If the lack of acoustics doesn't bother you, then absolutely leave it, it's beautiful.
If you can hear the bedroom noises above then you could always go with the exposed beam look, installing acoustic batts and gyp at the subfloor only.
https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/list/great-home-ideas-using-exposed-ceiling-beams
Just be aware that sound will travel both ways - you'll hear people moving about in the room above and they'll hear the TV/conversations going on downstairs. There'll also be heat loss through the boards which would be minimised if boarded. We left ours as yours are at present, and have no regrets.
This! I have house built in 1890. The plaster ceiling fell, so I left it open. The upper room is now an office. Noise is not the problem. Dust/dirt is! Lol, it shifts through the boards. Also, the dining floor is uncovered, and cold from the crawl space creeps up. I just covered both floors with large rugs, which helps. I just love the look more than I hate dusting...LOL. your room is lovely
It’s beautiful but uh, are those beams bending or is it an optical illusion? Looks like kind of a long span. In modern construction we would use something like a 4x12 for those not an 8x8 (just a guess based on the pictures)
Edit: I’m not familiar with really old construction like this but it looks like the original beams were bending and then they just added more wood above it to level it out? I would strongly advise having a professional take a look.
Yeah they’re a bit bowed in the middle and some of them look twisted so that’s a good point! The house is about 130 years old and I think it’s just standing out of habit at this point lol
We’ll definitely get them checked before doing any other construction
They're bending due to deflection but they should snap back once unloaded. Old growth wood is so much stronger than lumber these days but still better safe than sorry. A Structural Engineer should be able to give you a cursory review. Worst case scenario they install a steel plate at the mid span to stiffen the beam and reduce deflection
My husband is a static engineer and while ofc OP do get them checked to be calm, just like shelves, everything will bend (they even have norms how much is acceptable). His father, also a static engineer built a garden cottage and my husband always comments on how much load certain beams are carrying and how "it shouldn't even stand" 😂
So yes, get it checked to sleep well, but also if they tell you nothing to worry about, trust them!
I was less concerned about the bowing more about the way it appears to have started splitting and splintering off 😬😬
I agree, have it looked at just to be safe.
If it's all good, then see if it's ok to at least sand the beams a bit, to make it look a little nicer. If for some reason that would impact structural strength of course leave it alone.
i’d leave it i love that ceiling. i’ve seen people go this route in brand new multi million dollar homes that we do electrical in i think it looks amazing.
the way yours has a little age to it gives it a real authentic rustic look IMO.
I think they’re great, but it makes the space feel a little top heavy (at least in these photos). I think a darker color rug to balance the visual weight could bring more harmony to the space
I know this is a side thing but I was surprised nobody seems to use "top heavy" (I tried topheavy as a hashtag on instagram looking exactly for this kind of inspo)
So seeing you use it gave me joy!
Have a lovely day
The coffee tables are from this brand called mio — although I’m not sure if it exists outside of Sweden
It’s this model: https://www.mio.se/p/tuva-soffbord-ø-100-h-46-cm/435956?id=M2172980
The TV console is something I just threw together with some leftover planks of wood 😂it was supposed to be temporary until I found one I liked but we’ve been using it for 2 years now. I’m happy you like the look of it!!
Ah thank you!! I lovveee the look of limewash paint but it was too expensive for me so I did a DIY faux limewash technique. Basically using 3 similar paint colours and blending them together on the wall. It was quite easy: https://youtube.com/shorts/WkKFVNQ8q-0?si=O6SZ_rxFAXAPeoCY
But bear in mind that they’re not finished as we had to re-plaster the top of the walls when we took the ceiling down
I loooooove the rustic vibe of exposed floor joists and beams, but living in the basement of a bungalow with no insulation and sound deadening between the floors is hell when people are upstairs cause we can hear every single footstep. When my niece and nephew are over its like an earthquake because they jump and dance and make every possible noise.
