When you think of wood beams, rustic farmhouse-style ceilings probably come to mind. But with the versatility of faux wood beams, you can create looks that range from elegant and contemporary to warm and rustic. Plus, with easy installation and affordable custom options, you can enjoy the beauty of exposed wood throughout your home.
In this article, we answer all your questions about ordering, finishing, and installing custom faux wood beams, and share design ideas to inspire your project!
Custom Faux Beams - Ideas and Inspiration
No matter the size of a room or height of the ceiling, incorporating custom faux wood beams is an easy, cost-effective way to elevate the look and feel of any space. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite ways to use faux beams.
Old Tuscan Faux Wood Beams in Cappuccino1. Rustic Entryways and Stairways
The entryway to your home is the first impression your space leaves on guests, yet it’s often overlooked. Custom faux wood beams can instantly frame and elevate this area.
In this project, Old Tuscan Faux Wood Beams in Cappuccino create a warm, rustic welcome by running across the ceiling and wrapping the transition into the living room.
Their rich texture and natural archway effect add depth and charm, making the space feel inviting from the moment you step inside.
2. Farmhouse-Inspired Shelving
Who says shelves can’t double as décor? Custom faux wood beams can be styled as rustic shelving to showcase lightweight accents such as framed photos, holiday décor, or small houseplants that bring the outdoors in. In the living room or bedroom, they can even hold a small lamp for a cozy glow. In the kitchen, a beam shelf makes a charming spice rack or display for other light items.
Keep in mind these shelves are decorative, designed to hold only lighter objects, not heavy loads.
Old Barn Custom Faux Wood Mantel, Finished by Customer3. Cozy Fireplace Mantels
A fireplace mantel is one of the most popular ways to use faux wood beams, and for good reason. The fireplace is the heart of the living room, where family and friends gather around the glow of the flames. Adding a faux wood beam as a mantel instantly enhances the space with rustic charm and warmth.
Because they’re customizable, you can choose the finish and texture that best match your fireplace and complement your home’s style. Faux wood mantels offer the inviting look of real wood while remaining lightweight and easier to install than traditional beams, perfect for decorative and moderate-use purposes.
4. Organic-Style Window Sills
If your windows have no window sills on the inside, you can use faux wood beams to create a shelving space that provides the look of a windowsill. Beams below your windows can also be a great place to keep small plants, giving them lots of light.
Old Tuscan Faux Wood Beams in Cappuccino5. Exposed Framing
Faux wood beams can be used to give your room a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look.
Wrapping beams vertically and horizontally around a doorway creates the impression of exposed framing, bringing texture and architectural definition to an otherwise simple transition. The rough-hewn finish contrasts beautifully with smooth walls, making the doorway feel like a structural focal point.
This approach mimics the look of traditional craftsmanship, adding warmth, depth, and visual interest to open spaces.
6. Divide a Room With Custom Wood Beams
Open floor plans are popular, but they can sometimes feel too expansive or impersonal. Faux wood beams offer a stylish way to bring warmth and structure to these spaces. Installing beams as ceiling accents or floor-to-ceiling columns can visually divide your living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a cozier, more defined atmosphere.
This approach is especially helpful when entertaining, allowing different activities to feel separated while maintaining an open, connected layout.
7. Cover Support Beams or Wiring
Whether you’re finishing a basement, attic, or upper-level room, exposed support beams or wiring can detract from the look of your space. Faux wood beams are hollow, lightweight, and easy to install, so they’re ideal for concealing structural elements or unsightly electrical wiring.
Adding a decorative beam cover instantly makes your space feel more polished, cohesive, and intentional—without the hassle of heavy real wood.
Custom faux wood beams in the bedroom8. Hide Curtain Rods Inside a Faux Wood Beam
Use faux wood beams to disguise curtain rods installed down the middle of a room to divide areas and create a unique design feature.
Using faux wood beams can transform what would otherwise be an awkward space into a nook with real character.
If you’re ready to start your custom beam project or have another idea for a custom design project in your home, be sure to browse our selection of custom wood beams and check out our design ideas for more inspiration!
Make it Your Own: Ways to Customize Faux Wood Beams
Some homeowners and designers have very specific beam requirements. AZ Faux offers multiple faux wood beam styles and authentic colors to choose from. However, there are ways to customize your beams to be unique to your project.
Old Barn Custom Faux Wood Beams, Finished by CustomerChoose Your Beam Length, Height, and Width
Each of our beam styles is available from 4” to 36” in height and width, and up to 30’ long. Selecting the right beam size makes all the difference in creating a polished, authentic design.
