How to Cover a Support Beam in the Basement

A basement may contain visible support beams along the ceiling, which help to bear the load of the building on top of it. These beams can be an eyesore, creating a distraction on the ceiling area with their unattractive appearance. Add artistic flair to your basement while covering the support beam from view by making a fabric ceiling that goes over the existing one.

Measuring tape
Fabric
Staple gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of the ceiling or of the area immediately around the beam, depending on the amount you wish to cover. Double the width to account for the support beam. You can either cover the entire ceiling that contains the beam or the immediate area surrounding it.
- 2
  Use the numbers from your measurements to cut a piece of fabric to the proper size. Select a thick fabric, like canvas or velvet, and avoid sheer fabrics, such as tulle, so the support beam doesn’t show through.
- 3
  Position the fabric on the floor beneath the support beam and line it up in the proper orientation.
- 4
  Lift one corner of the fabric up to the corner of the ceiling and attach into place with a staple gun. Repeat the attaching process in each corner, allowing the fabric to hang loosely below the beam, covering it from your view.
- 5
  Add staples throughout the perimeter of the fabric. Create a dimpled look by stapling to the ceiling at a rate of one every foot, or leave it hanging for a draped appearance.

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