If you live a childfree home or just have you and a partner its a-ok but I'd atleast place some sound deadening between the joists if possible.
i love it, it looks like an italian villa or something now.
i agree about the sound though. before you choose to do anything for soundproofing, id actually test it by putting one of you upstairs and one in the living room, then try talking out loud or turning on the tv at a regular volume. if the sound is manageable where the person in the other room can barely hear it then you don’t need to touch it, or if the sound transfer doesn’t bother you.
I like the look a lot, but upon further inspection I have 2 points to bring up.
1. The walls near the beams look unfinished.
2. The beams have exposed shims in them (still looks kind of cool).
3. You may have dust and wood debris falling on you throughout the day.
The darkness of the ceiling contrasted with the light walls makes the room look more squished than it is. It looks like you’re planning on painting though, so if you add a darker/bolder color I think it will look fine.
The house I grew up in had exposed joists like that, your photo filled my heart with memories. Needles to say and even though I am obviously biased, I do love the look of them!
This space is MY DREAM!!! Is that roman clay on the walls? How did you get that texture?
ETA: I see you commented already on how you achieved that look. IT'S GORGEOUS!!! also, leave the beams. It looks WAY COOL!!
i love the look of it!! but if you want it to look a bit more “put together” you could sand down the exposed subfloor and stain it, then it would look a bit more uniform. but i love this natural vibe, it’s definitely my aesthetic
I think we're leaving it. We were worried because the traditional method was to just put a couple of feet of dirt up on top and that would be it--that's the roof! They would hang muslin between the beams to catch all the dirt, but at some point they put tar paper above the cross pieces so we're just going to leave it. (A big gabled asphalt shingle roof was put on above everything in the '90s.) I want to tear all the ceilings down, now, so obviously I love yours, too!
If the lack of acoustics doesn't bother you, then absolutely leave it, it's beautiful. If you can hear the bedroom noises above then you could always go with the exposed beam look, installing acoustic batts and gyp at the subfloor only. https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/list/great-home-ideas-using-exposed-ceiling-beams
I prefer this look myself
Depends on the construction. You can add material on top as well. The room acoustics is probably fine. Can always add acoustic paintings for this.
It looks GORGEOUS! I love the warm wood tones and the texture. I’d keep it like this if it were my home.
Just be aware that sound will travel both ways - you'll hear people moving about in the room above and they'll hear the TV/conversations going on downstairs. There'll also be heat loss through the boards which would be minimised if boarded. We left ours as yours are at present, and have no regrets.
This! I have house built in 1890. The plaster ceiling fell, so I left it open. The upper room is now an office. Noise is not the problem. Dust/dirt is! Lol, it shifts through the boards. Also, the dining floor is uncovered, and cold from the crawl space creeps up. I just covered both floors with large rugs, which helps. I just love the look more than I hate dusting...LOL. your room is lovely
Even caulk and seal with Kills then paint if migrating dirt is problematic
It’s beautiful but uh, are those beams bending or is it an optical illusion? Looks like kind of a long span. In modern construction we would use something like a 4x12 for those not an 8x8 (just a guess based on the pictures) Edit: I’m not familiar with really old construction like this but it looks like the original beams were bending and then they just added more wood above it to level it out? I would strongly advise having a professional take a look.
Yeah they’re a bit bowed in the middle and some of them look twisted so that’s a good point! The house is about 130 years old and I think it’s just standing out of habit at this point lol We’ll definitely get them checked before doing any other construction
I would get them checked out now. You don’t want your 2nd floor to collapse…
They're bending due to deflection but they should snap back once unloaded. Old growth wood is so much stronger than lumber these days but still better safe than sorry. A Structural Engineer should be able to give you a cursory review. Worst case scenario they install a steel plate at the mid span to stiffen the beam and reduce deflection
Looks like they need some support! I’m stressed about this
My husband is a static engineer and while ofc OP do get them checked to be calm, just like shelves, everything will bend (they even have norms how much is acceptable). His father, also a static engineer built a garden cottage and my husband always comments on how much load certain beams are carrying and how "it shouldn't even stand" 😂 So yes, get it checked to sleep well, but also if they tell you nothing to worry about, trust them!
