Tambour

Is Tambour the new Shiplap?

We’re loving the Wood Tambour trend that’s heating up. From the profiles to the species and the way it can make simple design elements feel subtly stately. We’re here for it. 

Large-scale wood accents have dominated the industry for years with the Shiplap and Barnwood trends, but more subtle wood details with veneer accents, skinnylap, pole wrap, and tambour are starting to take over.    

Depending on how long you’ve been in the industry, you may have never even heard of tambour, or you might picture a roll-top desk when someone asks about wood tambour. What makes tambour, tambour? Traditional uses of tambour require a flexible panel and a grooved face to allow it to roll up. The tambour is traditionally fabric or meshed backed for this purpose. Tambour panels have been developed to include solid wood panels with the growing use of tambour for architectural elements and cabinetry components. Wood tambour has developed to include various profiles and the traditional wood dowel look.

We’re loving the Wood Tambour trend that’s heating up. From the profiles to the species and the way it can make simple design elements feel subtly stately. We’re here for it.  

Large-scale wood accents have dominated the industry for years with the Shiplap and Barnwood trends, but more subtle wood details with veneer accents, skinnylap, pole wrap, and tambour are starting to take over.    

Depending on how long you’ve been in the industry, you may have never even heard of tambour, or you might picture a roll-top desk when someone asks about wood tambour. What makes tambour, tambour? Traditional uses of tambour require a flexible panel and a grooved face to allow it to roll up. The tambour is traditionally fabric or meshed backed for this purpose. Tambour panels have been developed to include solid wood panels with the growing use of tambour for architectural elements and cabinetry components. Wood tambour has developed to include various profiles and the traditional wood dowel look. 

tambour3

Tambour2 

Tambour is a great way to add a grand yet subtle wood statement to any space and incorporate some of the trends highlighted by the NKBA’s 2024 kitchen and bath trends report into your projects. “Contemporary, Modern, Mid-Century, Scandinavian designs will be popular; cabinets with modern European, flat panel designs, free of hardware with push-to-open technology” (NKBA.ORG). The report also highlights warm colors, less white, and natural wood finishes growing in popularity compared to previous years with biophilic trends thriving. 

Tambour can be applied to walls, architectural design elements, cabinetry, islands, hoods, and more. 

Are your clients asking for wood tambour? We’ve got you covered! 

Are you looking for a tambour source? Let us know! Our Designs of Distinction™ brand offers 12 different tambour profiles in 5 wood species. Tambour sheets are available as flexible or solid for application versatility. 

Links 

Tambour Profiles 

Shop Wood Tambour

Contact us for samples and specification assistance. 

Blog References & Resources 


NKBA 2024 Trend Report - https://kb.nkba.org/research/2024-kitchen-trends-report/ Free for members, available for purchase for non-members. Direct Supply is a proud NKBA member.  

You now have a source for wood tambour!

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