Beams on the ceiling - a wonderful decoration of the room. They create the appropriate atmosphere in the room. But it is not always possible to use real beams. In this case, you can simulate them.
Usually, a similar element of the interior is used when the rooms are decorated in vintage, provence or rustic style. You can use both heavy wooden beams, and made of expanded polystyrene. This option is lighter in weight. In addition, the stretch ceiling with imitation beams looks great.
What imitation is made of
Such a ceiling decoration, even if the beams are not originally conceived in the building structure, can be built independently.
To do this, use the following options:
- solid wood timber;
- several wooden blocks fixed together;
- imitation of wooden beams made of polystyrene foam.
Three design options
If you plan to create wooden beams on the ceiling, then after measuring the length of the rooms, you are supposed to choose natural wood with the same dimensions. It needs to be impregnated to give color, and then fixed under the ceiling. This option is considered the simplest. But at the same time, it also has disadvantages:
- You will have to take care of the transportation of beams.
- They need to be securely fixed to the ceiling.
- It is necessary to choose a place where the products will be dried after processing.
But all these disadvantages are absent, if you choose ready-made bars. In this case, most of the preparatory work does not have to be done independently.
Wood is pretreated with protective agents. By the way, you can choose not a solid large crossbar, but to perform it from several elements, combining them on the ceiling. The seams are masked and painted over.
Another way is to simulate wooden beams on the ceiling with hollow structures. You can choose fake items that will be hollow inside. There are 2 options: parts made of either wood or polystyrene. The main advantage is the installation speed. In addition, the details are very light.
Beam substitutes are made of hollow wood. To fix them on the wall, use wooden or metal rails. The crossbar will be located on them. Outwardly, it is no different from the original, since it is also wooden.
It has a natural texture, corresponding voids and cracks. But at the same time it’s hollow inside, so the structure will weigh a little, and it is much easier to mount it.
The next version of imitation of old wood is fake bars made of polystyrene. They have a special coating that mimics the wood texture. Such a finish is considered the safest, since it has a minimum weight. The assembly is very simple, only special glue is used for this.
By the way, such products are quite affordable - they can be purchased at construction stores. But these are not all the advantages of polystyrene foam beams to the ceiling. Inside, you can mount additional lighting. But in the wood to build it will be problematic.
What is needed
Installation of false polystyrene beams is very easy. Externally, the beams are no different from the original wood products.
For installation you will need:
- polystyrene beams;
- mounting glue or neodymium magnets;
- 2-sided mounting tape;
- ruler;
- scissors and a hacksaw;
- long nails.
How is the workflow
To install this design, you do not need to drill holes. To simulate the beams on the ceiling with your own hands, you must do the following:
- Use duct tape. It must be applied to the pads to install the beams. They are supposed to be laid out in profile. They should perform a little.
- Glue the beams. Remove the protective film from the second side of the tape and press the strips to the ceiling. Then remove the profile and click on the pads. Then place the profile again and click again.
- Strengthen the structure. Glue must be added to the spaces between the beam and the ceiling. Then you need to insert the nails so that they connect the profile with the pads.
This completes the installation of beams. LED strips can be installed in their holes. Get unusual lighting indoors. But for this you will have to first align the ceiling, since all defects will be visible on it.
Styles
Previously, beams were used only to maintain the ceiling. Now, such elements are decorative.
They will look different depending on the style in which the room is made:
- Chalet. In this case, you need to make an imitation of beams from coniferous trees. They should be intertwined with structures made of logs from the logs on the walls.
- Scandinavian. In this case, the beams on the ceiling are the main attribute. If you plan to imitate them, then you need to choose light colors. Due to this, the room will look more spacious.
- Provence. In this French style, beams are also used as an element of decor. But the main color is white (or light shades).
- Country. In this case, natural materials are used. It is necessary to simulate beams on the ceiling of wood. The design can be aged artificially. By the way, they also use stone in the interior. Colors can be both dark and light.
- Classical. In this case, the beams make the opposite color from the ceiling. As a result, the interior is more refined. You can decorate them with carvings, make drawings.
- Loft. In this case, the old finish, unprocessed ceilings and walls are specially left. At the same time, the floors themselves are metal. Such beams conditionally divide the room into several zones. Additionally, this effect is enhanced by appropriate backlighting.
Zoning
Beams can zone the room. For example, the kitchen and the living room are separated by a bar, but the beams above it will enhance the effect and complement such a composition. These products also add texture. This is achieved through a combination of different colors and their correct arrangement.
Beams that run parallel to each other look beautiful. Especially if they have a shade opposite to the color of the ceiling. Or, conversely, you can use beams of the same tone as the ceiling. By the way, walls with colored wallpaper will be in harmony with the ceiling structure with the same color. Another option is beams made in antiquity and installed on the background of white walls.
Recommendations
Choosing fake beams and the style of their design, you must consider what the room is used for. For example, in a small kitchen it is better to finish with light, and dilute with dark beams. At the same time, the room is visually enlarged. But thanks to the beams, it will not resemble a hospital ward.
For the living room, it is better to choose beams made of natural materials and their imitation. This gives coziness and warmth to the atmosphere of the room. If the living room is small in size, it is best to make the beams pure white. Due to this, there will be no pressing effect.
In the bathroom of the apartment, beams are practically not used. But they are used in country houses. In the bathroom, an imitation of a beam on the ceiling made of polyurethane looks better.
Conclusion
Imitation of beams on the ceiling (photos are given in the article) is a cheap way to decorate a room in an appropriate style. In this case, the room is transformed.
For installation, you can use both wood panels and expanded polystyrene products. Installation is very simple, it can be done independently in a short time. If in doubt, it is preliminary recommended to consult with a specialist in order to avoid errors during the work.