Ceiling with wooden beams in the apartment. Ceiling beams in the interior are a decorative element or architectural feature. Lighting and backlight

Rustic home decor is gaining more and more recognition today, not only because of its extraordinary originality, but also because of the cost savings, since it does not require large expenses. Sometimes it is enough to use floral print wallpaper, add lots of wooden furniture and cozy details. The final moment will be decorative beams on the ceiling. They are never redundant, regardless of style.

Beams as a universal design element

They can be found in a very unexpected use case. They adorn both modern high-tech and majestic classics. As for the ethnic interior, the main stylistic feature here is precisely the decorative beams on the ceiling, the photo of which is presented below. Without them, it is impossible to create a realistic picture. Competent design is able to highlight belonging to a particular style. The ceiling structure covered with paintings, carvings and vignettes will add luxury to the classic interior. Silver and pastel colors are also used.

At the same time, lacquered decorative beams on the ceiling made of wood with a smooth texture are suitable for this strict classic. Such models look great in a modern house. The difference is that such an interior is more suitable for bold decisions, so it is possible to use both neutral and flashy shades. Among the design solutions you can find blue, red and pink colors.

Metal beams are found in high-tech and loft. It is possible to form a structure from elements of other textures, but they must be painted with a special paint to simulate a steel sheen. Brick masonry will be an excellent companion for beams in such interior options. Details of the loft-style furnishings can be used both in the house and in a small city apartment. Shine of metal and glass, with the addition of "bare" light bulbs, some facing bricks, beams - that's the right atmosphere is ready!

Colorful decorative with the effect of aged wood are good for a rural interior. They can have a rough texture, dark colors that do not have to be in harmony with the main tone of the space, since the contrast is very relevant here.

Beams in Provence amaze with their accuracy and elegance, so the use of bleached options is a priority.

What are the types

Wooden structures are classics of the beam genre. This is the leading part of the rustic interior and eco-style. Traditionally, pine, ash and oak are used for the production of high-quality beams. They can be hollow and made from a solid array. The first option is more often used due to the possibility of hiding unsightly communications.

Metal beams are more modern, but their installation is not complete without professional help, as they are heavy and oversized. It is not worth saving here, since poor-quality fastening of the structure is too big a risk.

More budgetary are decorative beams on the ceiling made of polyurethane. Their cost is low, and installation does not require large time and financial costs. Such products are hollow inside and quite light. The material is not affected by high humidity and does not absorb odors, while it is possible to imitate the color and structure of wood, which is why it has become widespread in bathrooms and kitchens.

Mounting Methods

Installation can be done in various ways. With a small size, the design is fixed on liquid nails. For other cases, it is necessary to create a crate from a wooden or metal profile and use self-tapping screws. The combined method is relevant for heavy and long beams. Wooden blocks are formed on the ceiling, on which structural parts are attached with glue.

Color spectrum

The stylistic orientation directly affects the shade of the beams. To give expressiveness, emphasis is placed on contrast. So the design becomes the main element that attracts attention.

The interior will acquire softness through the use of beams that have the color of the ceiling itself. At the same time, they do not go unnoticed and add volume, dynamics and structure to the ceiling. A harmonious combination is made up of decorative beams on the ceiling with a wooden structure or painted white.

There are many options for combining shades, it all depends on the features of the chosen interior solution. Beams can reflect wood furniture or floors, contrast with ceilings, or match wall paint. There are no established canons here.

It is worth remembering that the space gains weightlessness through the use of white beams, while black ones make the atmosphere hard and graphic, and wooden structures bring calmness to the interior, although they look a little cold.

Story

The beams that were present on the ceilings of old buildings initially did not have a decorative purpose. They were load-bearing structures that were used as and took on the weight of the roof. Over time, the beams were considered superfluous and began to be hidden with the help of decoration. They were rehabilitated due to the longing for a colorful design and now they have become relevant again, but only as a decorative element.

Where are beams used?

Such details can be found in absolutely any room. They are able to decorate the kitchen, look organic in the bedroom and living room, will be useful in the hallway. The size of the room determines the number and their massiveness. For example, in a large living room, decorative beams on the ceiling can be used in unlimited quantities, while for a modest hallway, you should not use more than two. When located on the ceiling of the kitchen, a functional purpose is added in the form of hooks for all kinds of utensils and holders for wine glasses.

