Reeded and Tambour Finishes on Furniture and More

Reeded and tambour finishes are not new, but they sure are trending!  They really are a classic to be found on bedposts and table legs, inspired by Greek and Roman fluted columns (though unlike concave flutes, reeds are convex). This is an excellent example from The Surface Studio in the UK.

What is tambour then? Tambour is usually half rounds of wood that are on a flexible backing, most often used when flexibility is needed, such as tambour doors on an appliance garage in a kitchen.

I’ve really noticed over the last 3-4 years that reeded and tambour finishes have gotten very popular and most trendy! The best part is that you don’t need to hire a professional carver – they can be purchased as sheets and applied to planter surfaces. If you think of the elegance of a fluted column, you’ll see why they instantly add a richness to a simple surface.

This bistro bar has a chic reeded brass metallic bar front.

Reeded cabinets and center island base.

This is a wall detail that’s probably a little large and spaced apart to be considered classic reeded, but it sure adds a nice detail.

Studio McGee – the popular design firm and furnishings company added some great reeded finishes in their new home. This video is from a couple of years ago, but the wall treatment is not to be missed, starting around the 6 minute mark if you’re crunched for time.

My friend and fellow New England designer Janet Lorusso of JRL Interiors went to Highpoint Market last fall to take in the 2022 trends and came back with a smart phone full of great style – and yes, reeded and tambour finishes on furnishings.

I am nearly finished with my Casual Coastal project and included a beautiful cabinet with a reed detail.

This is the cabinet the day it arrived (in other words, unstyled!). I love the elegant reeded detail – a little touch of the traditional in a modern space. The bedroom side tables, currently on order, will also have a reed detail. Can’t wait to show you!

Reeded and Tambour Resources

Metrie

Reeded Glass from Van Dykes – great for glass inserts in cabinets and doors.

Decorative Wood Reeded panels and tambours from Van Dykes

Decorative Wood Tambours from Richelieu

Reeded and Tambor Shopping Boutique

I put together a little shopping boutique of great pieces – both vintage and new. Please note this boutique includes affiliate links. A small commission is paid on any sales made via these links at no additional cost to the buyer. This goes to help support this blog. Thank you!