The Stunning Way To Use The Space Above Your Cabinets To Transform Your Kitchen

The space above kitchen cabinets is often little-used — so much so that you might have even forgotten the space existed. Now that you're reminded of it, you might be unsure of what to do with it. Don't discount the space over your cabinets: It can be used to liven up your kitchen ceiling. One great way to take advantage of this spare space hanging out above your kitchen is by adding wooden beams to the ceiling. These beams can make a small room look way bigger, among other benefits.

Exposed timber joists have been a popular ceiling aesthetic for decades — hundreds of years, even — globally; they never seem to go out of style. But many houses in the United States, especially newer builds, simply don't have them. While you may have given up on ever seeing rustic lines of wood cut across your kitchen ceiling, the key to personalizing your home lies in additions. Adding timber beams above cabinets is possible, even in kitchens with low ceilings. For example, for those who want the look of wood joists at a reasonable price, faux wood beams replicate the beauty of original timber beams without the weight or expense of the real thing. Likewise, reclaimed beams embody the charm of original supports found in old homes.

There is a wood beam for every kind of house and kitchen aesthetic, but choosing the right one for your particular space can be challenging. You might really like the look of wide, exposed wood beams, but such a statement fixture may not fit in a small kitchen with narrow cabinets like yours. Some homes can support the (literal and visual) weight of solid or reclaimed wood beams, which make for a great choice in rustic or farmhouse kitchens. Imitation beams come in a wide range of styles and work better for homeowners who don't want to go through the hassle of hiring a structural engineer for a remodel.

Faux might bring to mind fake, but artificial beams can still be made from wood — it's just hollow rather than solid wood. Some imitation wood beams are made of a single piece of hollowed-out timber, while others consist of a lightweight wooden frame covered in a real wood veneer. Still others are constructed from high-density polyurethane foam. They have a plethora of finish options for you to choose between: You could even match your wood ceiling beams to your floors to unify your kitchen's interior design.

When incorporating beams into your kitchen ceiling, you should consider factors such as the height of your ceilings and kitchen cabinets, as well as the room's size. If you have tall ceilings and sizeable cabinets, you can opt for wide beams that span the entirety of the large room. Smaller kitchens benefit from a single joist or narrow beams painted in the same color as the ceiling. Both options add interest above your cabinets without the visual weight.

Beams can be used in creative ways, too. Create a ceiling grid that frames existing kitchen lighting or house new recessed light fixtures in the joists themselves. Either option will instantly upgrade the look of your kitchen and brighten the space above your cabinets. For those looking for an eclectic finish, asymmetrical or artistic beam arrangements add organic excitement to an otherwise boring ceiling space. Beams can even be continued onto the wall, seamlessly moving the eye from wall to ceiling. If you're feeling spoiled for choice, sometimes simple is better. A straight beam works best in most cases, even in a room with a low ceiling.