Design Trend Alert: Tambour Finish

The world of commercial interior design is continually seeking ways to make spaces more inviting, restorative, and connected to the natural world. This movement, known as biophilic design, is currently finding its perfect expression in a classic architectural detail experiencing a major resurgence: the Tambour finish.

More than just a beautiful surface, the repeating vertical slats of Tambour wood are a powerful, subtle nod to nature, creating a sense of calm, movement, and visual rhythm that is essential for modern commercial environments.

Why Tambour is the Design Trend of the Moment

Tambour—a finish characterized by thin, flexible wood slats—is trending because it successfully delivers on several key design goals:

• Texture and Warmth: It instantly breaks up flat, monotonous surfaces, adding organic texture and the inherent warmth of natural wood.

• Visual Rhythm: The clean, linear lines create a subtle rhythm that guides the eye, mimicking natural elements like tall grasses or a fence line.

• Acoustic Benefits: The varied surface can subtly help with sound diffusion, contributing to a more comfortable, less stressful atmosphere.

Bake Biophilia into Your Booths and Tables

At Shelby Williams, we recognize that true biophilic integration requires cohesion. That's why we've designed our latest pieces to ensure you can seamlessly weave this beautiful texture throughout your entire space, from seating to surfaces.

Introducing Our Tambour Trendsetters:

• Trenton Booth: This piece features an integrated tambour back that adds immediate depth and sophistication. The intricate wood detail transforms a necessary functional element (the booth back) into a sophisticated, highly textural design statement visible from across the room.

• Tambour Base: Extend the elegant rhythm of the tambour finish right down to the floor. This complementary table base ensures visual harmony, linking the seating area to the dining surface for a truly unified look.

By pairing the natural material of the wood with this trending pattern, you are creating more than just a functional dining area. You are baking in biophilia, enhancing the emotional well-being of your guests, and delivering a sophisticated atmosphere built for both comfort and style.

Missed Us at BDNY? We’d love to connect! Contact our sales team today to learn more about our new collections and discuss how we can bring your contract furniture vision to life. 

Get Inspired! Check out our BDNY New Introductions Look Book.