vintageideasltd
21. All Eyes on the Ceiling. Decorative ceiling beams can serve to define areas in open-concept spaces. In this living room, a pair of arched beams separates the dining area and the lounge, creating a spacious aisle in between. The beams’ sophisticated beauty is highlighted with classy lighting choices, making the ceiling the center of attention.
22. Contemporary Elegance. Ceiling beams can be a stylish addition to a modern design of a dining space. This dining room features charcoal gray beams arranged in a grid pattern. The dark color creates strong contrast with the white ceiling, intensifying the contemporary feel of this space.
via @ana_interiors
23. Italian Summer. Light and airy, this beautiful Mediterranean-style dining-room features wonderful arched doorways, decorative ironwork, paintings, a wooden dining table, and patterned tiles. However, these are the dusty blue decorative beams matching the door trim that make it look perfect, beautifully complementing the overall feel.
via @annaspiro
24. Cozy Canopy. In this kitchen, wooden ceiling beams come as a decorative element designating the eating space. The vaulted ceiling allows the exposed beams to create a cozy canopy over the space. A bit darker in color, they beautifully complement the oak dining set, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
25. Nature Inspired. Wooden ceiling beams make for a stunning addition to a bedroom bristling with natural textures and neutral shades. Of course, unfinished wood is the best choice to complement this serene ambience. In this very case, the homeowners chose maple beams with smooth grain, light tan with a slight golden hue.
26. Rustic Retreat. A wood ceiling with exposed beams is definitely the best choice for a rustic living room with a statement fireplace decor and solid wood furniture. Painted in warm brown, the ceiling seamlessly ties the warm tones of wood with the gray hues of stone and organic textiles.
27. Stylish Addition. Adding metal brackets to exposed ceiling beams can give an extra stylish touch to rustic living room design. Still, there’s more to them than just that: metal brackets go a long way toward artfully disguising the seams between the beams.
28. Seamless Look. This is one of the rustic kitchen ceiling beam ideas that are simple but incredibly elegant at the same time. White shiplap ceiling pairs so well with massive faux wood beams while the statement window trim done in the same faux wood helps achieve a complete look.
via @jpatrycedesign
29. Alluring Contrast. The dark faux wood beams create a strong contrast against the light walls and ceiling, serving as a focal point in the room. Dark wood helps achieve a well-balanced and visually pleasing composition, preventing the space from feeling too monotonous and adding character and dimension to the overall design.
via @house_loves
30. Nature’s Embrace. Cozy and spacious cottage kitchens and exposed ceiling beams are a couple made in heaven! Wood beams, shiplap walls, and white cabinets make for a fabulous combo that doesn’t compete with the view.
Real wood or faux wood, painted, stained, or unfinished, ceiling beams can help you create the desired impact in your home. One of the key elements in rustic design, ceiling beams can also be integrated into minimalist contemporary spaces, making them a versatile choice for interior enhancement.