Why consumers can't get enough of fluted finishes in the bathroom

BathroomsFeatures Tue 26th Nov 2024 by Sally Smith

Why consumers can't get enough of fluted finishes in the bathroom

Why consumers can't get enough of fluted finishes in the bathroom


Feature by Sally Smith | Tue 26th Nov 2024

Sally is a freelance interiors journalist with over 10 years' experience, specialising in kitchens and bathrooms. She contributes to many of the national home and interiors publications, and has a background in both consumer and B2B PR. More



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.

Crosswater’s Limit 1200mm wall-hung double-drawer vanity unit has slatted fronts in a warm stone finish with a handleless design, and 2 fully extendable drawers in each unit with a soft-closing action

Crosswater’s Limit vertical slatted wall-hung tower unit in Royal Walnut is handleless, with a push-to-open door function. The door and bathroom cabinet can be installed either as a left-handed or right-handed option that can be easily adapted to any layout

"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.

This stylish modular bathroom furniture from Atlanta is from their Calibre range in Midnight Mist with an oak interior featuring a fluted horizontal drawer design and illuminated open shelf.  Available in a wide choice of  sizes, door/drawer options and finishes allowing designers the flexibility to tailor the look to suit their customers taste

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.”

Orology by Bagnodesign is a collection of bathroom furniture that takes inspiration from sleek watch designs. Featuring a distinctive grooved detail, the wall-mounted furniture has a high-end finish providing stylish storage to elevate a modern bathroom

"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."

The Kuba wall-hung modular furniture range, from Bathrooms to Love by PJH is made in a vertical ribbed, textured oak finish in a handleless design creating a softer natural feel in the bathroom. The vanity unit includes a generously sized white ceramic basin

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."

The Adorn washbasin unit from HiB comes in Olive, Mushroom or Terracotta, shown here, and features a metal drawer box with soft-close runners for gentle closure. It comes in 60cm and 80cm widths and an optional LED underlight

Roper Rhodes’ Scheme 800 wall-mounted fluted vanity unit in Juniper Green features strong vertical architectural lines with double drawers to provide plenty of storage, available in a variety of configurations giving designers the flexibility to personalise the bathroom

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."

These standout pieces from Sonas are the Reed freestanding fluted bath and the Mirage wetroom panel, which is 800mm wide and 2000mm high with vertical fluting that adds texture and depth to a wetroom space

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."

The Tissino Tavo fluted fixed front panel comes with a 1200mm stabilising bar available in a choice of brushed brass, matt black or chrome finish. Glass panels are all 2000mm high and come in a choice of width up to 1700mm. Glass panels come in 3 options: ultra clear, grey or fluted glass

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."

Merlyn Showers 8mm fluted glass wetroom panels in their latest brushed brass finish is suitable for a recess or corner situation, perfect for a smaller bathroom available in a variety of colour options including matt black, brushed bronze, brushed brass chrome and brushed gunmetal grey

Tags: bathrooms, features, fluted vanity units, fluted baths, fluted wetroom panels

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