To each his own

Decorative beams on the ceiling are perceived differently. Someone certainly wants to build a massive structure in the usual "Khrushchev", and some owners of houses with load-bearing beams want to add functionality and make them less noticeable.

In terms of expanding functionality, the most common use is to attract structures to illuminate the space. It is possible to create very non-standard elements. For example, fixing a chandelier on chains and inserting point light elements into beams. The installation of luminaires with remote mechanisms is rational in the design of metal beams.

LED lighting can be laid on top of structures. This method will give the beam the effect of floating in the air. Such a design innovation is especially relevant when combining films and PVC beams.

Rope trim is a common technique among designers. In this case, both the environmental friendliness of the decor and its aesthetic basis remain the same. Decorative wooden beams on the rope-wrapped ceiling are common in ethnic, Mediterranean and country styles.

If desired, beams can be disposed of using a radical method - stitching. Suspended ceilings are able to cope with this task.

How to attach decorative beams to the ceiling

The heaviest elements are made of wood, so fixation of increased reliability is required here. You can make them from a bar yourself or purchase a ready-made version. In the first case, it is desirable to choose wood with a shrinkage of no more than 12% and no traces of rot and visible flaws. It is worth treating with antiseptic agents to protect the material from insects, mold and moisture.

The literacy of the installation of the structure depends mainly on the correctly applied markings. Before installation, it is recommended to mark the attachment points of the profiles with the help of an upholstery cord, tape measure and level, and only then proceed to further work.

Among the main advantages it is worth noting the efficiency and ease of fastening. All elements are lightweight, so the standard length of the polyurethane beam requires the use of only three wedges.

Change of space

Do-it-yourself decorative beams on the ceiling are easy to make. They are able to adjust the geometry of the room. It is possible to visually expand the room due to structures fixed along the width of the ceiling covering, and for lengthening, the components are mounted in the form of perpendicular lines.

If the ceilings seem too low, then it is worth making a continuation of the beams on the walls themselves. Laying crosswise will not bring adjustments to the space, but will add volume to the ceiling. High ceilings allow the beams to be lowered to the desired distance and fixed to the walls.

Useful Features

Along the longitudinal center line of the future location of the beams, you can place any communications that will become invisible after installation. Such a solution is very convenient, since there is no need to carry out complex work on pulling communications in walls or under the floor with expensive and energy-consuming chasing. In this case, there will be no unnecessary material and time expenses, as with separate concealment of air and water type heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

It should be noted that communications located in the subceiling space are not only invisible, but also protected from mechanical damage. Moreover, the installation of decorative beams on the ceiling provides many options for translating ideas.

Conclusion

The history of beams begins in the distant Middle Ages, and today it is possible to create an interior that resembles ancient castles and add an appropriate atmosphere. This decoration technique has become a convenient way to hide certain structural flaws in the room. The room, which has decorative beams on the ceiling, acquires a clear, regular shape, it is cozy and spacious. Therefore, when arranging a country house or apartment, you should pay attention to them. Perhaps they will become the main part of the entire interior.

Long gone are the days when a beam on the ceiling was considered the lot of a rural dwelling and served only as a support for the ceiling and roof. Recently, decorative decks have found more and more fans, including among residents of megacities. They look appropriate and organic in a variety of, sometimes even unthinkable, design styles. But on the condition that you beat them correctly.

