Trend Alert: Fluting Design

Bringing classical design into the now, fluting is showing up in interiors everywhere.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Making the Timeless Trendy: Fluting

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, fluting is a classic design element. The vertical decorative grooves bring instant character and texture to a piece of furniture, a wall or even a sink. Through utterly timeless, fluting has had a resurgence in popularity and is making its waves through the design world once again.

Find the Right Pairing

Counter-to-ceiling backsplashes are right on trend, but we love how designer Tali Roth breaks up the look by combining a marble backsplash with a fluted white wall treatment above. The range hood is wrapped in the same fluted design, and a small ledge between the two finishes displays pretty plants and accessories.

From: Tali Roth

Max Out Your Lines

Vertical tufting creates the same look as fluting on hard surfaces. The statement-making headboard soars onto the mirrored wall, which reflects the room’s patterned wallpaper and visually expands the space. A cushioned bench along the window offers extra seating and storage.

From: Megan Grehl

Bring It Into Current Day

Fluting may have begun thousands of years ago, but it fits into contemporary design seamlessly. The chic grooves embellish this pedestal table, which unites with graphic black-and-white chairs. When searching for the right chairs to pair with a round table, try ones with curved backs to mimic the lines of the table.

From: FORBES + MASTERS

A Nod to the Traditional

Fluting may have started with Greek and Roman designs, but it’s also been a part of traditional style for hundreds of years. The delicate ribbing on this four-poster bed shows it off to perfection. Finish off the room with a gallery wall of heirloom china and ruffled bedding.

From: Joni Spear

Flanked in Style and Function

In HGTV Smart Home 2019’s great room, designer Tiffany Brooks dotted each side of the green velvet sofa with fluted end tables. The shell white tables deliver a classic column aesthetic straight from the Parthenon and are, of course, functional for setting drinks and other daily essentials.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Add Dimension With Detailing

Not just for furnishings and walls, fluting creates tactile appeal in unexpected places. The farmhouse sink features the telltale notches, adding a surprising detail to this open floor plan kitchen and dining room. Bright white cabinets juxtapose against the dark countertops and rustic wood used throughout the room.

Embrace Neutrals

Contemporary and softness are not mutually exclusive. Though contemporary style may give you visions of stark minimalism, you can achieve the look while still delivering a warm, inviting atmosphere. The fluted upholstered wall sets the scene for a cozy dining or work space, and the calming neutral palette gives the room a modern vibe.

From: Megan Grehl

Take a Look at the Color Wheel

Bursting with color and pattern, this bedroom is a happy escape from the daily grind. A linear tufted headboard in blue velvet brings in the fluting trend. When designing a hue-filled room, look to the color wheel and complementary shades. Blue and orange sit across the wheel from each other and make for bold color displays.

Created for Hangouts

This bonus space was made for relaxing, and we’re calling dibs on the oversized tufted lounger in the front. An abundance of pattern — leopard-print pillows, tone-on-tone stripes on the ceiling and floral wallpaper — adds an eclectic note to the mostly traditional space.

From: Village Properties

Opt for Stylish Built-Ins

Smart built-ins maximize the square footage of this minimalist bedroom. The star of the room is the custom-built wall with its glossy woodgrain center and flanking fluted panels. The wall houses the platform bed and floating nightstands. Teardrop pendant lights hang over each nightstand, freeing up the surface for all your nightly necessities.

From: Long Realty Company

Make It Your Own

A trio of coffee tables in varying heights is a chic centerpiece for your living space. Want to try the fluting trend without breaking the bank? We have an easy-to-follow DIY for creating a trendy fluted table. All you need is half-round wood trim, spray paint and basic building supplies.

DIY This Trendy Fluted Table

HGTV Smart Home 2023