Beams: To Paint or Not To Paint

Hey!

Beams: to paint or not to paint.  Not to steal Shakespeare's thunder, but, that has seriously been my question in regard to the ceiling beams in my living room. 

I've been contemplating painting them for a long time.  The picture actually makes them look better than they do in person.  The beams aren't even solid.  They're made to look like solid beams but are really made out of rough hewn boards nailed into place over 2x4s.  If I had real beams, I don't think I'd paint them.  This weekend, Honey Do will be installing a long beam to connect the ones coming down from the peaked ceiling. The time is now; I need to make a decision. 

I may not have a choice depending on what happens when he starts installing the long beam.  Old stain is really hard to match but not impossible.

Here's two pictures that I found online from Better Homes and Gardens showing both looks.  You can click on the pictures to go to the original site. 

 (Better Homes and Gardens)

 (Better Homes and Gardens)

What do you think? Paint? Don't paint?

Blessings,

Mimi

"The beams of our house are cedars; our rafters are firs."  

Song of Songs 1:17 NIV Bible