A unique take on exposed wood beams is to incorporate them vertically and horizontally to frame a kitchen peninsula. You won’t want to leave this stylish seating area featuring simple white and wood stools beneath the countertop overhang. If that isn’t enough, this provides an open view of the vertical gray tile that adorns the walls.
27 Unexpected Ideas for Incorporating Exposed Beams
By
Published: August 1, 2023
Updated: November 22, 2023
To most people, the thought of exposed beams relates heavily to rustic décor. While that may be true in some cases, there is more than meets the eye with these versatile features with potential worth exploring. Let’s look at some ideas for these underrated elements and how to use them in your own home design!
Of course, we must start by discussing the undeniable charm rustic wood beams bring to a cozy country living room. Whether they appear on a ceiling, over a doorway, or occupying free space, these pieces offer an irreplicable character. Not all beams are rustic, so try something different, like white beams filling the open space between the vaulted ceilings. This is not a technique you always see, but it won’t soon be forgotten. Speaking of vaulted ceilings, sometimes they can make rooms feel a little cold and impersonal, so create the illusion of a shorter ceiling with beams that connect lower on the walls. See some examples of these exposed beams in the images below!
02 of Subtle Ways To Separate Open-concept Spaces
PHOTO:
The ultimate farmhouse decor ideas wait within the simple treasures like a rustic coffee table brushed with white paint. Never underestimate subtle barriers such as a wood ceiling beam to separate open-concept spaces. In this room, fresh beige walls balance farmhouse decor with contemporary accents.
03 of Vintage Rug Lays Beneath Sofa
PHOTO:
A vintage rug is the remedy to all your design needs and can mingle with many decor options. This beige sofa with a chaise is the perfect complement to border the rug and provide seating. Black frames applied to windows and a door introduce the concept of contrast to this living room.
04 of Dark Kitchen With Pot Lights
PHOTO:
Dark kitchens are consistently underrated even when their bold cabinets and eye-catching accents never fail to astound. These spaces require an infusion of trendiness like incorporating unique lighting, decorative flooring, or contemporary counter stools. If you find the space a little too moody for your liking, install some pot lights to help brighten the room.
05 of Cozy Living Room Showcases Accessories
PHOTO:
Accessories are the key to designing a cozy living room, meaning a lot of cozy throws and table displays are necessary. Simple treasures and greenery are placed strategically on the tops of three differently-styled tables. A lantern pendant hangs in the center of the room, with its metallic effect offering a glamorous touch.
06 of Warm Accents for Vaulted Ceilings
PHOTO:
You have to love a vaulted ceiling for providing all the space you could need to achieve your desired look. In some cases, these high ceilings may seem a little cold, so lower them with the addition of exposed wood beams. A stone fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantel offers a complementary effect to the intended aesthetic.
07 of Vintage Décor Beneath Vaulted Ceilings
PHOTO:
Introduce a decorative component to your vaulted ceiling with stained wood beams. Painting the surrounding walls white or any neutral color will allow the wood to attract attention. If a farmhouse aesthetic is desired, use wall decor that has a vintage appearance.
08 of Shaker Cabinets Among Rustic Décor
PHOTO:
Embracing rustic decor can come in many forms, like vintage-style stools placed beneath lantern pendants. With wood flooring covering the kitchen, it’s only fitting that the island be painted with a darker and bolder stain. Among many rustic elements, white shaker cabinets adorn the walls, reflecting a modern style.
09 of Light Wood Ceiling Beam and Matching Flooring
Eliminate symmetry with a white countertop that overhangs above modern counter stools. Exposed wood beams are typically dark in color, but a special unity can be created between a light wood beam and matching flooring. The white cabinets continue a theme of contrast that exists alongside two black pendants.
10 of Brick Elements Between Two Rooms
PHOTO:
- fieldsandvalleys
A cottage-like appearance is created between the dining room and living room with a brick wall that matches the brick on a nearby fireplace. Incorporating similar elements in your rooms helps the decor flow effortlessly between spaces, especially if these areas lack doors or walls separating them. Wood flooring also helps to achieve a look of cohesion between these two spaces.
11 of Turret Ceiling Illuminated by a Glittering Chandelier
PHOTO:
Exposed wood ceiling beams bring a fairytale feeling to this turret ceiling. A glittering chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, illuminating the room while adding a luxurious element. White window frames soften elaborate blue and white wallpaper.
12 of Open Concept Space Blending White and Wood
PHOTO:
Open-concept spaces are beautiful and airy but require elements to blend all areas, which can be done with exposed wood beams. In this combination of the living room and dining room, an underrated technique is used where one area focuses on white decor while the other is composed mainly of wood. Let the wall color and flooring remain the same in both spaces for balance.
13 of Dark Wood Ceiling Paired With White Walls
PHOTO:
Dark wood ceilings are great for absorbing light, leaving your space with a moody look. These ceilings can be a little overwhelming if paired with a dark wall color. When in doubt, sheer drapes and lush greenery will help to brighten the space.