Initially, ceiling beams did not play a decorative role in the interior of the house. They were installed exclusively as a support for a heavy attic floor. If you got such a house at your disposal, then it is not necessary to hide these structures. Indeed, some style decisions require the presence of such a decor, and many compatriots, in the absence of such, even order the creation of non-hidden false polyurethane beams. In addition, ceiling beams are successfully used for space zoning, for example, for separating the working and dining areas in the kitchen, and for visually expanding rooms. Thus, with a little imagination and beating old beams that have fallen into an unsightly state, you get a truly exclusive interior. As a decorative element, such products can be installed in the kitchen and in the bedroom, living room or office, as well as in the corridor, based on the size of the room. Methods for finishing ceiling beams if their wood has lost its attractive appearance:
  • The first option: you can decorate it with a false polyurethane beam, because this material successfully imitates the texture of wood.
  • In addition, you can decorate the structure with ropes, as in restaurants in coastal cities.
  • To hide the flaws in the surface of the beam, you can turn to the good old way of finishing - painting.
  • If the flaws are significant, all irregularities should be pre-sealed using putty and a primer. Then paint is applied, and you can give preference not only to traditional pastel colors, but also choose bold bright colors that contrast with the overall color scheme of the home.
  • If you are decorating a room in a high-tech style, then you can choose a metallic shade of paint, adding such a beam with “Ilyich bulbs” and unmasked wires. But the French rural style suggests the presence of whitewashed ceiling beams.
  • For country style, the coloring composition should be with the effect of "aged wood".
  • If you wish, you should not just cover the product with paint, but apply painted elements to it using the services of an artist. An alternative budget option is to use ready-made stencils for painting.
Installation of the lighting system:
  1. A popular idea for decorating ceiling beams is to install light sources, regardless of the material from which they are made.
  2. Antique stylized lamps, for example, in the shape of a wheel, look best on a natural deck, and it would be nice to install light sources in the form of candles.
  3. If the beam is thin, then the lighting fixtures should be delicate.
  4. You can also use spotlights that cut into the frame or are carried out using brackets attached to the beam.
  5. Another option related to lighting systems is the installation of an LED strip on the beam. As a rule, it is attached around the perimeter of the room.
  6. But if the room has an oblong appearance, then it is possible to mount one tape on the central beam. The backlit deck attached over the stretch ceiling looks original.


And now let's talk in more detail about how to beat the ceiling beam:
  • If there are ceiling beams in the kitchen, you can do this. Lower the beam below the ceiling level, subsequently fixing it in an immovable state. Attach hooks to the structure, on which various dishes are hung as a decor - from glasses to a frying pan, bunches of fragrant herbs, baskets and dried flowers, pots with indoor plants. In addition, this option is best suited for implementation in rooms with excessively high ceilings.
  • If the beams are real and in good condition, you can attach a hanging chair or swing to them. But remember that such structures cannot be mounted on an imitation, even a well-made one.
  • An interesting technique with which you can beat the ceiling beam is to create a reflection effect. Photo wallpaper or mirror tiles should be glued to the underside of the structure. Such a decision can affect the visual expansion, the room seems larger than its size.


But sometimes the owners of houses with beams, for various reasons, decide to completely disguise the ceiling beams so that they are not noticeable to the naked eye:
  1. Stretch ceiling. In this case, the panel is lowered below the level of the beams. However, at the same time, the room loses height. And it is advisable to equip the tension structure, consisting of several levels.
  2. Plasterboard ceiling. To disguise the deck, you should install a frame in the form of the letter "P" around it. In this case, the structure must be attached to the ceiling surface, and not to the beam.
  3. Caisson ceiling. This option is the most sophisticated among the others offered and the most expensive. In addition to beams, this design involves the creation of other elements: cornices, borders, cells, recesses. Choose any cassette shape - rhombus, square, polygon.
  4. Clapboard. The easiest option to hide the ceiling beam is to sheathe the surface with clapboard. A cutting board will also work.

Beams on the ceiling are an excellent opportunity to bring zest to the interior, a sense of style and enrich the home in some way. There are many ways to restore, decorate, beat them so that the interior space looks holistic. The most extreme option is to completely mask the deck.

Installing a decorative beam on the ceiling is a relatively new design solution. It should immediately be noted that this may be a real load-bearing part of the building structure. In any case, the introduction of this element into the interior of the room, its proper decoration and processing will not only enliven the atmosphere, but also become a fresh design solution.

Ceiling beams in the interior

At first glance, the wooden beam inside the room looks more natural in the room of a country house, the interior of which is decorated in a "rustic" style (country). However, when used correctly, this element will enliven the interior of both a fusion-style living room and a quite high-tech office cabinet.

At the same time, it is important not to make a mistake when choosing a combination of design, stylistic, color and functional solutions for this part. The wrong choice will lead to the fact that the beams on the ceiling will not be a good decor, but a ridiculous ledge on the ceiling of the room.

In addition, there is a need to close the beams on the ceiling if they do not fit into the overall stylistic decision. For this, various designs can be used, for example, a plasterboard false ceiling device.

Advice! In order to hide the carrier beam from prying eyes, you can also use stretch ceilings, caissons, as well as various sheathing from edged boards or lining.

