Wood Overlay for Painted Ceiling Beams

[MikeD]

Will be moving into a new house this summer. The living room has two horizontal ceiling beams, 4''x6'', that run from wall to wall under the cathedral ceiling. The former owner painted these white. I'm not a fan.

I've done some research on removing the coating and everything I'm seeing is that its a nightmare and with no guarantee of ever restoring the original look.

Have any of you guys ever seen or done any wood overlays on ceiling beams like this? Boxing in the beams and finishing the outer wood. I've seen a few pictures that look pretty good. Any recommendations on what type of wood might look interesting and on the rustic side? The wife is already conceded to just slapping another coat of paint on there, but I'm not ready to do that yet.

thanks,

Mike