We shine a light on wood effects which are making a comeback in furniture and how designers can use the material in bathroom storage

Available as wall-hung or floorstanding, the Novum Veles furniture range from HiB is available in Light Oak to meet the interior trend for ‘California Casual’

With the natural world inspiring home interiors, timber and wood effects are making their return in bathroom furniture.

It meets the trend for layers of texture and tactility, as well as warmth to create a safe cocoon for a bathing space.

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Quarter sawn Tulipwood

Sales and marketing director at RAK ceramics Ben Bryden comments: “Wood brings a tranquil feel to the bathroom, reinforcing the idea of going back to nature and creating a sense of calm.”

Growth in popularity

Managing director of Duravit UK Martin Carroll explains why wood is becoming a firm favourite in furniture: “Colour is bold and expressive but does not work in every setting.

Rak-Joy modular furniture range, from RAK Ceramics, is available in a range of widths and colours options, including Scandinavian Oak

“Designers and end users looking for something new in the bathroom are now turning to stylish wood finishes. With Its different tones and shades it brings warmth and adds a natural charm to the bathroom.”

And furniture product manager at Bathrooms to Love by PJH Julie Lockwood agrees it has become a popular finish: “The use of wood and timber-effect materials is a dominant trend in bathroom aesthetics at the moment.

“The bathroom furniture category is abundant with authentic, wood finishes that beautifully mimic woodgrain textures.”

HiB product designer Jasmine Rowe comments: “Due to wood’s continued popularity as a finish in the bathroom space, we have ensured that it has remained an option for consumers in our new furniture ranges.”

Forget the Oak doors of old, this new timber trend is equally at home on contemporary slab, handleless drawers or slatted furniture storage, as classical Shaker designs.

And, this is reflected in the choice of timbers and wood-effects on the market, from light to rich woods.

Crosswater recently introduced its Limit furniture in Royal Walnut and Warm, while PJH has introduced the Volta Oak range and Hudson Reed offers its Havana furniture in a woodgrain effect.

Ben Bryden adds: “For the minimal, contemporary bathroom we are seeing greater use of lightly coloured wood. And for the ultra-modern space, grey wood has a very trendy edge to it. Dark woods still have their place too, particularly when creating a country, traditional feel.”

Combine and contrast

So does that mean timber and wood effects are set to replace gloss and matt coloured furniture? Not necessarily.

Inspired by Japandi styling, Crosswater Limit furniture range now comes in Royal Walnut and Warm Stone finishes

The beauty of wood is that can look at home combined with a variety of materials and colours, creating a versatile and harmonious bathroom aesthetic.

Julie Lockwood of Bathrooms to Love from PJH adds: “Colour, texture and finish are all high on the agenda and a combination of different materials is key – not just wood.”

The company has recently introduced its Contrast wall-hung furniture that, as the name suggests, combines distinctive finishes such as matt fascias with oak-effect door inserts.

And Ben Bryden points out that a combination of wood with colour is still the most likely furniture choice: “Matt and gloss finishes are still very popular in the bathroom, where ease of cleaning and hygiene has such importance.”

Timber growth

Certainly the trend for timber or wood effect furniture shows no sign of slowing, particularly with the introduction of complementary wooden wall panelling.

Part of the Scudo brand, Boho furniture has just been added to the collection. It boasts a Matt Black frame and Oak effect drawer

In fact, industry experts predict the continued growth of biophilic interiors with natural materials, such as stone and plants, along with the use of earthy muted palettes.  “We can see wood continuing to be popular for some years to come”, concludes Jasmine Rowe of HiB.