In modern interior design, new and innovative trends emerge, offering homeowners more options for renovating their homes. Bathrooms are personal spaces in a home, and their designs have evolved from merely functional to trendier, spa-like areas. When it comes to décor, wall panelling is the latest trend in interiors. One of the design trends that is gaining popularity is fluted panels. Fluted elements, which are designs with shallow vertical grooves, are incorporated to bring texture to walls and other surfaces and enhance the overall aesthetics. These elements can be used in various areas of the bathroom, including furniture and bath spaces. In this guide, we delve deeper into fluted bathrooms and their latest design trends.
What is a fluted bathroom?
In interior design, fluting is a technique of incorporating a series of shallow vertical or horizontal grooves on walls, furniture, columns or architectural features. Fluted bathrooms refer to bathrooms designed with fluted elements. This design technique helps add depth and enhance the verticality of flat surfaces, giving them an intricate and attractive look.
Historical significance of fluted elements
Flutings technique has been used in architecture for centuries, especially in ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Persian architecture. Fluted elements were for both decorative and functional purposes. They were used to add strength and reduce weight in large structures. Fluted designs have evolved over the years, especially in bathrooms. In other areas fluting is also seen in decorative arts such as metalware, glass, pottery and wooden furniture.
Materials and finishes used for fluted bathrooms
Fluted elements for bathroom, for instance, panels can be made from a variety of materials:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): It is a lightweight plastic material, which is ideal for bathroom design since it is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
Wood: Wooden fluted panels are ideal if you want a rustic look for the bathroom. It is a natural material which can be stained or painted.
MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): It is an engineered wood material that can be used to design fluted panels. It is an affordable and versatile material.
Metal: Metal fluted panels can be used to achieve an industrial look for modern bathrooms. It is durable and has acoustic properties.
Source: Pinterest kirkendalldesign/226587424997301846′
Colours and finishes
- Matte vs glossy: Matte finishes bring a soft and natural look to surfaces, while glossy finishes give a shiny, luxurious appeal.
- Natural vs painted: A natural wooden look can be an ideal option when focusing on minimal maintenance. On the other hand, painting the wall panels helps to customise the look to match personal style and colour preferences.
Source: Pinterest porcelainsuperstore/4608800988007041024
Why should you choose fluted panels for your bathroom?
- Adds texture and depth: Adding fluted panels to walls, ceilings or other spaces will bring depth, dimension and textural appeal to the space. When light falls on the ridges and dips, shadows are formed in intricate ways, enhancing the look.
- Enhances aesthetic appeal: The sleek lines and texture of fluted panels make any space appear more sophisticated and visually appealing. Fluted elements are among the latest design trends, which is an ideal choice for giving bathrooms a contemporary look.
- Known for durability and low maintenance: Fluted panels are renowned for their durability and low-maintenance characteristics. This is because they are typically made of materials such as PVC and WPC, which are resistant to scratches, stains and moisture.
- Versatile design option: Fluted panels blend seamlessly with any design theme to achieve diverse aesthetic objectives. This includes furniture décor and accentuating walls.
- Enhances acoustics: Fluted panels also come with functional benefits. The grooves and ridges absorb sound and minimise echoes, improving the acoustics. This makes them suitable for noisy areas such as restaurants, offices, etc.
- Easy to install: Fluted panels are easy to install based on factors such as material, design, adhesive, nail or screw installation, etc. This is one of the reasons they are highly preferred by interior designers.
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Fluted bathroom design ideas
#1. Fluted wall panels as protective coverings
Fluted laminates can be a useful addition to your bathroom. You can either install these panels on all the walls or create a focal point by covering one wall.
These panels can be made from a variety of materials and can be painted or kept natural. These decorative panels also work as protective coverings against water splashes.
Source: Pinterest edwardgeorgelondon/285134220156239639
#2. Fluted tiles for texture
Fluted tiles can be installed on the wall in the shower area or behind the vanity. Pick tiles of contrasting colours to create a striking visual impact.
This could be an excellent idea if you are looking for something creative instead of the standard materials for bathroom design. Go for unique tile patterns and colours to personalise your space.
Source: Pinterest brandnewbathrooms/999376973570687762
#3. Fluted vanity and cabinet designs
Fluted elements can be used to design storage solutions for bathrooms. This can bring the much-needed texture to the bathroom space, giving an enhanced look. Fluted detailing can be incorporated on the front of the cabinet or storage unit.
Pick a wall-hung vanity, which is an ideal choice for small bathrooms. Fluted designs in a wall-hung vanity can give an illusion of space. Combine fluted vanity with modern materials such as marble or granite countertops, brass faucets, etc., for a luxurious ambience in the bathroom.
Source: Pinterest Heatandplumb/13581236382129418
#4. Fluted glass and shower screens
Fluted panels can also be used to define spaces in a home, including both living rooms and bathrooms. It helps achieve privacy while enhancing aesthetics.
Fluted shower glass featuring vertical ridges can add an interesting look to the bathroom design. A prominent characteristic of fluted glass is its unique way of diffusing light, creating soft illumination and a welcoming ambience. Fluted glass shower screens can be combined with fluted tiles or wall panels for cohesive aesthetics.
Source: Pinterest wholesaledomestic/766034217905121975
#5. Fluted basins
Another alluring design idea for modern bathrooms is the use of fluted wash basins or sinks, which can add texture while creating a unique statement. The benefit of a fluted sink and other ceramics is their ability to blend with any design theme, contemporary or traditional.
