Introduction
Kitchen beams can add character and architectural interest to your space. Exposed beams are a hallmark of cottage, farmhouse, and craftsman style homes. If you’re looking to give your kitchen a rustic, cozy feel, consider incorporating some reclaimed wood beams. We’ll take a sneak peek at kitchen beams in a Brookline home and discuss the benefits of adding beams to your kitchen design.
Beams provide visual interest and can be installed on the ceiling, walls, over an island or peninsula, or to create open shelving. Exposed beams work with many kitchen aesthetics from traditional to modern. The natural wood tones pair nicely with white cabinetry and marble or quartz countertops. Beams add texture and warmth that balances sleek, contemporary finishes. Exposed beams can be stained, whitewashed, or left natural depending on your desired look.
Benefits of Kitchen Beams
Kitchen beams offer both aesthetic and practical advantages:
Visual Interest and Character
- Beams break up high ceilings and blank wall space
- Add architectural detail even in modest, builder-grade homes
- Provide a focal point and draw the eye up
- Cozy, inviting farmhouse aesthetic
- Rustic charm and texture
Contrast and Visual Separation
- Differentiate kitchen from living or dining room
- Define separate zones like an eat-in area
- Distinction from other rooms with lower ceilings
- Contrast between sleek cabinetry/counters and organic wood
Open Shelving and Display
- Beams can support open shelving for display
- Eliminate upper cabinets for a lighter look
- Show off glassware, dishes, cookbooks
- Enable personalized styling
Structural Reinforcement
- Provide structural support, stabilizing walls
- Brace for heavy shelves, pendant lights, etc.
- Anchor wood hoods and butcher block surfaces
Considerations for Kitchen Beams
While beautiful, exposed beams also come with a few special considerations:
- Ceiling Height – Existing ceiling height will determine if beams are feasible. They require adequate room.
- Beam Selection – Size, wood type, and finish impact the look. Heavy beams can feel imposing.
- Placement – Beams need proper support and layout. Avoid obtruding windows or fixtures.
- Weathering – Natural wood changes over time. Be prepared for possible cracking and checking.
- Moisture – Wood needs protection from steam, condensation and water. Proper ventilation is key.
- Cleaning – More detailing means a bit more work keeping beams dust-free.
Brookline Kitchen Beam Example
Let’s look at an example of exposed kitchen beams from a charming Brookline home:
This kitchen features natural oak beams crossing the ceiling. The lighter wood tone contrasts nicely with the white shaker cabinetry. The beams provide a focal point and break up the space visually. Notice how they differentiate the kitchen from the adjoining dining room which lacks beams.
The beam over the peninsula creates an intimate eating area. Pendant lights hang from the beams, illuminating the quartz waterfall island. Open shelving underneath gives the illusion of a furniture piece, great for cookbook storage.
The natural imperfection of the wood beams paired with modern marble countertops creates an organic, livable aesthetic. The beams reflect the home’s rustic craftsman architecture. Exposed ductwork by the range adds even more cottage character.
Types of Kitchen Beams
Several beam types can provide that cozy, rustic look:
Faux Wood Beams
- Molded from polyurethane, PVC, polystyrene
- Mimic real wood but are lower maintenance
- More affordable option
- Come pre-primed and ready for paint
- Ideal for moisture-prone areas
Reclaimed Barn Beams
- Salvaged from old barns, factories, buildings
- Provide aged patina and natural imperfections
- Rustic, organic appearance due to weathering
- Can be lightly sandblasted to preserve character
Log Beams
- Cut from tree trunks with the edges left rounded
- Offer a rugged, pioneering look
- Tend to have more irregular shapes
- Usually made from pine, cedar, or spruce
Milled Wood Beams
- Fresh milled lumber directly from logs
- Available in oak, cedar, pine and various stains
- Uniform shape with smoother surfaces
- New wood without salvaged marks
Selecting Kitchen Beams
Choosing the right beams for your kitchen involves a number of considerations:
Wood Type
For most kitchens, dense hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are best. Their strength provides good support and durability:
- Oak – Handsome brown tones that darken over time. Affordable.
- Maple – Pale, uniformly-colored wood that stains well.
- Walnut – Rich brown coloration with dark accents.
Softwoods like pine or cedar should be avoided due to potential for warping and insect damage. Look for kiln-dried beams with 10-15% moisture content.
