Fluted Furniture Is Everywhere Right Now—Here’s How to Make It Work in Your Space

Whether you’re incorporating small accessories or prefer to go all-in on this furnishing flourish, here’s everything you should know about fluted furniture.

Like many things, what’s old is new again, and now we get another chance to give this fluted furniture a second look. This time-honored flourish is a design element with a history that dates back to the columns commonly found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Today, it’s being used in a slightly less commanding way, but one with plenty of elegance to spare.

“The trend of incorporating this classic design element into furniture leans into the ongoing trend of incorporating texture into your room design,” says Bryan Johnson, CEO of Shades of Light. And, according to Louie Higaki, general merchandising manager for AnthroLiving, it's also primed to suit a variety of aesthetics as proven by the myriad ways in which this once-ancient design detail is currently making the rounds.

With universal appeal, fluted furniture is, not surprisingly, starting to once again take its hold on the design industry. Getting in on the trend and pulling it off in a way that would make its forebears proud takes a little finesse though. Here, Higaki and Johnson share everything you need to know about this time-honored trend.

What Is the Fluted Furniture Trend?

Fluting is a grooved or ribbed design element on furnishings ranging from lamps to sofa legs and everything in between. “Consumers have been craving textured design elements in their favorite spaces for a while now, but for many, the rough, organic textures of natural fibers or rough-hewn wood are a bit too much,” says Johnson. “Fluting is an elegant, sophisticated solution to achieving a more refined and luxe ‘textured’ look.”

While it can be utilized on mantels, walls, and even columns (in homage to its origins), fluting details on furnishings are taking the design industry by storm. Whether you incorporate the detailing in a small way or go big with a fully fluted sideboard, the trend has staying power as long as you invest in the right pieces for your space.

How to Decorate with Fluted Furniture

Getting in on the fluted furniture trend doesn’t mean necessarily going all-in on an investment piece or overhauling your entire space. Consider ways in which you can dip your toe in by incorporating small pieces like frames and lamps with fluting elements.

“We think table lamps are a great way to incorporate fluted accents without investing heavily in the design concept with large, signature pieces,” says Johnson. Another way to incorporate a dose of fluting is with a small side table that can easily be moved around a space to suit evolving or changing aesthetics should you want to freshen things up or need less of a commitment.

If you’re ready to go big, look for pieces like cabinets and sideboards that have either flat or curved panes, suggests Johnson. “This will help to make those furniture pieces focal points in your room design.” Opting for wider fluting can lend a more subtle effect than that of tighter fluted details or even fluting that also depicts a pattern. A mix of horizontal, vertical, and angular fluting can add even more interest and drama to your piece.

How to Create Lasting Style with Fluted Furniture

The real trick to creating timeless style is selecting pieces that speak to both your lifestyle and your aesthetic, and the same can be said for incorporating fluted furniture into your space. “Due to its timeless qualities, choosing pieces that marry form and function will ensure you will love it for years to come,” says Higaki.

Certainly part of its appeal comes from its chameleon-ilke abilities too. Johnson says thanks to its flexibility, fluted furnishings can work with a variety of styles which means it can evolve over time as your aesthetic does the same. “The nice thing about fluting is that it comes with versatility, so if your decor is mid-century, deco, or transitional, odds are that a fluted piece will look right at home,” he says.

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