Fluted, ribbed or reeded glass is a vintage look that’s cool once again.
BY JOANNE SASVARI
If you crave light but don’t want to be blinded by it, prefer transparency but need privacy, and are looking for a super versatile style that goes with just about everything, then reeded or fluted glass might just be the perfect solution for your home or workspace.
Although this vertically grooved glass looks similar from a distance, reeded and fluted styles are slightly different — reeded glass is concave and hollowed out with an “inward” look, while fluted or ribbed glass is convex and curve-like, with an “outward” appearance.
Whichever you choose, the style first emerged on the scene in the late 19th century. It was especially popular in Art Nouveau architecture and design, but was quickly incorporated into everyday household items like lamps and vases. Since then, it’s meandered in and out of style, but was most popular in mid-century design — until now.
Grooved glass is having a whole new heyday, and why not? It’s perfectly contemporary, but with a vintage appeal. Architects and designers love the way it adds texture and diffused light to space, making it perfect for creating a sense of privacy without losing a sense of openness. And although it can cost more than plain glass, DIY-ers can create the look of reeded glass with inexpensive stick-on film (available online).
What makes it especially appealing is the quality of light that filters through it: soft, watery, fluid. No wonder it’s so popular in bathrooms.
Although reeded or fluted glass is available in everything from cabinet doors to lampshades to glassware, perhaps the best use of it these days is a semi-privacy barrier in all our open-plan spaces. A ribbed glass screen or door is an easy way to section off space for work, study or socializing, without actually having to build walls.
The only caveat is that it can be a little more work to keep clean, and can be a bit fragile, which could be an issue in homes with children or pets. Otherwise, it’s clearly a groovy design choice.
Here are five ways to work it into your own home or office.
Cabinetry
Textured glass can conceal the items (and mess) in a sideboard, hutch, wardrobe or kitchen cabinet while still making the room look more spacious. Adding a light behind it creates a lovely glow.
The Showcase Sideboard from Sundays uses subtly fluted glass and a gently rounded frame in a timeless piece of furniture perfect for displaying your treasures without revealing too much.
Doors
Waterproof frosted or fluted glass doors are ideal for sectioning off steamy spaces like your kitchen or shower; they also make for a bright way to divvy up a living room and create private areas for play or work, then open them back up for larger gatherings. Sliding, pocket or bifold doors are all beautiful ways to use fluted or reeded glass.
Pendants
Hang a fluted pendant in your kitchen or dining area and the grooved glass creates pretty streams of light and shadow that dance through the room, providing a warm, faceted glow and eye-catching focal point.
With its vintage brass finish, the Cooper ribbed glass pendant from Pottery Barn has a subtle antique charm that still works with contemporary interiors.
Sconces
Wall sconces are having a moment — they create a welcoming mood by adding warm light at eye level and also make for handy task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms — and are especially of the moment in fluted glass.
The Odette wall sconce from Light House is made from ribbed glass with an aged gold-brass frame, and can hang horizontally or vertically, ideal for hallways.
Glassware
There’s something about fluted glassware that is just so chic, whether it’s a tumbler for your morning OJ, a coupe for your celebratory bubbles or a decanter for the table.
Designer and tastemaker Laura Kim (Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Monse) created the elegant, limited edition Plisse cocktail/champagne coupe (below) in collaboration with Crate & Barrel. (“Plisse” is the French word for “pleated.”)
Carafes and decanters are handy for serving spirits, wine and pre-mixed cocktails, plus they just look so darn great on your bar cart, especially when made with ribbed glass. The fluted glass of the Atwell decanter (below; also from Crate & Barrel) reflects light while providing a sturdy grip, and makes a classic addition to any liquor cabinet. The series also features matching stackable highball and old fashioned glasses.
