Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors
Book Excerpt #3, Chapter Two: Beams and Lintels
Working
with structural elements such as beams and lintels is one of the best
ways of
adding character to a home. Whether functional or decorative, these big
boys make a powerful statement, adding strength and substance to a
structure.
If you are building a home, you have the opportunity to expose or
incorporate attractive structural beams and lintels in a way that
supports your
overall design theme. In my experience in working both with new
construction and remodels, it is often easier, less time consuming, and
less
expensive to simply add decorative beams and lintels that have the look
of structural elements but are not actually load bearing.
Transforming Openings with
Lintels
Lintels,
exposed headers, or horizontal structural elements can transform an
opening and
lend themselves to a variety of architectural styles. Structural
(load-bearing) lintels are made from a substantial piece of steel,
wood, or stone.
You often see them in old European structures over windows and doors,
and in adobe construction in Mexico and the Southwest U.S. Lintels are
usually
seen above windows, doors, or passageways that have no trim and are
bordered by substantial walls.
Decorative
lintels look the part but don’t carry any weight and can be installed
once the walls are framed and even sheetrocked. I use decorative
lintels to soften hard-edged sheetrocked openings between rooms or on
plaster
openings that look contemporary where a more rustic feeling is desired.
In terms
of materials, I have always used wooden decorative lintels. They are
lighter and
easier to install than stone or steel. Lintels can be rectangular or
square. Again, remember the mock-up motto. Fashion a section of a
lintel out of
a piece of cardboard—or your contractor can usually do it quickly out
of scrap lumber—and tack it to the opening. Look at it from
across the room. And remember, good design repeats itself. If there are
other structural or decorative architectural elements in the room, such
as
beams or rafters, the lintels should correspond in scale, look, and
feel.