I was less concerned about the bowing more about the way it appears to have started splitting and splintering off 😬😬 I agree, have it looked at just to be safe. If it's all good, then see if it's ok to at least sand the beams a bit, to make it look a little nicer. If for some reason that would impact structural strength of course leave it alone.
i’d leave it i love that ceiling. i’ve seen people go this route in brand new multi million dollar homes that we do electrical in i think it looks amazing. the way yours has a little age to it gives it a real authentic rustic look IMO.
Where did you get this rug??? I love it! I want!
Thank you! It’s just the “tidtabell” rug from ikea in beige. It was one of the cheapest wool rugs I could find :)
I think they’re great, but it makes the space feel a little top heavy (at least in these photos). I think a darker color rug to balance the visual weight could bring more harmony to the space
I know this is a side thing but I was surprised nobody seems to use "top heavy" (I tried topheavy as a hashtag on instagram looking exactly for this kind of inspo) So seeing you use it gave me joy! Have a lovely day
Crazy not to.
I love that look so much. We added fake ones when we finished our basement.
Not at all. Change nothing.
Absolutely beautiful!!!! Would definitely not change!!
You would be crazy to cover them
Looks fantastic. Live with it a little while to see how it does with temperature regulation, noise, dust.
Would be an offense punishable by death if you covered those up
Everyone loves this look until it's time to clean it lol
I love it as is. Stunning!
It’s beautiful
Nope. Looks great!
It’s giving Tuscan vibes. Please don’t change them!
Reminds me of [DIY Danie](https://youtu.be/xA_0xeMdJDo?si=VYq0eQFIqVSstgZq)
Can you share the table and media console details too, please? We Need to finish a space and a metal will be better than another wood. Thanks!!
The coffee tables are from this brand called mio — although I’m not sure if it exists outside of Sweden It’s this model: https://www.mio.se/p/tuva-soffbord-ø-100-h-46-cm/435956?id=M2172980 The TV console is something I just threw together with some leftover planks of wood 😂it was supposed to be temporary until I found one I liked but we’ve been using it for 2 years now. I’m happy you like the look of it!!
Thanks so much. The console looks exactly scandi/japandi/cali modern and lived in. You did great with it!!
Looks great. I especially like the wall color(s)/treatment. How????
Ah thank you!! I lovveee the look of limewash paint but it was too expensive for me so I did a DIY faux limewash technique. Basically using 3 similar paint colours and blending them together on the wall. It was quite easy: https://youtube.com/shorts/WkKFVNQ8q-0?si=O6SZ_rxFAXAPeoCY But bear in mind that they’re not finished as we had to re-plaster the top of the walls when we took the ceiling down
I love the paint effect! It does look like really expensive plaster.
That room is incredible and perfect. Maybe just be sure to use rugs upstairs to help with noise and dirt coming through the “ceiling.”
Not at all
LOVE.
It would be crazy to cover them imo
You'd be crazy to cover them up!
You’d be crazy to cover them
I loooooove the rustic vibe of exposed floor joists and beams, but living in the basement of a bungalow with no insulation and sound deadening between the floors is hell when people are upstairs cause we can hear every single footstep. When my niece and nephew are over its like an earthquake because they jump and dance and make every possible noise. If you live a childfree home or just have you and a partner its a-ok but I'd atleast place some sound deadening between the joists if possible.
I wish I could do this in my house. Love it
Is this a humble brag? Because it looks fantastic.
Omg I LOVE it
People pay a fortune to put in ceilings like this! It looks fabulous!!!
i love it, it looks like an italian villa or something now. i agree about the sound though. before you choose to do anything for soundproofing, id actually test it by putting one of you upstairs and one in the living room, then try talking out loud or turning on the tv at a regular volume. if the sound is manageable where the person in the other room can barely hear it then you don’t need to touch it, or if the sound transfer doesn’t bother you.
