Reeded or Fluted Panels: Choosing the Right Design for Your Home

Ribbed paneling is an interior design technique used to spruce up walls, partitions, ceilings, and furniture. It has stood the test of time with its unique ability to add texture and visual appeal to a room. There are various types of ribbed paneling available, with reeded and fluted wall panels being two of the most popular choices. The main difference between these two types of paneling is the concave or convex orientation of their design, but there are other considerations you should be aware of when deciding which to use for your decorating project.

Reeded paneling is a popular furniture and interior design element that got its start in the Art Deco scene of the 1920s and 1930s. It was often used to add visual interest to cylindrical objects, such as columns and furniture legs, as well as to cover cabinet doors and other surfaces.

Fluting offers more of a traditional touch that adds depth and definition to columns and other architectural elements of a room. The concave design has been used for centuries and can be seen in classical Greek and Roman structures, as well as on building facades and interior walls of buildings constructed during the Renaissance era.

These differences may seem subtle, but they are important to know when undertaking a renovation or redesign project in your home. To ensure you make the right selection for your renovation project, it's important to keep the desired look and dimensions of the room in mind.

More About Reeded Panels

Reeded panels have smooth, arched grooves that look almost like thin dowels that were cut in half lengthwise and placed in uniform rows next to each other. They create a whimsical, undulating sensation reminiscent of a series of waves. Their curved, convex figures can be spotted in contemporary homes, walls of trendy restaurants, and cabinets of retro-inspired kitchens.

More About Fluted Panels

In a sense, fluted panels are the mirror image of reeded panels. Instead of smooth arched lines rising from a panel, they have long concave grooves or channels (called flutes) carved in uniform or varying widths from one end of the panel to the other. Fluted panels also give a fluid, undulating sense of movement. They are popular and playful decorative touches that often appear in bedrooms and living areas.

The Choice Is Yours

Of course, you are not limited by tradition–it is entirely up to you which form of paneling you want to install. Once you understand what a fluted panel is and how it differs from reeded panels, it’s time to decide which material you like best.

Ribbed wall panels come in an assortment of materials, including wood (usually pine, cedar, or medium-density fiberboard), metal, or plastic, and are made using specialized tools and cutting techniques to create repetitive patterns in vertical or horizontal directions. It’s not hard to learn how to install a fluted panel, and you can opt to leave the panels unfinished to show the grain of the material or add some paint or stain. They also tend to be easy to maintain, making ribbed panels suitable for both commercial and residential spaces.

Installation Tips

To install, you need to measure the area you want to cover, make sure the area is clean and even, and use a level to make sure you are aligning each piece with the one next to it and the surrounding walls.

Make sure to use the right tools. This might require investing in specialized cutting tools if you are installing panels made of metal or plastic. Use the recommended adhesive or mounting hardware, using spacers between the panels as necessary to create a seamless appearance.

Revitalize Your Space Today

You really can’t go wrong when you install ribbed panels, whether they are carved in a reeded or fluted design. They can be added to walls, ceilings, and furniture to liven an otherwise boring space. From traditional to sleek, ribbed panels are a popular rhythmic design element that is often seen in kitchens, living spaces, bedrooms, and even bathrooms.

To get started on your renovation adventure, visit 27estore and check out our selection of high-quality wall panels. We also offer easy-to-follow installation videos and expert advice to guide you with your selections!