Wood Beams in Ceilings
We are having wood beams put in our living and family room and can't decide what color wood to do. Our cabinets are espresso and the floor is a smokey mesquite wood. Should be stick with espresso beams?
Comments (12)
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wood beams on ceiling
Comments (29)thanks for all the comments! Judydell- I have also heard the feng shui opinion on beams- very interesting. Ugh!! This is one of those rooms that I just can't seem to get right- I have no vision for it, so it's worse. Someone- 2010- I like the craft paper idea- because you are right, if I hate the paint, not so easy to change/fix. If we were able to remove the beams, I would probably have the whole ceiling redone with a thin layer of dry wall....See MoreTrack light direction on a flat wood beamed ceiling
Comments (1)I would run cable lighting between the beams , the nice think with that is you can have drop heads where you need them the light is not hampered by yhe beam . I like floor lamps and table lamps instead of sconces for the extra light at different levels. Go to a good lighting store they can help with the cabel lighting and of course all LEDs for sure...See MoreMildew on interior (old) wood walls & ceiling
Comments (3)Thank you both. I think the previous owners (1970's) stained the hemlock, but I just assume that because it doesn't have a raw look to it. It doesn't look like it's coated with anything. Yes, I was afraid bleach would lighten the dark wood. Also, I'm supposed to stay away from bleach fumes. I spent most of yesterday trying to find a dehumidifier. Some stores were sold out--that tells you what our weather has been like this year. I finally found one at Sam's Club. Got the Odo-Ban there too at a good price: $9.98 for the bundle of the spray and the gallon of concentrate....See MoreWood Beam Ceilings
Comments (10)You’re certainly going to get a range of answers here! I think, as you have already lost the warmth of wood coloured beams (without a lot of remedial work), I think the last thing I would choose is a high contrast option. To get a feel of soaring height without constantly drawing the eye across the ceiling, (following what in effect would be stripes - bam, bam, bam), I would keep the walls, ceiling and beams the same colour. Just perhaps alter the sheen as Color Zen mentioned. A range of contrast would occur, through continual tonal light play, rather than via definite colour contrast. You still have the sense of openness and space but would soften the complexity of the ceiling allowing the view and art works at eye-line height to be the focus. Less formal and more relaxing for the eye I think. If your eye does crave more contrast, I would keep it super subtle for the same reason. You may find it offers a gentler, perhaps more sophisticated overall look....See More
PROBeth H. :
4 years agoyour pics are thumbnail size and don't even show the ceiling. how were you planning on using the beams? you have to be more specific.
I'd rather you do something w/that huge fireplace. right now it's just kind of blah but has so much potential.that 2nd pic (Hampton) posted above would look great in your space. coffered ceilings too.
or
Tonya Shortino
4 years agoThank you Beth! I do LOVE the 2nd picture and agree the fireplace is blah! We're still looking for the perfect art piece to go on that side of the wall. The center beam will be a little thicker as the ceilings drops about 8 inches into the walkways and makes it hard to wrap the fireplace as the drywall doesn't make it easy to do. (last picture shows the fireplace and soffits on the right connect to the wall)
- PRO
Beth H. :
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agowhat if you did the same dark tone on your beams (like your fan or cabs) but did the ceiling in either a bright white, or even a coordinating color? maybe it's the pictures, but I'm wanting to see some contrast w/the walls/ceilings,,etc. or perhaps when you find the perfect art piece to go above the FP, that will help. something with some color would look great! love the fan and lights.
see this example? dark beams, bright white, but look at the green wall. it's a nice accent w/the artwork. Even the fireplace stone just adds so much.
or if you're in to monotone, even this all white FP is jazzed up with some millwork and a dark wood mantel
now for the contrast I mentioned earlier, you could do a dark ceiling w/white beams
i love this one with the white beams
I also like how they did the light and dark contrast with that upper story wall like you have. and the added millwork in the same dark color is brilliant. you don't have to put artwork there, I think the millwork is enough.
so, you would do the same here, (my photoshop sucks, but you get the idea)
the other walls white or your light gray, and do the same dark color going up the fireplace. find a cool painting that coordinates w/that look and it's no longer blah!
here it's done in the white^
or some artwork:
or nothing,,(on the upper wall) but you'll also notice that the fireplace and glam light fixture take up the slack
Tonya Shortino thanked Beth H. : 
deb s
4 years ago
PRONorwood Architects
4 years ago
bpath
4 years ago
PROSina Sadeddin Architectural Design
4 years ago
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
4 years agoIMO lighter would be better than the espresso which is harsh for an architectural detail.
Tonya Shortino thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
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