generally, peeps like to open up a space.

I think both beams are too heavy for the space.

Is the room really big, and we are only seeing a small spot?

Do you have photos showing what you wanted?

How high are your ceilings? They appear to be fairly low (8 ft?), in which case, I don't think beams work at all. Visually, they just bring the room down and make it seem more cave-like. I love beams in ceilings, but would only consider them if the ceiling height was at least 10 ft. We have vaulted ceilings in our LR and DR that go from 8 ft to about 15 ft, and I would love to add beams, but haven't yet.

We sent photos like this for what we wanted and for the sizing. Not sure where the miscommunication occurred. We’ve had to actually do the renovations remotely (across the country) for unfortunate reasons. It definitely makes the room feel smaller.

Is the beam holding a load? I don’t think it’s terrible. And if it’s holding a load that’s probably why it’s thick. But ask if you can push some up into the ceiling. Or trim it down a drop.

It looks like you got exactly what is in the inspiration picture, bonus without communication the contractor matched the other one so he's doing beyond what many threads are about them failing on things. My mind is playing tricks, is there a portion of raised ceiling on the left side of the beam?

They look fine.

Sorry but it seems you got what you asked for?

The problem with your install versus your inspiration photo is the ceiling height is not the same. You will never really achieve that airy feeling the inspiration photo has; I'd remove it.

I think you wanted a beam under a header. I designed something similar recently.

The difference is that the house I designed has no other beams so this application makes more sense. A faux beam should still mimic an actual support beam and you wouldn't have these at two different heights. So in your case, I think your contractor placed these appropriately. The only thing that looks odd (and it could be the perspective) is that it doesn't look like the beam touches the ceiling on the left? Can you take a few more photos from different angles?

IMO fake beams always look fake and really what did you ask for ? I think you got a beam to match the other fake beams and it seems he put it exactly where you wanted it.

The photo is a bit dark so hard to fully see. Would other angles show it better? The beam does seem darker than your inspiration pic. I think the beam adds visual interest. If it keeps bothering you, consider painting it to match the wall color since it will blend in more. If it still bothers you, take it out.

wait, I'm confused. in the pic it looks like it's about 6" below the ceiling on the left, and touches the ceiling on the right. do you have slightly vaulted ceilings? if that's the case, I recommend just taking it down. that little angled gap would bother me more than anything else. sorry it was so expensive.

I am with the other commenters who say it looks like you got exactly what you asked for, given your inspiration picture. The contractor matched both beams. The only difference that I can see is that the inspiration picture has a taller ceiling height than you have. If there is some other difference, then please say exactly what that difference from your inspiration picture is. If it were my home, I'd not have either beam - the beams enhance nothing and you have a low ceiling.

The photo is very deceiving. IF it is a load bearing section then there is not control over the size of it. That means they could semi flush it into the ceiling any more. If it is not, then take it down, reduce the height of it and put it back.

It's hard to advise without seeing it from other angles and having a bit more information.

I am also not sure why they were so expensive?? what are they made out of??