How to add reeded detailing to your interior project
by Laura Styles Wed, May 20, 26Whether chosen for a kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere in the home, reeded detailing is a timeless choice. Featured heavily in hardware, joinery and glass, those distinct linear grooves give direction for the aesthetic of any space.
Here are our top tips for introducing this trend, which will undoubtedly refine your project and add visual interest.
- Yester Home’s Resident Style Advisor, Laura Styles
Image Credit | Savage Group LucyRebeccaPhotography
The History
Initially introduced as reeded glass, these small but impactful arches became immensely popular during the 1920-30's Art Deco era. They became a household and workplace staple, obscuring views whilst offering privacy and diffusing natural light, keeping spaces bright and inviting.
Since the late 19th century, these decorative patterns have transcended into other materials used in design projects, including cabinetry, hardware, light fixtures and tiling.
Image Credit | Savage Group LucyRebeccaPhotography
Product Shown | Claverley Polished Nickel 192mm pull
Why is Reeded Detailing trending?
Adds Visual Interest
Particularly when featured in joinery, reeding breaks up the materials, providing textural appeal. These vertical lines also offer an architectural illusion of height in modern properties, which tend to have lower ceilings and more minimalist rooms.
Functional
This design element provides fantastic grip when used for cabinet knobs, pulls and door hardware whilst disguising fingerprints in such high-touch areas.
Enhances Light Play
When chosen for hardware or wood, it creates subtle shadow effects, adding a sculptural appearance and diffusing light perfectly in glass.
Versatility
Suited to modern, traditional or transitional interiors, bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary projects.
Image Credit | Savage Group LucyRebeccaPhotography
Product Shown | Claverley Polished Nickel 160mm pull & oval pull backplate
How to incorporate reeded elements
Start Small
We recommend pairing the finish with hardware, light fixtures, furniture or even mirror frames to aid visual consistency. Always remain mindful of the scale of the space you are working with, so bolder grooves to make a statement in larger spaces, and thinner reeding for small areas such as pantries or laundry rooms.
Hardware Finish
When exploring how reeded details could work in your wider space, understanding the nuances of hardware finishes is pivotal to seamless coordination of the finish. Polished Nickel (as featured in the project shown here) is reflective, therefore best suited to modern spaces. Aged Brass offers a more vintage or industrial appearance, or black, for example, gives a muted finish.
Complementary Textures
Once reeding has been added, pair with soft furnishings, fabrics and smooth surfaces such as stone or marble worktops for balance.
Image Credit | Savage Group LucyRebeccaPhotography
Reeded surfaces have seen a significant resurgence in recent years, and with good reason, giving a nod towards character-rich interior design. Whether you are considering this architectural feature to add seclusion, charm or impact, textured "Florentine" designs popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras are a mindful way to add flair to your next project.
Image Credit | Savage Group LucyRebeccaPhotography
Product Shown | Claverley Polished Nickel