How to Hide a Support Beam

Hiding Support Beams

• 1

  Consult a licensed contractor before you engage in any project involving support beams or other essential components of your home. Although hiding your support beam doesn't require moving or altering the capacity of the beam, you should seek the advice of a professional to learn about common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• 2

  Turn off all electrical wiring in the area surrounding the beam, using your fuse box. When you apply paint, wallpaper or any other decorations to hide the support beam, you may accidentally come into contact with outlets, fixtures or wires. Turning off the electricity in the area can keep you safe.

• 3

  Decide on the color or colors you want to use to cover your support beam. While you can use one of the colors already present in the room -- the color of the walls or carpeting -- this isn't necessary. Hiding your support beam using a complementary color, one located opposite the original color on a color wheel, also matches the theme of your room.

• 4

  Select the materials you want to use. Building shelves, hanging pictures or simply applying wallpaper can be effective ways to hide your support beams. While you may be able to pull ideas from magazines, HandyAmerican.com notes that you should have design plans that are realistic and practical for your home. Additionally, the website explains that you should treat your interior decorating as an outlet for your creative vision, so don't feel forced to copy something you saw on television or in a magazine.

• 5

  Make your support beam coverings secure, safe and long-lasting. If you painted your support beam, apply a finishing coat; if you surrounded the beam with shelves or furniture, sand and round the edges, especially if you have children in your home.