Vaulted ceilings, with their tall slanted lines, are a common architectural feature in homes and businesses. Although the height of a vaulted or cathedral ceiling alone can impress, there’s more you can do to make it the most impressive wall in the room.
If you have a vaulted or cathedral ceiling in your home that’s a little bland, or you want to give the ceiling a whole new look, the addition of wood beams can give it an expensive designer look.
Here, we’re sharing some luxurious, yet achievable vaulted ceiling beam ideas to inspire your project!
Vaulted vs. Cathedral Ceiling: What's the Difference?
The terms “vaulted ceiling” and “cathedral ceiling” are often used interchangeably, and that’s OK…but there are a few differences between the two. Sure, both are high ceilings, but the main difference comes down to the pitch of the ceiling and the symmetry of the sloping sides.
A vaulted ceiling sits below the roof pitch. It can have a single sloped side, a curved or arched slope, or unevenly sloped sides within the triangle pitch of the roof.
A cathedral ceiling, however, matches the pitch of the roof and has symmetrical sides. This means both sloping sides are the same length and meet at a ridge in the middle of the room.
Whether you have a vaulted or cathedral ceiling in your home, you can use any of these exposed ceiling beam ideas to take your room to new heights!
DIY-Friendly Vaulted Ceiling Beams Ideas
Today, with advanced design techniques, most homes don’t have exposed, structural beams. If you love the look of exposed beams, you can add real wood or faux wood beams to your vaulted or cathedral-style ceiling that achieve the same look. And, you can save a lot of cash by doing it yourself.
1. Cathedral Ceiling With Exposed Beams for a Cozy Bedroom
This farmhouse-style bedroom has a beamed cathedral ceiling that instantly makes the room feel cozy and intimate. The homeowner matched their beams to the shiplap ceiling color for a light, effortless look.
A project like this is DIY-friendly and can be completed over the course of one weekend! All you need are a few basic tools and someone to help you hold the beams in place.
2. Use a Vaulted Ceiling With Beams to Tie the Whole Room Together
If you have high vaulted ceilings, such as those in this living room, you may struggle to select the appropriate furniture and decor to create a cohesive design.
This homeowner installed a large Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Ridge Beam and then added faux wood trusses for a more sophisticated look.
Overall, the beam and truss design visually brings the height of the ceiling down and successfully ties the whole room together.
Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Beams in Java
Reclaimed Faux Wood Beams in Java
3. White Cathedral Ceiling With Contrasting Beams
This entertaining space is much more lively with exposed beams that contrast against the bright white cathedral ceiling.
These rustic-style Reclaimed Faux Wood Beams are available in 15 authentic colors, so it’s easy to find the one that suits your design.
If you don’t see the color you need, choose our unfinished option. They arrive at your doorstep ready to be painted or stained!
4. Vaulted Ceiling Beams in a Small Space Add Drama and Dimension
Use this vaulted ceiling beam idea to really accentuate your space. This casual living area blends a bright cozy cottage feel with the rustic nature of Faux Timber Wood Beams installed to emphasize the pitch of the vaulted ceiling.
No matter what size and length you need, our beams can be customized to match the look you’re after and your overall project vision.
Timber Faux Wood Beams in Cinnamon
Woodland Faux Wood Beams in Caramel
5. A Vaulted Ceiling With Beams to Show Off Your Home’s Best Features
Faux wood beams are an affordable and easy way to add timeless character to your home.
This living room has a vaulted ceiling with faux wood beams that beautifully mimic the look of authentic wood beams, without the cost of installing real wood. Pictured here are Woodland Faux Wood Beams. This beam style has a raised grain wood texture and is slightly distressed to add warmth and visual interest.
As a bonus, these vaulted ceiling beams call attention to the stone fireplace, making it a focal point of the room.
6. Exposed Beams Don’t Have to Follow the Ceiling’s Pitch
This sunroom is full of natural light and has a tall cathedral ceiling with beams that are installed very distinctively!
Since our wood beams aren’t structural, you can install them as suspended collar ties. Instead of following the pitch of the ceiling, this homeowner spaced them horizontally across the width of the room.
This ceiling beam idea adds a natural element to the room’s design without masking the true height of the cathedral ceiling.
Timber Faux Wood Beams in Cinnamon
Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Beams in Rich Walnut
7. Add a Light Fixture for a More Luxurious Look
If you’re looking to bring some grandeur to your vaulted ceiling, add real or faux wood trusses and a large light fixture.
The Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Beams in this 2-story vaulted ceiling tie the expansive space together. The glamorous light fixture complements the size of the beams for a luxurious look.
To customize your space, run electrical wiring through the hollow beam to install light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents.
8. Faux Wood Beams on a Vaulted Ceiling With Skylights
Faux vaulted ceiling beams frame the skylights in this dreamy kitchen.
This homeowner installed a large ridge beam with smaller rafter beams attached to its sides for a more realistic wood beam look.
They chose Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Beams in Dark Walnut to match the existing cabinets.
Faux wood beams are available in a wide variety of natural-looking colors, so you’re sure to find the one that matches your color palette.
Heavy Sandblasted Faux Wood Beams in Dark Walnut
Woodland Faux Wood Beams in Java
9. Vaulted Ceiling Beams on an Exterior
Vaulted ceiling beams are for exterior use, too! Wood and faux wood beams are crafted to be resistant to normal weather conditions, and resistant to damage from pests, moisture, and fading in the sun.
This serene outdoor covered patio features a dramatic vaulted ceiling with beams that frame the gorgeous hanging light fixture. The dark wood ceiling beam color mimics the black trim windows of the home.
10. Add Detail With Cathedral Ceiling Wood Beams Accessories
This living room has a pop of personality! In a matter of hours, this homeowner completely transformed the look of the room by adding exposed wood beams to the cathedral ceiling.
Then, they added clavos straps to the beams for a little extra detail. Other beam accessories include beam plates, bolts, and custom straps.
Because faux wood ceiling beams are made of lightweight high-density polyurethane, you, too, can DIY a project like this without hiring a contractor.
Rough Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Caramel
Upgrade Your Vaulted Ceiling with Exposed Wood Beams
A vaulted or cathedral-style ceiling can be impressive on its own. But the addition of exposed wood beams takes the look to a whole new level!
Barron Designs’ collection of wood and faux wood beams is available in a wide variety of styles and authentic colors, as well as an unfinished option, making it easy for you to get the look you’re going for. Each beam is hand-crafted and finished by skilled artisans to mimic the look and feel of a solid wood beam, without the expense and complicated installation.
A beautiful vaulted ceiling with wood beams is as easy as picking your favorite beam style and color. Ready to get started?