New year, new oak beam

OK, so it may not be 2019 quite yet, but it’s never too early to start planning your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re anything like us here at Traditional Beams HQ, not eating any more mince pies until next December, might be near the top of your list (although we’re hoping lifting some solid oak beams may help us to burn off some of the excess Christmas calories we’ve consumed).

As well as making (and possibly breaking) New Year’s resolutions, the start of a new year is an excellent opportunity to do a little decorating and DIY in your home. Not only is this a great way to beat the decoration-down blues, it’s also the perfect excuse to get active (resolution number 2 – tick!), without having to head out into the cold.

Start with an oak beam

Cosy-up your living space with the best fireplace mantel out there – a solid oak beam.

A tired-looking fireplace can really be revived by simply adding a piece of natural wood. Alternatively, if you don’t have a fireplace already, January is the perfect time to start planning where one could fit into your room.

Trust us, there’s nothing like sitting in front of the fire watching a film or reading a book.

Add a wood-burning stove

Open fires are lovely. But wood-burning stoves are better.

Not only are they more energy efficient, which means you should spend less money on logs, but you won’t have to deal smoke wafting into your room at regular intervals.

Even if you don’t have a chimney, it may be possible to add a wood-burning stove to your home by installing a twin-wall flue pipe system.

Decorate your fireplace mantel for the season

It’s true that homes can feel a little dull when the tinsel and fairy lights head back to the attic for another year.

But accessorising your oak beam shouldn’t just be for Christmas.

Cheer up your home by embellishing your mantlepiece with decorations all year round, to fit with the season.

In February, for example, you could bring out your romantic side and hang homemade heart-themed bunting. Even if you’re not feeling particularly in the loved-up mood, you could suspend a wreath dotted with fake flowers (blush pink roses look wonderful) above your oak beam.

Alternatively, you could keep it simple and fill a few small white jugs with seasonal blooms.

Don’t forget your hearth

A good hearth can make a real difference to the feel of your room.

If yours is looking old and tired, you could replace it before next winter. Whatever material you choose, just make sure it complies with regulations and is not flammable!

Need some inspiration? If you want to install an oak beam in your home but aren’t sure how it would look, take a peek at what some of our other customers have done with theirs.