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.

The Surface Studio reeded vs. fluted
Image courtesy of The Surface Studio

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.

Van Dykes Tambour roll
Photo courtesy of Van Dykes

 

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.

pexels-victoria-borodinova-3745525 reeded and tambour
Victoria Borodinov via Pexels

Reeded cabinets and center island base.

kam-idris-hYb7kbu4x7E-unsplash reeded and tambour
Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash 

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.

pexels-jonathan-borba-3316926 reeded and tambour
Jonathan Borba via Pexels

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.

Janet Lorusso photo HPMKT reeded+drawer+fronts reeded and tambour
Alder and Tweed cabinet. Photo courtesy Janet Lorusso

 

Janet Lorusso photograph HPMKT reeded+cabinet+at+Chaddock reeded and tambour
Customizable reeded cabinet from Chaddock. Photo courtesy Janet Lorusso

 

Janet Lorusso photography Hooker Furniture reeded+silver+console+from+Hooker reeded and tambour
German  reeded console from Hooker Furniture. Photo courtesy Janet Lorusso

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

Linda Merrill Coastal Casual Living Room sideboard lamp how to place lamps

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!

Linda Merrill casual coastal design cabinet reeded and tambour finishes

 

Reeded and tambour finishes pin

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!

3 thoughts on “Reeded and Tambour Finishes on Furniture and More”

  1. I love all these reeded surfaces, Linda..they add such a sophisticated touch. Thanks for the eye candy and all of the great suggestions in your boutique!

    Reply

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