The Fluting and Reeding Interior Design Trend & How To Use It.
Fluting and reeding in furniture and interior surfaces are experiencing a resurgence in our homes from furniture design to design wall features but is it worth the investment or is this another design trend taking centre stage at the moment and how and where do you use it within the home, let’s delve in.
So what is Fluting and Reeding? Originating from ancient architecture, these vertical grooves and ridges have always been the epitome of timeless elegance and refined sophistication in architectural buildings throughout architectural history.
Fluted/Fluting is the creation of a series of narrow, concave grooves along the surface of an object, a common feature of classical architecture.
Reeded/Reeding is more a convex ridges (reeds) along the surface of an object.
Both of these styles add texture and visual interest to furniture pieces or as a design featured wall.
Fluting
Image source: Internet
Reeding
Image source: artisansofdevizes.com
Where would you use Fluting or Reeding?
kitchens:
Cabinet Doors & Drawers: Reeding can adorn cabinet fronts, drawer fronts, or even the sides of furniture pieces,creating a subtle yet striking detail.
Chair Backs: Vertical reeds on chair backs can provide a decorative element while maintaining an open and airy feel.
Table Legs & Bases: Reeding on table legs or bases can add a touch of sophistication and enhance the overall design.
Bedrooms:
Headboards: A reeded headboard can create a unique and stylish focal point in the bedroom.
Wardrobe doors and bedside tables.
Bathrooms:
Vanities, shower screens and tiles all showcase this design beautifully.
Materials and Finishes:
Wood: A classic choice, offering warmth and natural beauty.
Stone: A luxurious and durable option.
Glass: Creates a sense of lightness and transparency with a subtle texture
Living Rooms & Bedrooms:
The design feature also offers an alternative to the recent panelling design feature used as a feature wall in some living areas. These vertical grooves and ridges, whether subtle or pronounced will add depth, texture and visual interest, transforming ordinary walls and furniture into focal points.
Architectural Elements:
Wall Paneling: Reeded wall paneling can add texture and depth to a room, creating a sense of warmth and luxury.
Columns & Pilasters: Reeding on columns or pilasters enhances their visual appeal and adds a touch of classic elegance.
Door Frames & Moldings: Reeding can embellish door frames and moldings, creating a more refined and detailed look.
Fireplace Surrounds: Reeded detailing on a fireplace surround can add a touch of sophistication and draw attention to this focal point.
Decorative Accents:
Mirrors: Reeded frames can elevate the look of a mirror and enhance its decorative value.
Lighting Fixtures: Reeding on lamps or pendant lights can create interesting light patterns and enhance their overall design.
Vases & Decorative Objects: Reeding can add texture and visual appeal to vases, bowls, and other decorative objects.
Glass Panes/Panels: Pantry doors or high level kitchen cabinets.
Image source: Lusso Stone
Benefits of Fluting in Interior Design:
Adds visual interest and texture: Creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow on surfaces.
Creates a sense of depth and dimension: Enhances the perception of height and space, particularly on vertical surfaces.
Enhances elegance and sophistication: Evokes a sense of timeless beauty and architectural grandeur.
Can be used as a focal point or subtle accent: Offers flexibility in design application.
Versatile across various design styles: Complements both traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
Material & Finish Choices:
Opting for classic materials like wood or stone with natural finishes can enhance the timeless appeal of fluting and reeding.
Overall, the likelihood of fluting and reeding dating with time depends heavily on:
How they are incorporated into the overall design scheme: If used sparingly and thoughtfully, they are more likely to endure.
The quality of craftsmanship and materials: Well-crafted pieces with durable materials tend to age gracefully and transcend trends.
Personal preference: Ultimately, if you genuinely love the look of fluting and reeding, it will likely remain a timeless feature in your home, regardless of shifting trends.
Recommendation: To ensure your design choices stand the test of time, focus on creating a balanced and cohesive space where fluting and reeding are used as subtle enhancements rather than the sole focus of the design. Prioritize quality craftsmanship and materials, and most importantly, choose elements that resonate with your personal style and bring you joy.
By incorporating fluting into your home, you can create a space that is both visually appealing and rich in historical reference, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your home.
More Reeded Inspiration for you
As with all interior design trends, I would take a few things into consideration before making any structural investment or purchasing large high-ticket items like a kitchen.
When considering using fluting or reeding, keep in mind the overall style of your space, a classical style home with high ceilings will carry this style off with ease, bear in mind the scale of the reeding, and the desired effect. Used thoughtfully, reeding or fluting can add a timeless and elegant touch to any room.
With this in mind it is worth knowing that although this design trend is saturating the market, I would take a less is more approach. If you love it now, incorporate it into the design with the ability to have it easily removed when and if you grow tired of it as it may start to look dated in your home.
Design Tip
Incorporating Fluting and Reeding:
Start small: Introduce these elements through accent pieces or smaller areas.
Balance is key: Avoid overwhelming the space with too much texture.
Consider the scale: Choose the size and spacing of flutes or reeds based on the size of the room and surrounding elements.
Mix and match: Combine different materials and finishes for a dynamic look.
Lighting: Use lighting to highlight the texture and create interesting shadows.
I hope this has given you some knowledge into the fluting and reeding design element and feel inspired to create a a beautiful living space, and of course if you would like to take advantage of our design services, please reach out, designing homes is what we do best!