Before you order, understand what each of these dimensions means:
- Length: How far the beam stretches across the room.
- Height: How tall the beam looks from top to bottom.
- Width: How wide (thick) it looks across its underside.
Choose From Multiple Beam Finishes or DIY Your Own
AZ Faux Beams’ customers love the classic charm of a finished beam. Finished faux wood beams, depending on the color, enhance interior design styles like traditional, vintage, and rustic, and many others. Our collection of faux wood beams includes every finish imaginable.
Some of our favorite beam styles and finishes are below.
Heirloom Faux Wood Beam in Roasted ChestnutHeirloom Faux Wood Beam in Roasted Chestnut
The timeless Heirloom Faux Wood Beam style is available in 11 authentic finishes or unfinished. If you’re looking for a custom color, order your beams unfinished.
Old Barn Faux Wood Beam in Campfire CreamOld Barn Faux Wood Beam in Campfire Cream
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams have a perfectly weathered look of reclaimed barn wood, and come in 11 different finishes or unfinished.
If you don’t see the finish that complements your style, order your beams unfinished and DIY your own custom color.
Magnolia Faux Wood Beam in Cosmic NavyMagnolia Faux Wood Beam in Cosmic Navy
This truly unique finish is available for most of our beam styles. Shown here is the highly versatile Magnolia Faux Wood Beam in Cosmic Navy.
Some customers want a finish tailored perfectly to their project. DIY custom finishing has become a popular trend, allowing homeowners to match their décor and designers or contractors to meet client-specific requirements. Whether the goal is modern and bright or richly rustic, our unfinished faux wood beams provide endless possibilities.
A popular approach is using water-based paints and brushing techniques to highlight the grain and texture of the beam for a natural, custom look. For best results, we provide detailed finishing instructions that walk you through the process step by step, from prep and priming to applying paint or stain, so you can achieve the exact finish you’re after with confidence.
To explore the variety of grain patterns and truly get a feel for the textures, we highly recommend ordering beam samples before starting your project.
How to Order Custom Faux Wood Beams
- Choose Your Style – Start by selecting the beam style that fits your design vision.
- Determine the Size – Next, measure your space carefully to order the correct beam length. Beams over 21’ will be cut in half and shipped as two pieces. For example, a 30’ beam can be created by joining two 15’ beams.
- Select the Thickness – Decide how thick or thin you want your beams. Narrower beams work best with lower ceilings, while taller ceilings can accommodate larger, thicker beams for proportion and impact.
- Get Design Assistance if Needed – If you have questions or need guidance, contact the AZ Faux team before placing your order—they can help ensure your beams fit your vision perfectly.
Before you order, be sure to contact the AZ Faux team if you need design assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Beams
Need more guidance on ordering, customizing, or installing your faux wood beams and accessories? Our team is happy to help—call us at 888-314-2326.
Is custom sizing available for beam lengths?
Yes! Beams can be customized to the exact length your project requires. Each faux wood beam is built to order and assembled by professionals. If you don’t see the size you need listed online, you can create a beam to your specifications for a seamless fit.
How do I install a custom faux wood beam?
Faux wood box beams are lightweight and easy to manage, so professional installation isn’t required. For step-by-step instructions, tips, and installation videos, visit our website.
Can I order just a corner/end cap?
End caps are not available on their own, but you can order a corner piece—often referred to as a two-sided beam or L-header. These are available in every custom texture and finish we offer, making it easy to match your project’s design.
Can I paint an unfinished beam myself?
Yes! Any of our faux wood beams can be ordered “unfinished” so you can apply your own finish. Unfinished beams arrive ready to paint using a water-based paint of your choice.
Can you make smaller vigas?
Our faux wood viga tails are available in 8”, 10”, and 12” diameters, with a 12” projection. If you need a size not shown online, please call our customer service team at 888-314-2326 for a custom quote.
I can't find exactly what I want on the site. Do you do custom products?
Yes! We create custom products all the time to meet specific design needs. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, simply contact our team at 888-314-2326, and we’ll be happy to discuss custom options.
Ready to Order Your Custom Faux Beams?
Dock Wood Faux Wood Beams in Cosmic Navy
AZ Faux is a one-stop shop for all your home improvement and remodeling projects. With our wide selection of faux wood beams and other decorative accents at competitive prices, there’s no better place to get a great deal on custom faux wood beams and products.
Our customer-oriented team of architectural consultants stands ready to offer help in every aspect of your project, from placing your order to finishing advice, installation assistance, and other tips. We make it easy and hassle-free to complete any project!
Ready to place your custom order? We're available M-F, 8 am to 5 pm EST.