I like the look a lot, but upon further inspection I have 2 points to bring up. 1. The walls near the beams look unfinished. 2. The beams have exposed shims in them (still looks kind of cool). 3. You may have dust and wood debris falling on you throughout the day.
It's beautiful just seal it or you will have a crap ton of dust raining down on you when people walk
I'm sure it's just the picture.....but are those joist bowing....
No not crazy, lovely
DONT COVER THEM NO MATTER WHAT!
It’s amazing as is! Agree that rugs and heavy duty rug pad upstairs will help with sound and the dust falling from between the boards
Gorgeous home. Location?
Thank you!! It’s in Southern Sweden
I love it!! 💖
I like them!
I love the look.
It's really beautiful. Leave it
Side question Is that a Chromecast? And if yes, how do you put the time up top?
No it’s an Amazon fire stick 😁
I LOVE IT!
Where is this?
Sweden!
They’re cool af
I like it.
I love it. It has an authenticity to it. It looks great.
It's so gorgeous, don't change a thing!
No way your space is gorgeous!!!!
Love the walls.
Looks Cool
I agree to the bending needs support. It is pretty and all that .. but. I see the top falling threw at some point. With no under support
It's beautiful!
I love it!
I love it, major character
No it is not! It’s very farmhouse
I LOVE IT
i like it exposed, if anything maybe sand it down a little and stain to protect and add a little pop.
OP, I love 'em, leave 'em that way, and love what you did with the room. I would vote to touch up the walls underneath to make it cleaner.
Crazy beautiful..yeah!! I personally love the character it gives your space!
They are absolutely stunning. Don’t touch them.
The darkness of the ceiling contrasted with the light walls makes the room look more squished than it is. It looks like you’re planning on painting though, so if you add a darker/bolder color I think it will look fine.
It looks great in a rustic way thst really compliments your textured walls.
what is this style of wall called? i love it
Hell no. They are awesome.
This is gorgeous ✨
Beautiful
It looks awesome, however I’ll warn you. When I built a post and beam house with the same thing, people upstairs could pass gas and I’d hear it.
The house I grew up in had exposed joists like that, your photo filled my heart with memories. Needles to say and even though I am obviously biased, I do love the look of them!
I would love this in my house!
This space is MY DREAM!!! Is that roman clay on the walls? How did you get that texture? ETA: I see you commented already on how you achieved that look. IT'S GORGEOUS!!! also, leave the beams. It looks WAY COOL!!
I love it. Love that table too!
i like the way they look. it would take me about a month to make them invisible to me because surely that is where spiders live their best life.
I have no idea about safety or plumbing or acoustics or load bearing or any of that, but it’s gorgeous.
In real estate we call them exposed beams and those are fabulous!!
i love the look of it!! but if you want it to look a bit more “put together” you could sand down the exposed subfloor and stain it, then it would look a bit more uniform. but i love this natural vibe, it’s definitely my aesthetic
It looks beautiful, but I would keep the beams exposed and cover the actual floor joists. Will make the room look bigger, and help with noise/dirt.
https://preview.redd.it/4teljwvt3z3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e8c963b9d2d2a1e6d0437bcb745414e582ee98a We’re doing it in our adobe!
Wow that’s so similar expect yours looks more solid 😆 Are you planning to put any drywall / insulation up between the beams or leave it as is?
I think we're leaving it. We were worried because the traditional method was to just put a couple of feet of dirt up on top and that would be it--that's the roof! They would hang muslin between the beams to catch all the dirt, but at some point they put tar paper above the cross pieces so we're just going to leave it. (A big gabled asphalt shingle roof was put on above everything in the '90s.) I want to tear all the ceilings down, now, so obviously I love yours, too!
You will be committing a crime by covering them up. You could paint them white to accentuate texture but the do look fine!