The use of beams in various interior styles

Designers, creating solutions for interior equipment, think over how to beat a room with beams on the ceiling. As mentioned above, most often this element is used as a decor in design options with ethno-style motifs. However, using the simple advice of professional designers, decorative beams on the ceiling will become a harmonious part of the interior in other cases:

  • For classic interiors, designs of light or silver shades with a glossy surface are suitable. In some cases, carving or ornamental painting on this interior detail will give the entire room a special chic and luxury;
  • For interiors in Art Nouveau style, you can use both light and dark colors in the design. In this case, it is quite acceptable to highlight this design with contrasting and bright colors: red, bright blue or green;
  • "Hi-tech" is glass and metal. Therefore, a surface with an imitation of a metal coating will be especially appropriate here;
  • Rustic style interiors often use antique wood look elements. In this case, the surface texture can be given a rough "raw" look;
  • The French interior requires the use of natural wood elements that are carefully crafted. At the same time, they should be neat and without traces of rough finishing. Their surface can be whitened for this.

Materials for the manufacture of beams

Real load-bearing structures on the ceiling in houses are most often wooden, but artificial beams on the ceiling are made from various materials. The main ones are the following:

  • wood;
  • metal;
  • polymers;

wooden beams

Wooden beams on the ceiling can be part of the ceiling, or they can be decorative. The load-bearing elements are made of oak or coniferous species, and softwood species (ash, poplar, birch, aspen) are also suitable for the manufacture of decorative structures. By installing the beam on the ceiling, you can close external engineering communications (pipes, wires, cables, etc.). Hollow elements are used for this.

metal beams

Metal structures are usually heavy and therefore require thoughtful fastening. However, when using light metals (aluminum sheets, bent steel profiles, etc.), the mass of the beam will not be large. In addition to saving material and simplifying installation, cavities can be used for technical purposes (even placing ventilation ducts and pipelines for heating and water supply systems in them).

steel beams

plastic beams

Plastic decor is very convenient to use when decorating a room, because it is very light, cheap and easy to process. Polyurethane constructions are resistant to moisture, they do not absorb odors and are easy to clean. The wide range of finishes available for polyurethane products explains why it is so popular in interior applications.

Decorative polyurethane beams

Decorative beam from MDF

For the manufacture of prefabricated structures, various types of chipboard and fiberboard are used. Most often used MDF - medium density fiberboard. Outside, such a plate is usually laminated with veneer or artificial coating, which imitates the texture and color of various types of wood.

Installation and finishing of wooden beams

If wooden beams on the ceiling are installed as a supporting structure for overlapping, then only dry and high-quality lumber of rectangular or round shape without blue, rot, etc. should be used for them.

When installing, the ends of the structure are wound into a brick wall. It will be very difficult to change the supporting structure subsequently, so it must be of high quality.

Fixing beam ends in masonry

The ceiling on a wooden beam is installed immediately. Floorboards are processed (sanded and varnished) even before they are installed on the supporting structure. The beam itself is processed after the installation of the ceiling.

The surface of the wooden beam needs protection and additional finishing. For this, widely known methods are used: grinding, impregnation, toning, impregnation, painting, etc.

Surface brushing

One of the spectacular ways of processing wooden beams is brushing - giving the surface of the material a pronounced texture and volume. This requires a minimum of tools and fixtures:

  • angle grinder ("Bulgarian");
  • electric drill;
  • special nozzles.

In addition, you will need metal, synthetic and sesal brushes. They are applied sequentially for rough and intermediate surface treatment as well as for final polishing.

The sequence of work is as follows:

  • The top layer of wood is removed with a metal brush. In this case, soft fibers are selected to a greater depth;
  • Grinding is carried out with a synthetic brush;
  • Sesal brushes are used to polish the surface.
  • The treated surface is covered with stain and varnish.

This treatment imitates an old tree.

Additionally, you can give the wooden surface the appearance of being damaged by a bark beetle.

To do this, you need an awl, an engraver and an engraving nozzle. The "exits" of the woodworm are pricked with an awl, the "moves" of the bug are drawn on the surface with an engraver with a nozzle.

Advice! Coniferous wood is best suited for brushing.

Wood surface after brushing

findings

The placement of the beam on the ceiling, in addition to the functional load-bearing function, also performs a decorative role in interior design. The right choice of material, design, and design of this decor element will give the room a special comfort and style. In addition, the use of beams allows you to rationally emphasize the geometry of the room and hide various communications.

