12 Ceiling Beam Covering Ideas that Work for Any Room and Style

To make the most of your space, discover more about ceiling beam covering ideas that truly match your style and design taste. Ceiling beams can sometimes look rough and out of place. Covering it will turn your ceiling into a beautiful design feature that is also functional.

This article provides an overview of 12 different ceiling beam covering ideas you can explore. It helps you create a more polished ceiling design that complements your overall room style. Learning about these different options will allow you to choose the right products that not only stay within your budget, but are also suitable for your taste.

Why Ceiling Beam Covering Matters in Design

Ceiling beams can give your home or office character and charm. A lot of people choose to keep the authentic beams made from rough wood or steel as they are. Unfortunately, not all beams look good. Some may be old, damaged, or just don’t match the style of the room. That’s where the covering ideas come in.

These ceiling beam covering ideas help you hide flaws and make the space feel more modern or cozy. It also allows homeowners to match the beams with the rest of their decor without needing a full renovation. Whether you're going for a rustic, modern, or traditional look, the right beam covering can make a big difference in how your room feels.

12 Ceiling Beam Covering Ideas for a Seamless Look

From painting the beams to adding a set of lighting, let’s explore these wide range of options for your room.

1. Painted Beams

The easiest way to cover your beams is to paint it. A fresh coat of paint can make beams blend in or stand out, depending on your choice. For example, if you want it to stand out, choose a color that contrasts with your ceiling. You can also choose brown, light orange, or other earthy tones if you want to add warmth.

2. Wood Wraps

Wanting to keep your original wood beams, but make it more polished? Try covering your beams with thin wood planks. This option is also perfect if you want a natural and warm finish. Additionally, wood wraps can be great for rustic or farmhouse styles.

3. Drywall Covering

This is your best choice when you want to entirely cover your beams. Drywall and paint hide the beam completely for a clean line and surface. These ceiling beam covering ideas are the most commonly used, especially in minimalist, modern, and contemporary homes.

Read More: What is Rubberwood? Key Advantages, Limitations, and Comparisons

4. Box Beams

Box beams create hollow beams using wood around the existing ones. This gives the look of solid wood that kind of creates frames or boxes on your ceiling. Designers would typically use blocks of woods to make it feel more earthy and rustic.

Ceilings and walls meet closely, so coordinating their materials creates a harmonious space. If your beams and coverings use wood, pair them with matching wood panels. The Panel Hub offers best-selling wood panels with a unique 3-sided finish for a seamless look, made from 100% genuine wood and designed for easy DIY installation. Explore our wide range of colors and materials to elevate your living space.

5. Faux Wood Beams

Faux generally means fake or artificial. This can be your alternatives if you want to create box beams with lighter and cheaper wood. They look real but are easier to install. Typically, faux wood beams are made from fiberboard or polyurethane.

6. Coffered Ceiling Design

Coffered ceiling design transforms your ceiling look with smaller 3D blocks or grids. After that, the grid is covered with molding or panels for a classic, elegant look. The final result will make your room feel more dimensional, dramatical, textured, and luxurious.

7. Plaster Finish

If you want a traditional vibe often seen in Mediterranean-style homes, plaster finishes are great ceiling beam covering ideas. This method uses a fine layer of smooth cement to create an even, polished surface. It is quite similar to the painting methods, but gives your beam a more seamless and blended look with the ceiling.

8. Fabric Wraps

Fabric wraps are acoustic fabric used to cover the beam surfaces to achieve not only decorative look, but also sound-proof rooms. This is great for bedrooms or cozy spaces. It can be the most flexible option, as the fabrics can be printed with designs or patterns that you desire. 

For ultimate soundproofing, pair your ceiling wraps with The Panel Hub Sound Panels. With a 0.85 NRC rating, our wood panels absorb up to 85% of mid/high-frequency noise. Our wood panels help you achieve an unmatched peaceful bedroom, living room, or home theater.

9. Metal Cladding

For a modern or industrial look, cover beams with metal sheets or panels. You can choose the metal cladding made from aluminum, steel, or copper. These ceiling beam covering ideas help you create a more futuristic look, while also making the structure stronger and long-lasting.

10. Shiplap or Paneling

Using shiplap or other types of wood paneling to wrap your ceiling beams is a fantastic way to create a unified look in your living rooms or offices. Shiplap consists of wooden boards that overlap, creating clean horizontal lines and a classic textured effect.

11. Beam Lighting

Incorporating lighting into your ceiling beam coverings not only brightens the room but also creates an inviting atmosphere. It adds both beauty and function. Furthermore, it relatively requires lower effort compared to covering beams with cement, paint, or even metal cladding.

12. Decorative Molding

Decorative molding works by applying crown molding, rope molding, or other decorative trims along the edges of the beams, framing them nicely and adding depth. This type of molding adds more style and depth to prevent your ceiling from looking too plain. 

Read More: 10 Bold Large Wall Decor Ideas for a Modern Living Room

Achieving a Cohesive Design and Style for Your Space

Some people choose to leave their beam ceiling open, natural, and authentic as they are. There are many inspirations for exposed load-bearing beam ideas and modern exposed beam ceilings. However, the ceiling beam covering ideas are also plentiful for those who prefer a more seamless, blended, or decorative ceiling.

Whether you decide to cover your beams or leave them exposed, the key is to find a style that fits your home’s overall design. Don’t forget to coordinate your ceiling beams with your wall treatments and designs. If you are planning to match your wood ceiling, explore The Panel Hub's wide selection of sound-proof and decorative wood wall panels. Add elegance, warmth, and natural look to your space that only real wood can provide.