Interior design trends in 2026 are making a dramatic shift backward in time. Following the comeback of travertine, rattan furniture, and earthy tones, another forgotten icon from 20th-century interiors is stepping back into the spotlight. Combining aesthetics with functionality, this material transforms any piece of furniture or room in the house into a stylish statement piece.
Fluted glass, with its distinctive vertical grooves that play with light, doesn't just dress up surfaces – it actually structures the space itself. Designers are embracing this textured material to introduce rhythm and dimension into often uniform decor schemes. House Beautiful magazine has highlighted numerous creations where this glassware transforms cabinets and buffets into standout furniture pieces that command attention.
Linda Hayslett, who heads the Serena & Lily boutiques, uses fluted glass to replace solid cabinet doors in her designs. "It's such a clever way to add texture and depth without closing off the space," she explains. This finish allows designers to suggest rather than reveal, playing with visual ambiguity by partially concealing what lies behind it. Designer Claire Staszak, who has also been won over by the trend, sees it as a way to instill a touch of history and movement into modern spaces.
"Even though you need to keep your interior impeccable, it hides clutter better than transparent glass," Staszak confides to the magazine. This quality makes it possible to subtly introduce a vintage spirit into even the most minimalist spaces, bridging the gap between contemporary design and historical charm.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, fluted glass captivates designers for its luminous qualities and light-filtering capabilities. Its diffusion power allows for softened ambiance without requiring sophisticated lighting fixtures. In a historic Texas home, designer Julie Bradshaw chose this material to preserve the property's vintage character while softening the harsh light. "The refined lines and texture of fluted glass offered a perfect link between different eras," she emphasizes, convinced by the discreet elegance of this material.
Whether used in pendant lights or wall panels, this textured glass generates diffused light that immediately warms the atmosphere of any room. Lee Thornley, founder of the Bert & May agency, incorporates it into her lighting fixtures to enhance the conviviality of living spaces. "Fluted glass lampshades create warm, subdued light that makes our open dining room feel more welcoming," she explains. This proves to be an ideal solution for establishing a gentle ambiance without sacrificing style or sophistication.
In the highly functional world of kitchen design, House Beautiful emphasizes that designers today are seeking ways to introduce texture without compromising practicality. Fluted glass has emerged as an elegant alternative to all-wood cabinetry in these spaces. Its ridged surface energizes cabinet facades and creates subtle contrast with raw materials, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space.
This approach has been successfully adopted by Ome Dezin agency, which combines light wood with structured glass in their recent projects. Joelle Kutner, a designer at the firm, perfectly summarizes the appeal: "We love using fluted glass in kitchen furniture because it brings depth and texture without overwhelming the space." This graphic choice introduces relief without going overboard, while playing on the balance between intimacy and transparency. It serves as a visual signature that restores character to even the most minimalist kitchens, proving that functional spaces can be both practical and stylistically compelling.