14 of Traditional Rustic Boho-inspired Living Room Design
PHOTO:
This traditional rustic boho-inspired living room design is a warm and inviting space that combines elements of traditional rustic decor with bohemian accents. The room features natural materials such as exposed wooden beams and hardwood floors that provide a rustic feel, while colorful rugs and cushions add to the bohemian feel. The seating is comfortable and cozy with a mix of vintage and modern pieces, such as a leather sofa with colorful fluff pillows. Potted plants add texture and visual interest. The overall effect is a charming and relaxed atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the art of eclectic mixing.
15 of Coffered-style Ceiling With Wood Beams
PHOTO:
A popular contrast in farmhouse kitchens exists between exposed beams and white ceilings. In this kitchen, the beams create a look similar to a coffered ceiling. The expansive island features a row of stools and a white countertop illuminated by three lantern pendants.
16 of Entryway Featuring Exposed Brick Accent Wall
PHOTO:
You can’t help but love a rustic brick accent wall supporting exposed beams. It’s unusual to see such a masterful blend of rustic features in an entryway, but welcoming these elements in such a space brings charm to the home. Commit to the aesthetic with a distressed console teeming with vintage accessories.
17 of Console Table Opposite Built-in Shelves
PHOTO:
Narrow pathways require narrow solutions, with a wood console table slid to one side of a living room walkway. The opposite wall showcases built-in shelving accessorized with small decorations. Wood flooring leads through the space, complemented by white walls.
18 of Balance in a Slanted Ceiling Living Room
PHOTO:
The triangular walls adjoined to slanted ceilings demand a certain level of balance to maintain an attractive appearance. With rectangular windows flanking a white brick fireplace, this living room achieves that look. Alleviate blandness on a slanted ceiling with a wood beam extending down the center.
19 of White Ceilings With Exposed Black Beams
PHOTO:
The black paint over the exposed beams along the white ceilings in this living area exaggerates the vaulted look of the ceiling and makes the space feel roomier. Coordinate a bold black candelabra chandelier with the black and white ceilings to achieve a modern farmhouse look.
20 of Wood Staircase Leads to a Farmhouse Mezzanine
PHOTO:
Every rustic element imaginable is present in this living room, where a wooden staircase leads up to a mezzanine. The white shiplap walls showcase a fun pairing of wall decor and a sliding barn door. The glossy effect of the stained wood flooring is a subtle contrast to the surrounding decor.
21 of Neutral Space Accessorized With Hexagon Shelves
PHOTO:
Common spaces benefit from neutral decor that can ease the day’s stresses. Layered rugs are bordered by a tan leather sofa and a white sofa in a similar style. With potted plants filling hexagon-shaped shelves, your space will never feel lifeless.
22 of White Beams for Alternative Farmhouse Décor
PHOTO:
Sitting at this solid wood pedestal table, you will have a spectacular view of the outside that appears through sliding doors. You can attain that farmhouse look with a hint of luxury with white cross-back chairs. Move away from the traditional wood beam and towards a lighter option with white beams attached to vaulted ceilings.
23 of Large Windows Border Modern Living Room
PHOTO:
Beams of natural light flow through large glass windows in this modern living room. The perfect example of how exposed wood beams can add country charm to modern decor is found in this space. Take that charm a step further by covering white sofas with throw pillows in warm colors.
24 of Modern Living Room With a Large Chandelier
PHOTO:
Exposed beams with a rustic, glossy finish are accentuated by a bright candelabra chandelier made of wrought iron. A beautiful modern marble coffee table is situated within a cozy seating area with brown sofas and a neutral farmhouse rug. A gas fireplace is built into the marble accent wall.
25 of Open Living Room With Vaulted Ceiling
PHOTO:
A large open living room with exposed beams and a wall full of windows is filled with natural light. A large black fan and a high ceiling chandelier with candles hang above a white sofa with a beige throw draped over the back. A wooden coffee table sits between the sofa and a white shiplap fireplace with a wooden mantel. A TV hangs above the mantel and a gray rug sits below the coffee table. Two geometric pendant lights hang above a marble countertop. Small plants in black planters adorn the corner of the room.
26 of White Quartz Countertops in Modern Vaulted Kitchen
PHOTO:
An extended floating wood shelf stretches across one wall of this kitchen, joined by two sconces. With the white quartz countertops bordering the kitchen, there is space at one end to arrange a small seating area complete with wooden counter stools. The concrete flooring provides a fun and unexpected element to this space.
27 of Beige Sectional Before a Brick Fireplace
PHOTO:
A beige sectional placed in the center of this living room urges you to cuddle up and enjoy the surrounding charm. The platformed brick fireplace stands before a rectangular ottoman. Wood accents can be found around the room, from a console table to the front door.