In this video you can learn how to properly mount decorative beams on the ceiling.

The beam on the ceiling can be not only a decoration. Its use has a number of advantages that will serve as a bonus to the original interior:

  • If you decide to put a plasterboard ceiling, the beam will help hide the joints between the sheets. This will positively affect the overall appearance of the coating.
  • Hollow beams allow you to hide wiring, pipes and other communications in them.
  • If you wish, you can use them to install additional lighting - for example, mount it directly into a rail or turn it into a kind of frame for LED strips.
  • The use of ceilings as an interior element allows you to emphasize the style of the room;
  • Hanging structures - lamps, decorations and even TVs - can be attached to beams made of durable materials (stone, wood, metal).

Of course, one should not forget about the main function - the carrier, especially in private homes. However, in modern design, beams are increasingly used as a stylistic device. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with our photo selection in order to understand what the implementation of such an idea might look like.

Examples of using beams in the interior

There are many design ideas that allow you to turn a beam from a structural element into a beautiful decoration.

Straight wooden beams, contrasting in color with the ceiling, look very nice in a classic interior. They add monumentality to it, at the same time making the room wider.

The ceiling looks voluminous and embossed, and additional sources of spot lighting help to enhance the effect.

Rough beams made of natural wood can be emphasized by imitation of stone on the wall - this way the room will look fresh and unusual.

However, try to avoid dark overlay tones - they can appear rough.

The load-bearing beam is favorably emphasized by thinner perpendicular crossbeams in contrasting colors. Illuminate it with spotlights for greater effect.

This technique is good for both large and small rooms - it visually adds space and looks good. It is best to use it between the kitchen and the open balcony - this way you can effectively zone the rooms.

By the way, it is not necessary to stick exclusively to straight lines. If the beam is used as a decorative element, and not as a supporting structure, it may well be curly.

This solution will hide the wires and just looks beautiful. The main thing is to carefully consider the pattern so that it harmonizes with the style of the rest of the room.

As an example, we have chosen multidirectional rays radiating from the horseshoe framing the lamp - a simple but effective technique that allows you to visually expand the room.

For a high-tech interior, metal beams are suitable. They look unusual, and you can choose almost any shape. Such an airy relief beam, as in the photo, is more suitable for spacious rooms - it hides a lot of room height.

A nice bonus: Metal is one of the strongest materials. Therefore, you can use the design to hang chandeliers and decor items.

However, even in a classic interior, metal beams can look beautiful and appropriate - the main thing is to choose laconic straight lines and a discreet shade.

In this case, it is better to choose a wooden ceiling - the contrast of the two materials looks very impressive and stylish.

It is better not to try to experiment with color - not every paint will lie well on metal, and it is quite difficult to find a good solution.

Open ceiling beams are more suitable for living rooms and halls of a two-story house - that is, rooms where their use allows height.

Volumetric curly elements look stylish and add warmth and comfort to the room. Use them as a frame for small light bulbs - the effect will be just magical.

If you wish, you can lower a column of the same material from the ceiling - a simple but elegant trick.

Openwork beams for concave stretch ceilings will be appropriate both in a private house and in an apartment with high walls. They look very unusual and original, while visually adding space and airiness to the room.

It is better to use contrasting tones of the same scale - warm or cold, so as not to create a visual contradiction between them.

Spotlights scattered across the space between the beams will enhance this effect. This method is good for large rooms in a classic style. However, by experimenting with colors, you can find a solution for more modern types of design.

It doesn’t have to be limited to standard wood shades or boring black and white. You can easily paint the beams in any color you like - or even several! However, in this case, you must follow a couple of rules:

  • Make sure that the selected palette is combined with each other.
  • Remember that in a harmonious interior no more than three or four basic tones should be used. Otherwise, the design will turn out to be too colorful and tiring for the eyes.

Otherwise, it all depends on your imagination!

In a private house, wooden beams can be used to construct ... the entire ceiling. Volumetric relief space illuminated from the inside is a rather unusual design technique. However, remember that the height of the walls must be appropriate.

As you can see, the use of beams in the modern building world is not only a necessity, but also an elegant design technique that allows you to complement the atmosphere of almost any room.