I have a 150+yr old New England farmhouse. It has been remodeled within the last 15 years. The problem is this. I have these huge dark wood beams-seems to be some sort of structure support. They are in my living room area. I have 4. 2 run parallel and flush with the celing, the other 2 are parallel to the walls in 2 corners. The second beam across the celing is supported by a wall on one side and the other beam in the corner. This is the beam that mark the threshold from one room to another. Making a sort of framing device. Each beam is approx. 8X12X7-8ft(or what is exposed of them)how can I cover these unsitely beams or fix them up. They also have deep cracks in them running from the floor to the celing, so I couldn't patch fill and paint over them. I was thinking of applying a product to them, that would make them appear to look like raised panel columns. Any help at this would point would be helpful.

I would nail some 1 inch thick boards on all sides on the column to conceal it. If you router in some flutes and put decorative molding at the base and top you would have an attractive column that could be either painted or stained (depending on quality of wood).

Regarding my prior suggestion. If all of the beams are in the ceiling that suggestion would not work. Use the same concept but maybe different molding design.

Thanks Craig, I think I will do that-as for the two that run across the ceiling- I can treat them the same I think-or just apply the planks and stain them the same as the columns-that way it looks like the columns are supporting the beam. Thanks for the info-good idea-cheap too!!!!

Wow, a 150 yr Old Farmhouse! Do you really want to cover up the evidence of how someone built this house around 1849. Are we talking about Hand Hewn Walnut Beams? Sounds like a pretty nice feature to me. If the room is too dark try painting the walls a light color. May be you could get some ideas from Martha Stewart (Sorry Bob)

These beams were not original to the home. THey were added much later-it's a structure support. Extremely ugly to look at. My walls are all eggshell-except for this vinyl wall covering that is yellow(YUCK!!) which is behind all the beams(a mock foyer). The beams kind of separate the living room from the front door/stair area. I am just looking for something that is more pleasing to the eye. Someone stained them dark chocolate.