Don’t rush to paint ceiling beams white

Q: I have a question about the open-beam, wood ceiling in our lake home. I am ready to paint the ceiling white for a cottage feel, but not sure what to do about the three cross-beams that span the great room. Do I paint them too, or leave them natural?

A: There isn’t really a right answer here; it’s more a question of personal preference. Painting the wood ceiling white definitely evokes a cottage-at-the-lake feeling. This look is enhanced with white walls and kitchen cabinets.

But it can be argued that natural wood finishes can also evoke a nature-inspired ambience.

If the beams are painted to match the ceiling, the space will flow, a good idea if the room is small and cosy. If you leave the beams their natural colour they will be more noticeable, particularly if they are the only natural wood tones in the room.

I suggest you start by leaving the beams unpainted to see how they look once your decor is in place. You can always paint them after if they stand out too much.