Fluted finishes are definitely making waves in the bathroom adding depth and texture to vanity units and shower panels – Sally Smith looks at the latest on-trend launches.
Customers are looking to personalise their bathrooms adding fluted finishes that bring elegant detail and a touch of luxury to what can be a minimalist space. Fluted vanity units and reeded glass wetroom shower panels are proving the ideal solution for designers.
"We’re seeing fluted finishes being applied across various bathroom elements, but especially in vanity units. Whether in fashion, architecture or consumer goods, texture in the form of fluting is very present and it’s only natural that we would want to replicate its beauty in our bathroom spaces. We're seeing more customers who want to elevate their bathroom space gravitate toward this textured look to add elegance and architectural detail," says Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Crosswater.
Kelly Whitlock, marketing manager at Be Modern, has also seen a change in customers preferences in the bathroom. “We are seeing a growth in demand for our fluted furniture ranges as customers are moving away from ultra-sleek minimalist and contemporary design in favour of depth and tactility. A fluted design works best as a key statement piece and matched with lighting to illuminate the fluted fascia will add depth creating a warm, inviting space to start and end the day.”
"The fluted trend is making its mark across a variety of bathroom pieces, from furniture to brassware, offering a subtle way to introduce texture and visual interest," says Katy Olsen, brand manager, BagnoDesign. "These fluted finishes work particularly well with natural materials but balance is key. These textured elements can serve as focal points, so it’s important to keep the rest of the space clean and minimalist to avoid overwhelming the design."
Homeowners looking to update a bathroom design will find the latest fluted furniture the ideal solution to create an on-trend look.
Julie Lockwood, furniture product manager at Bathrooms to Love by PJH, says: "Blending the old with the new, fluted or ribbed textures strike the perfect balance between classic and modern, without being too ornate. The use of contrasting materials, finishes and textures helps to create personalised spaces with plenty of visual interest. We have launched fluted basins, baths and wetroom glass screens, which are all enjoying increasing sales."
Zoe Jones, senior creative producer at Roper Rhodes adds: "Customers are drawn to the textured effect these finishes provide, adding a tactile quality to surfaces that might otherwise appear flat or minimalist. Other notable items include fluted wall panels and even freestanding baths."
James Quinn, product manager, Sonas Bathrooms, says: "Fluted textures can add depth and luxury to a bathroom and we would always recommend using fluted finishes as accent features. For example, pairing a fluted bath with smoother surfaces in the rest of the room creates a sophisticated contrast that draws the eye without overloading the design."
Tissino product manager Sally Bettison says fluted glass is one of her favourite products. "Reeded or fluted glass shower panels provide just the right level of opaque, allowing light to pass without everything being visible and so is great for creating a light and airy shower experience. Fluted glass is definitely a lasting trend making it easy to find co-ordinating accessories from storage jars through to soap dispensers and even reeded glass pendant lights to really dial up the style factor."