Beam Size
Going too massive in a modest kitchen can feel overwhelming. Scale beam size appropriately:
- 4×4 – Minimum for shelves, ok for ceilings
- 4×6 – Versatile for walls or open shelving
- 6×6 – Better for extensive long runs
- 8×8 – Very heavy, best for high/vaulted ceilings
Measure carefully as dimensional lumber is slightly smaller than stated. A 4×4 is actually around 3.5″.
Beam Layout
Well-spaced beams with ample support look best. Leave a minimum 2ft path free of obstructions. Avoid awkward overlaps or cramped placement.
Finish
Natural, stained, painted, or whitewashed are common beam finishes:
- Natural – Shows off wood grain. Needs oil treatments.
- Stained – Enhances color; helps conceal imperfections.
- Painted – Any color. Use satin for durability and wipe-ability.
- Whitewashed – Lightens wood while letting grain show through. Casual look.
Distressed beams should be sealed to prevent dust and splintering.
Installing Kitchen Beams
Unless you’re very handy, installing beams is best left to experts. Here is the basic process:
Assess the Space
First, a contractor will evaluate your kitchen layout, measure ceiling height, check for necessary reinforcement, identify plumbing/wiring runs, etc. This determines suitable beam size and placement.
Install Supports
Beams need proper structural supports attached to the ceiling or walls. For ceiling beams, posts secured between floor joists provide strength. Wall mounts distribute weight.
Put Up Beams
With supports in place, the beams can be mounted. They may need to be cut to fit or joined in sections. Nails, screws, and metal plates hold everything securely together.
Finish Touches
The final step is adding desired decorative finishes like sanding, staining, painting. Caulk and fill gaps for a seamless look. Add pendant lights, open shelving, and other accessories.
Hiring a contractor familiar with exposed beams ensures proper installation. They can make the process look seamless.
Design Inspiration
Here are some great examples of kitchen beams used in creative ways:
Ceiling Beams
Run beams longitudinally across the ceiling for a linear look:
Cross Beams
Crisscrossing beams create geometric patterns:
Wall Beams
Accent a focal wall, vary heights for interest:
Long Island Beams
Anchor an oversized island or peninsula:
Open Shelving
Use beams structurally to display treasures:
Get creative, mix and match placements to make beams work in your unique kitchen layout.
FAQs About Kitchen Beams
Some common questions about incorporating beams:
What are the drawbacks to kitchen beams?
Beams can make spaces feel darker and smaller if not properly sized and placed. Poor installation can result in sagging. Cleaning and maintaining natural wood also takes more effort.
Do beams attract more dust and spiders?
It’s true that exposed beams provide places for dust and cobwebs to accumulate. Regular dusting along with proper home ventilation helps keep them clean.
How can you tell if existing beams are load-bearing?
Consult a structural engineer, but clues include beams that align with posts below them and run underneath or into walls. Removing non-decorative beams likely requires further reinforcement.
Can you install beams on a paneled ceiling?
Yes, it is possible to add beams over drywall or paneled ceilings. Faux beams that adhere directly to the existing ceiling are an option too.
What are the minimum ceiling height requirements?
For a single horizontal beam, you’ll want at least 8 foot ceilings. More elaborate cross-beam designs require 9 foot or cathedral ceilings to avoid feeling crowded.
How much do kitchen beams cost?
Pricing varies based on beam material and complexity of installation. You can expect to pay $1,500-5,000 to add new decorative beams. Reclaimed barn beams cost more.
Conclusion
The natural beauty of wood beams can transform your kitchen visually and offer bonus display space. Anticipate some special structural considerations, but the cozy, timeless look is worth it.
Exposed beams made from oak, maple or other hardwoods bring texture and a warm farmhouse vibe to both rustic and modern kitchens. Strategic placement provides architectural detail, anchors open shelving, and plays up high ceilings.
With the right contractor, installing beams suitable to your home’s size and style is very doable. Just be ready to embrace the quirks of real wood. Beams evolve uniquely over time – no two are exactly alike.
Even in Brookline residences with modest dimensions, exposed beams effectively carve out separate dining nooks, support statement lighting, and showcase collections. They truly enhance a kitchen’s character.
We hope this beam sneak peek provided ideas and inspiration for your own space. Outfit your kitchen with architectural elements that reflect your personal taste. Happy designing!