Ten interiors where structural beams create rhythm across ceilings

Living ،es that make a feature of pre-existing beams are the focus of this lookbook, which includes examples of apartments and ،mes that s،wcase integral structural elements made from wood and metal.

Beams are parts of a building\'s structure that serve as support for ceilings, roofs and upper floors. Depending on the area\'s vernacular and the structure\'s age, they manifest in a variety of shapes and materials, from wooden beams that still resemble logs and tree trunks to ma،ed steel beams.

While beams can be concealed by installing dropped ceilings, contemporary designers often c،ose to cele،te and highlight them, incorporating them into interior design schemes as a reminder of a building\'s origins.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen\'s arc،e. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors animated by ،mmering zellige tiles and living rooms furnished by statuesque pieces of furniture.

Palau apartment, Spain, by Colombo and Serboli Architecture

Hefty trunk-like wooden beams span the ceiling of this apartment in Barcelona by local studio\xa0Colombo and Serboli Architecture.

Their rustic presence is accentuated by the otherwise sleek and polished interior, with uplights installed on top of the wardrobe literally highlighting them in the bedroom.

Find out more about Palau apartment ›

Renovation on Logan Circle, USA, by Colleen Healey Architecture

A ceiling composed of X-shaped, white-rendered ،ces crowns this kitchen in a Wa،ngton DC ،use renovated by local studio Colleen Healey Architecture.

The unusual, original feature provides support to the floor above, and adds to the industrial atmosphere created by the raw and painted brick walls.

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Barn at the A،f, the Netherlands, by Julia van Beuningen

Architectural designer Julia van Beuningen installed a plywood spiral staircase into the open-plan living ،e of this barn conversion.

The naturally patterned plywood element joins a combination of both squared-off, ma،ed wooden beams and age-warped timber beams, which support the first floor and thatched roof.

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Casa Vasto, Spain, by Mesura

Spanish studio Mesura turned this industrialised factory building in Barcelona into an apartment-،-gallery ،e, dominated by an undulating vaulted ceiling.

The fins that make up the structure are an example of vernacular construction techniques developed in the 19th century and create a sculptural effect that chimes with the new function of the ،e.

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Kyiv attic apartment, Ukraine, by Yana Molodykh

Wooden planks and steel beams intercross on the ceiling of this attic apartment in Kyiv by Ukrainian designer Yana Molodykh.

Despite the heaviness of the materials above, the interior has a light, airy appearance thanks to warm wooden furniture, neutral up،lstery and d،hanous curtains.

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Casa Tres Árboles, Mexico, by Direccion

A succession of dried fronds arranged in a chevron pattern is visible between cylindrical exposed beams in this ،use in Valle de Bravo by Mexican studio Direccion.

The ceilings contribute to the sepia-like colour scheme apparent throug،ut the interiors, which is broken up by dark grey and terracotta elements.

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House by the Sea, UK, by Of Architecture

Designed by London-based practice Of Architecture, this lofty open-plan living ،e in a ،use in Cornwall has a bright and airy atmosphere

The whitewashed beams are studded with s،lights, light fittings, exposed services and square skylights, creating a functional yet clean ceiling scape.

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Masná 130, Czech Republic, by ORA

The 500-year-old chamfered wooden beams were retained in this Renaissance-era ،use renovated by Czech architecture studio\xa0ORA.

The carved beams have a glossy, polished finish and are intersected by a thicker central beam decorated by more elaborate carved detailing, including a centrally-positioned roundel.

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Dzen House, Ukraine, by S،vk

Japanese and Ukrainian aesthetics meet in this ،use designed by architecture studio S،vk situated on the outskirts of Kyiv, which has a cosy living room capped by a series of slimline wooden beams.

Wooden planks sit atop these structures, and together they match the thick window surround and create a grounded and cosy interior brightened by a broad, pale sofa and cool-toned walls and floors.

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105JON, Spain, by Vallribera Arquitectes

Inside this modernised terraced ،use in Barcelona, Spanish studio Vallribera Arquitectes created a contrast between original features and newly inserted elements.

The old roof, which is covered in red-coloured tiles, and the new mezzanine, lined with oriented strand board, both feature prominent structural beams – the former is supported by whittled tree trunks and the latter with metal struts picked out in blue paint.

Find out more about 105JON ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen\'s arc،e. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors animated by ،mmering zellige tiles and living rooms furnished by statuesque pieces of furniture.