There’s something majestic about walking into a home that has exposed beams, isn’t there? It’s grand and rich and makes any home look like a million bucks. Whether the beams are weathered and gray or they are newly installed and stained a deep espresso color, exposed beams change the look, feel, and dynamic of any room. If you are thinking about uncovering the beams in your home to expose them, or if you are faced with exposed beams and don’t know what to do with them, consider these tips to help you showcase them in your home.
Match the window trim to the stain on the beams.
One way to make your exposed beams stand out is to take the stain color to the windows and trim of the room where the beams are. Some homeowners even opt to carry the beams down to the walls to make them stand out even more. You might be inclined to try to hide or downplay the beams, but they truly are a focus point in any room and can be prepared and presented in a way that transforms your home into a thing of beauty.
Hang a light that faces the ceiling.
Most long chandeliers face the floor to provide lighting to the room, but if you really want to make your exposed beams stand out, turn your chandeliers to the ceiling or use spotlights to bring your beams to life in a different way. This will not only showcase the beams, but create unique and interesting lighting effects in your home. Exposed beams that have wear and tear, signs of age, and character look great with unique lighting and can be a conversation piece in your home for years to come.
Use contrasting colors.
Exposed beams can anchor a room and provide structure and interest. Adding beams can be a lot of work and can add to your budget quite a bit, but if you have beams in the ceiling that you want to expose, try using contrasting colors against the ceiling. If your ceiling is white, be sure to use a darker stain or paint color on the beams itself. White washing is still very popular, but it takes away from the architectural features found in the beams themselves, so drawing the eye up with a contrasting color makes a bold impact.
Use multiple beams.
Another thing you can do to add interest to your exposed beams is to angle them if they are newly installed, or to create a bridge between the sides of the pitched roof. Creating a walkway of sorts, you’ll create more interest and provide a lot more color and depth in the room. Plus, you can always put things on the bridge beams, such as plants, photos, more lighting, decorations and more.
If you are planning to expose the beams in your home, or if you want to add new beams to your home to create interest and style while adding value, call Eakman Construction today at 206.972.2275.