Source: Pinterest victorianplumb/82050024455519609
#6. Fluted bathtubs
Instead of a standard bathtub design, consider fluted elements for a lavish look. Fluted baths come with vertical grooves on their outside surfaces, which create an illusion of movement while adding texture to the bathroom space.
Fluted elements can be used for both freestanding or built-in bathtubs. Keep the fluted bath as the focal point of the room by keeping other elements understated. Opt for subtle colours and natural materials such as wood and stone for an enhanced appeal.
Source: Pinterest homedepotcanada/60657926224856793
#7. Fluted bathroom fixtures
Textured taps can give your bathroom a dramatic look. Whether you prefer a sleek matte look or a polished metallic design, embellishing the faucets with groove lines can elevate the visual appeal of your bathroom.
Choose fluted faucets based on the colour theme of your bathroom. While a matte finish gives a contemporary touch, polished finishes bring a classic appeal to the bathroom area. Create a cohesive look by matching the finish of the bathroom faucets with those of other fixtures, such as showerheads and towel bars.
Source: Pinterest BetterBathroomsUK/648870258841332478
#8. Fluted accessories
If you prefer not to include fluted elements in larger spaces, consider incorporating them into your bathroom accessories, such as plant pots, decorative bowls and lighting fixtures. This will bring the much-needed texture to the room without making it look overwhelming.
 Source: Pinterest victorianplumb/505247651963863919′
#9. Minimalist fluted bathroom
Many homeowners prefer a minimalist design theme for their homes, featuring a neutral colour theme and subtle textures. When designing a minimalist bathroom, incorporating fluted elements, such as wall panels, can enhance the interiors. The clean lines of the fluted panels can bring in visual complexity while emphasising simplicity.
Source: Pinterest elitebathroomware/686236062004148591
#10. Bold and dramatic fluted bathroom
Fluted bathrooms can also be designed in combination with a bold colour and design theme. To achieve this, vibrant accent colours and statement pieces can be introduced. This helps create contrast while highlighting the elegance of the fluted elements. For example, fluted textures work well with deep reds, bright oranges or yellows.
Source: Pinterest vencislavaduniceva/22588435626632434
#11. Scandinavian-themed fluted bathroom design
Scandinavian-style interior design focuses on functional arrangement and features clean lines, neutral colours and natural materials such as wood or stone. Fluted bathrooms blend well with the Scandinavian design pair, enhancing minimalism and overall aesthetics.
Source: Pinterest etsy/468515167505829715
#12. Combine fluted elements with other textures
When designing bathroom interiors, consider mixing and matching fluted walls and similar fluted elements with other materials for a more balanced and enhanced look. Some materials include glass panels, polished stone, and ceramic tiles, among others.
Source: Pinterest dressthathouse/15973773674087593
How to incorporate fluted elements in small and large bathroom designs?
Small bathrooms
The use of fluted elements can impact the spaciousness of a room. While fluted designs work well in bathrooms of all sizes, it should be used carefully in a small bathroom setting to prevent overwhelming the space. Some ideas include fluted vanity, fluted accessories or shower glass.
Large bathrooms
There is scope for experimentation for a large bathroom by incorporating fluted elements in multiple areas, such as the walls, to create a lavish, textured space.
Tips for using fluted elements in bathrooms
Consider practical use and maintenance: When incorporating the fluted trend into a bathroom space, it is essential to consider its practicality. Cleaning the grooves can be more challenging than cleaning flat surfaces. Hence, it is easier to install in areas such as a vanity rather than on walls.
Blending colours and other features: Fluted elements can be used in a variety of colour schemes. Neutral tones such as white, beige and grey bring a more subtle and classic appeal, while darker colours such as navy, brown, etc. help create a dramatic effect.
Blending fluted designs for customisation: Fluted designs can be used in various ways to customise the bathroom design. The choices range from materials and finishes to the width and depth of the grooves. One can pick a design that matches personal style and enhances the overall aesthetics of the bathroom.
Achieving balance: Avoid using the same fluted design throughout the bathroom. Select various materials and finishes to achieve a layered, eye-catching appearance. You can never go wrong with including smooth surfaces and simple lines along with fluted designs.
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Evaluating costs for fluted bathroom design
Fluted elements such as glass or doors for bathrooms range from affordable to high-end options based on factors such as materials, brand, etc. For example, fluted glass can cost from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 per square foot (sqft).
How to save costs?
- Use cost-effective options: Focus on areas where you want to achieve maximum impact. This can be the vanity or shower glass. For the other areas, consider cost-effective alternative materials, which can save costs.
- Include large statement pieces: Invest in large statement pieces, such as a fluted bathtub or an accent wall. This will be less costly than using multiple fluted elements throughout the bathroom.
- Consider DIY vs professional installation: Going for professional installation of fluted designs in the entire bathroom can be quite expensive. Instead, consider a DIY project for installing wall panels.
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Housing.com News Viewpoint
Bathrooms of any size and layout can be transformed into a luxurious haven by incorporating fluted elements smartly. To personalise the space, consider using fluted elements in different areas and combining them with other textures and materials. Moreover, statement lighting and the strategic placement of mirrors help complete the look. If you are looking to save costs, make sure to evaluate the costs of the fluted designs and the benefits of DIY vs professional installation.
FAQs
Which material is used for designing fluted panels?
Fluted panels are available in a range of materials, such as wood, plywood, MDF, metal, glass, plastic, etc.
How to clean fluted elements in a bathroom?
The ridges or grooves of fluted designs in a bathroom can be cleaned using mild soap and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners as they could damage the finish.
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