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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

white ceiling beams

Author

William Harris

Updated on June 09, 2026

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.

Do ceiling beams make a room look smaller?

Beams running the length of the room make a short room seem longer. In a small house, or just as an afterthought of a bedroom or guest room, install beams parallel to the longest walls to emphasize the stretch of space.

What are the beams in a ceiling called?

Joists which land on a binding joist are called bridging joists. A large beam in the ceiling of a room carrying joists is a summer beam.

How do you modernize ceiling 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.

What color should ceiling beams be painted?

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.

Do ceiling beams add value to home?

Jason agrees, adding that beams are especially popular as an addition to homes in higher price bands: ‘In higher-end homes, columns and ceiling beams really make the home pop while adding value in the process. In the luxury market, we see home builders adding ceiling beams that contrast with the paint and columns.

Do wood beams add value to your home?

exposed beams do not add value. Only a capital improvement can add value. But if the exposed beams create an abundance of desirability then it could create enough interest to get a higher sales price.

How much do faux beams cost?

Faux wood beams come in the option to be 3-sided or 4-sided. You can choose what works best for you based on your remodel cost and goals. Depending on all of your options and style, a faux wood beam can range anywhere from $10-$3,000.

Are faux beams worth it?

Not only does the lighter weight of faux beams make them easier to install, but it also means that they don’t require as much structural support. You can easily lift them on your own if you are installing them yourself. You also won’t need to add beams or other supports above your ceiling to anchor the beams.

How can I make my 8 foot ceiling look higher?

How to make 8-foot ceilings look taller
You can install crown moulding. You can install hanging lights. Take advantage of full-length curtains. Anything that can be installed up to the ceiling, should be. Embrace painting your ceilings. Install full-height decorative moulding.

What colors make a room look bigger and brighter?

So, what colors make a room look bigger? For an optimum effect, go with soft tones like off-white, blues, and greens, and always remember that brighter rooms feel bigger and more inviting. And here’s another hack: Try painting your wall trim and moldings in a lighter color than your walls.

What are the different types of beams?

Types of beam structure
Continuous beams. A continuous beam is one that has two or more supports that reinforce the beam. Simply supported beams. Simply supported beams are those that have supports at both end of the beam. Fixed beams. Overhanging beams. Cantilever beam.

What wood is best for ceiling beams?

Cedar is the most common species of wood used for beams, but is not the only option for getting that grainy, barn-like feel. Oak, maple and even elm wood (all hard woods) can be used to create these faux beams, along with Douglas fir, redwood or hemlock (all soft woods).

How big should faux beams be?

The width and depth of decorative beams should be proportional to the size of the room. The bigger the room and the higher the ceiling, the wider and deeper the beams. In rooms with 8 or 9-foot ceilings, beams that are about 5 inches wide and 3 inches or so deep are typical.

How do you paint white beams to look like wood?

A wood grain tool allows you to paint a wood grain on your beams to simulate the look of the wood. Select a lighter color for the base color of the beams and apply a darker color for the wood grain to create the natural appearance of wood on your beams.

How do you make ceiling beams look rustic?

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.