Reeded shower screens, textured taps and tiles, and ridged furniture – fluted finishes have taken over our bathrooms. But we’re not complaining because we’re fully on board with this tactile trend.

Recently, we’ve spotted this finish everywhere, from grand renovations straight off the glossy pages of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms to DIY projects on Instagram and aspirational boards on Pinterest. And we’re not the only ones to notice this. “We’re seeing more demand for fluted bathroom products as they add three-dimensional elements to a design that can otherwise be quite stark,” says Lee Reed, head of design at Easy Bathrooms. “While fluting can add character and quirkiness, it doesn’t overpower a space and is instead classic and understated.”

Have you ever wondered where this finish comes from? Lee explains that it originates from architecture. “Fluting is usually achieved through a series of shallow grooves that run across a surface, creating texture and interest,” he says.

There’s no doubt that fluting can instantly elevate anything from your bathroom walls and a plain tub to a dated piece of furniture. “From fluted tiles, vanity units, and cabinets, there is a wide range of bathroom products available in this fun and on-trend surface,” suggests Ruth Foster, interior designer at online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum.

If you’re ready to embrace this look in your home, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite fluted bathroom products. Screenshot button at the ready – let’s begin…

Textured tiles

One of the easiest ways to welcome fluted finishes in your space is through – drum roll, please – tiles. Plenty of styles are available these days, from fluted metro tiles to bamboo-style slabs. They also come in a wide range of colours, so you can get creative with your design.

“Vertical fluted finishes can not only make a space feel taller, but also more contemporary,” explains Jorge Hernandez, product and design manager at Bathroom Brands Group. “Textured products invite interaction, drawing us to engage with our surroundings.”

We recommend mixing and matching plain and textured tiles to add interest and dimension to your bathroom walls. For example, you can refresh your vanity area or create a dreamy backdrop behind your bath or in the shower.

Reeded shower screens

If you’re team shower, then why not make the upgrade to a fluted shower screen? They look oh-so-stylish and offer that boutique hotel look. Plus, they are a practical bathroom update, which will instantly take your space up a notch.

You can opt for minimalist panels, fitted doors or square enclosures, depending on your needs. You can also customise the finish of the hinges, door handle or surround to ensure it matches the rest of your fittings and fixtures.

Ribbed taps

With the help of textured taps, you can instantly give your basin area a glow up. No matter whether you lean towards a polished chrome finish or are into sleek matt black, as long as the design is embellished with minimalist grooved lines, it’s a great choice.

Pair your solution with simple, white sanitaryware for a pared-back look. Or why not opt for a matching fluted basin to achieve a modern scheme?

Fluted baths

There’s nothing like finally finding the right piece to complete your bathroom design. Ready to make a statement with a beautifully reeded bath? These days, you can go for a solution that’s the perfect shape to comfortably fit your space. Plus, you can have it painted in the exact colour your heart desires. Think round and compact, curved and modern, fitted or freestanding. However, it’s the finish that elevates the look – be it scalloped or meticulously ridged.

Textured basins

You can now pick from a multitude of basins available in different shapes and a myriad of colours to perfectly match your bathroom style. The go-to material at the moment is concrete. Apart from already being a tactile surface, you can upgrade your space with an ornate model, which displays a fluted front. Dare to go bold?

Fluted furniture

No matter your style, or budget, when it comes to furniture, you are spoiled for choices. Think wall-mounted or freestanding solutions, in bold or pared-back colour palettes, from big to small.

Sharing an ensuite with a partner or perhaps you’re looking to improve the look of your family bathroom? Well, you can find grand, fluted double units that can cater to your needs. And if you’re working with a smaller space, you can opt for a wall-mounted cabinet with practical drawers or open shelves for extra storage. Scroll down to get inspired.

Tactile lighting

Tired of your old wall and pendant lights? Why not choose fluted glass solutions to refresh your bathroom? They are a great way of adding character to your vanity area, for example.

Before you hit ‘purchase’, remember that your new lighting needs to be IP44 in order to be used in the area around your basin. To find out more about bathroom zones, click here.

Fluted wall panelling

Wall panelling took over our kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms a few years ago, but it’s still a go-to design trick for spicing up a scheme.

“Fluted finishes are also becoming a popular wall panelling idea and can give a space a reinvented, contemporary twist,” advises Ruth. The latest ideas include the popular wooden grooved panelling, curved fluted finishes or with raised, rounded edges.

Remember to consider the material you are going for as it needs to be waterproof in order to be suitable for such a humid environment.

If you’ve been looking for bathroom makeover ideas, we hope you now feel inspired to add a dash of texture to your space – whether through a ribbed tap, reeded wall panelling or fluted sanitaryware.

Enjoyed this post? Check out these 10 bathroom wall panelling ideas: the latest trends in 2023

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