Cathedral ceilings already make a bold statement, but pairing them with faux wood beams can take that dramatic architecture to the next level. Whether you're going for rustic charm, modern farmhouse style, or timeless elegance, cathedral ceilings with faux wood beams add depth, texture, and visual interest without the weight or expense of real timber.
In this post, we’ll explore creative faux beam ideas for cathedral ceilings, offering inspiration to elevate your space with the look of exposed wood beams, all while keeping installation simple and budget-friendly.
Table of Contents
- Cathedral Ceiling Beam Ideas
- Real Home Transformation: Before and After
- How to Install Faux Wood Beams on a Cathedral Ceiling
- Transform Your Cathedral Ceiling with Faux Wood Beams: Shop Beams
Cathedral Ceiling Beam Ideas
Whether it’s your living room, kitchen, or bathroom—any room with a cathedral ceiling can benefit from the timeless character faux wood beams bring.
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Espresso Brown1. Create a Comfortable, Intimate Atmosphere
The height of some cathedral ceilings can actually make a room feel empty and overly spacious.
A cathedral ceiling with exposed beams can lower the perceived height of a ceiling, making the room feel more intimate and welcoming.
This bedroom’s cathedral ceiling feels cozier with the addition of Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Espresso Brown.2. Use Vaulted Ceiling Beams to Add a Pop of Personality to a Small Space
Faux wood beams are completely customizable in size, so they’re perfect for creating a design feature in smaller, cramped spaces.
On top of adding character to the room, the faux beams on the cathedral ceiling assist in visually lengthening the wall, making the bathroom appear more expansive.
This small attic bathroom features a vaulted ceiling with Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Roasted Chestnut.
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Roasted Chestnut
Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Log3. Pair Cathedral Ceiling Beams With Modern Features
The ultra-modern island, lighting fixture, and appliances of this kitchen are a gorgeous accent to the distressed texture of Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Log.
The result is a space that feels both open and inviting, blending old-world character with modern sophistication.
4. Accent a Basic Cathedral Ceiling
Make a statement with faux wood beams that contrast with the color of your cathedral ceiling.
This cathedral ceiling is now the focal point of the room with its bright white ceiling against Magnolia Faux Wood Beams in Dark Walnut.
Magnolia Faux Wood Beams in Dark Walnut
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Weathered Gray5. Use Faux Wood Beams for a Rustic Look From Floor-to-Ceiling
For a more cohesive look, install faux wood beams on a cathedral ceiling that matches the other rustic elements of the room.
This farmhouse-style kitchen has a balanced look from the wood floors, to the brick fireplace, to the Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Weathered Gray.6. Create an Architectural Design Feature with Faux Wood Beams and Panels
Use this cathedral ceiling beam idea to make any space a head-turning design feature without breaking the bank.
The Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Espresso Brown against the Faux Wood Planks in Log creates a striking blend of natural, warm textures with the expansive feel of a cathedral ceiling.
Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Espresso Brown
Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Fresh Coffee7. Highlight the Height of a Room With Faux Wood Beams on a Cathedral Ceiling
These Hewn Faux Wood Beams feature a distressed texture that mimics real hand-carved wood. Paired with the room’s bold features, this cathedral ceiling beam idea brings added warmth and character.
Strategically placed at the ceiling’s highest point, the beams help define the room and introduce an authentic rustic feel to the kitchen.
Real Home Transformation: Faux Wood Beams on Cathedral Ceilings
Faux wood beams aren’t just for indoor use; they’re perfect for exterior use too!
With some creativity and thoughtful design, this customer created an outdoor oasis to include a covered upper-level living space with cathedral ceiling, patio level outdoor kitchen and dining area, as well as surrounding hardscape to highlight the pool. This transformation is so extreme, it doesn't even look like the same home!
But, would you believe that’s not all? At the front of the house, the homeowner completely remodeled the exterior to include an open porch with cathedral-style ceiling using faux wood beams.
Exterior Transformation: Before
The before picture shows a one-dimensional facade with the driveway coming straight up the center of the yard. While the home features a very welcoming front door and beautiful windows, it’s flat and lacks depth.
Exterior Transformation: During Construction
In order to carry out his vision there were several challenges. The driveway needed to be relocated to the front left of the home, extending down the side to the garage.
Then, the new sidewalk and patio were laid to establish the foundation for the remodel. Support columns followed, and the cathedral-style roof.
Exterior Transformation: After
Once the framing was complete, faux wood beams were installed. From there the cathedral ceiling was built out and additional beams used inside and outside. The homeowner chose to install lighting in the faux wood beams for additional illumination.
Stone veneer was added to the columns and exposed foundation on the patio to tie the whole look together. Landscaping followed then all that was left was arranging patio furniture and hanging chandelier lighting!How to Install Faux Wood Beams on a Cathedral Ceiling
Magnolia Faux Wood Beams in Fresh Coffee
Installing faux wood beams is an easy, DIY process. In fact, you can complete your installation over the course of a weekend.
However, installing faux wood beams on a flat ceiling is a little different from installing beams on a cathedral ceiling. To help you through the process, check out these helpful installation tips.
- Determine beam layout before you order: Common layouts include running them parallel to your roofline, installing collar ties that run across the ceiling but are not flush with the ceiling, or in a decorative pattern, such as a truss design. To help you determine your beam layout, consider the room's size and desired visual impact.
- Be sure to measure accurately: Measure the length of each beam run precisely, accounting for the angle of the cathedral ceiling. You will want to have a T-bevel available to accurately measure and transfer the angle of the ceiling to the beam you will be cutting.
- Install the ridge beam first. The ridge beam is the beam that is affixed to the apex of your cathedral ceiling.
Transform Your Cathedral Ceiling with Faux Wood Beams
Whether you’re considering a few decorative accents to enhance the cathedral ceiling over your living area or you’re planning an entire home exterior renovation like the homeowner above, faux wood beams are a practical, affordable, and easy material choice to get the job done.
The first step is to browse our collection of faux wood beams and choose your favorite beam style and color. To help you narrow down your choices and find the best one for your project, order samples.
Once you’ve received your ceiling beams, follow our step-by-step installation instructions. In a matter of hours, your vaulted ceiling with beams will give your space an entirely new look and feel!