Reeded Textures

Reeded or fluted surface textures are becoming mainstream as this curvaceous and softer finish spreads its wings and is captured by several different interior trends. At one end of the spectrum, you have this finish in very luxe materials that pays homage to classic elegance with a Parisian timeless quality. And at the other end, you have a more matt, textured finish that connotes organic and free flowing forms that feel very natural and crafted.

Where you use fluting and in what materials is dictated by what style you want to achieve. In this blog we recommend the different ways to use this texture and highlight a few of our decorative tiles to help enliven your walls and bring another dimension into your home.

Classic elegance is all about mixing luxurious materials to create depth and texture in your interior. Architectural and fluted shapes add the wow factor especially when used with a sumptuous colour palette of rich neutrals. A decorative ceramic tile like Flute can be dressed up or down depending on the look you want to achieve.

Flute Bright Skies with Prossimo, Flute Terracotta

This first bright and bold bathroom uses contrasting tones to create interest whilst using reeded glass details in the shower screen and lighting to pull the look together. The reeded texture of the wall tile has been perfectly matched to the sink unit to create a continuous flow of colour, broken up by the slim marble countertop for that added touch of elegance. The bright colour is then grounded with the smooth wood effect floor tile, Prossimo, and the matching wall paint in Dulux’s Spiced Honey. The classic elements of this room mean you can change up the look by simply painting the walls and sink unit for a quick refresh.

A softer feel can be accomplished by using a burnt shade of terracotta, the milky amber hue of Flute Terracotta pairs perfectly with brushed gold fixtures. Continue the luxe feel with a unique marble basin and clear glass reeded accessories for the countertop. Think carefully about your lighting, the right position can accentuate the beauty of the reeded surface of the wall tile. We love this particular lamp shade as it mimics the surface design of the tile, but the fabric surface softens the look. You could mirror the basin and opt for a white marble floor tile, or alternatively, add a dark walnut wood effect tile for a cosy, cocooning vibe.

Don’t forget to lay down some electric underfloor heating for that final touch of luxury (that’s actually life changingly practical!)

Another aspect of a reeded surface is a more slatted design which is commonly created using wood. This wood effect slat decor tile from the Skandi range helps to create a statement whilst also feeling organic and natural.

Skandi Birch Slat Decor with Skandi Birch

Tap into the organic matter aesthetic by juxtaposing the narrower slats with handcrafted, chunky wood furniture, like this bath stool, and add in touches of riven glass for a dappled effect. You can create a calming, tonal look by using the complementary plain tile on the floor or go bold with a terrazzo effect that has chips of bolder earthy colours.

Mixing raw and polished elements helps create a tactility to modern homes however a rustic finished tile can sometimes feel somewhat disingenuous. The sun-baked aesthetic is about using natural colours and textures with a refined finish to them. Kelham Loft is the perfect combination of the two, the reeded surface finish has a distinctly modern feel but its earthy colour palette provides a more relaxed appeal.

Kelham Loft Crimson, Kelham Loft Chalk

The first look features a sleek sink unit in a leafy green to complement the dusky orange tones of the Kelham Loft tile. The horizontal reeding connotes slatted blinds, a finish associated with a luxury touch in an exotic boutique hotel. The use of brushed gold fixtures seamlessly blends the two structural elements together. Complete the look with a concrete effect tile on the floor.

If you don’t want to go all out over large surface areas, consider incorporating decorative trims into your space that have a nod to this reeded finish. It could be a pleated curtain, a decorative knitted throw or even beaded trim on accessories. We personally love the look of reeded glass in kitchen cabinets, shower screens or in luxury lighting, it plays with the light and looks more expensive than it is to create.

Pleated Curtains, Bed Throw, Bobbin Frame, Reeded Cabinets