What is Tambour Wood and Where to Use It
Tambour wood is having its moment in the spotlight, and for good reason. The classic and sophisticated look of tambour adds visual interest and depth to any space, and it’s extremely versatile, slotting in comfortably with most interior design styles.
If you’ve been in the market for a surface that showcases character, tambour wood could be what you’ve been looking for.
What Is Tambour Wood?
What is tambour wood, exactly? Get started by familiarizing yourself with its history and defining characteristics.
Definition
Tambour wood is a decorative surface made up of thin wood strips. Some common materials for tambour include white oak, red oak, maple, walnut, and poplar.
While it has been trending, tambour isn’t new; you can find it in vintage woodwork and cabinetry. Its most classic use is in rolltop desks.
The name “tambour” comes from the French word for “drum.” The material likely got this name since early uses reflected the curved, slatted shape of a medieval drum.
How Tambour Panels Are Made
Each strip of wood is first measured and cut to size. The strips are then laid on a fabric or mesh backing. This process is what makes flexible tambour so masterful at wrapping around corners and curves.
The craftsperson will use a strong adhesive to ensure the slats stay in place. The final step is to trim the panel, and it’s ready for use in a wide range of projects!
Typically, tambour panels are made to wrap around bends and curves on surfaces. However, there are two types of tambour panels: flexible and rigid. Rigid tambour panels are beneficial in instances where you want the classic tambour look without the flexibility.
Key Features and Benefits of Tambour Wood
Tambour wood is having a big resurgence right now. Knowing the many benefits of using tambour wood can help you determine whether it’s right for your project.
Flexibility in Design
Easily the best feature of tambour wood is its flexibility, both in shape and style. It can conform to different curves thanks to the material backing.. It’s also a strong choice for virtually all kinds of designs, from traditional to modern.
Texture and Depth
Tambour wood also shakes things up by being multidimensional. Each panel is crafted with specific topography in mind and will offer unique texture and dimension to a surface. The way tambour wood is made provides plenty of options for those who want to play with texture.
Durability and Maintenance
Tambour wood isn’t delicate, even if it’s made of small strips of wood fibers. It’s as strong as the wood that makes it. If you opt for tambour panels made of hardwood, you’ll get excellent durability.
It’s also remarkably easy to clean, making it a low-maintenance option, even in high-traffic areas of your home.
Where to Use Tambour Wood
Are you looking for inspiration as to how to use tambour wood? Let’s review five of the most popular ways builders use it and why it makes sense in these applications.
1. Kitchen Cabinetry and Islands
Tambour wood is the perfect candidate for a kitchen island. Wrap it around to create a textural focal point. Many homeowners also like tambour wood for accent panels on cabinet doors or drawers; this is where rigid tambour wood typically comes in handy but flexible designs are also usable in this instance.
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2. Furniture Design
Use tambour wood to create visually striking media consoles, nightstands, or sideboards. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even use it as the material for a rolltop desk to bring some retro vibes into your home.
Note that any rolling tambour features are a higher skill level compared to other uses of tambour wood, so adjust expectations accordingly should you choose to embark on it.
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3. Wall Treatments and Ceilings
You can use tambour wood to make a bold statement by covering an entire section of a wall with it. Even a small section of tambour paneling will make it clear you have something to say.
It’s also ideal for curved walls or columns where other materials might be awkward to use. This is where tambour wood’s flexible nature shines. Make your statement even louder with carefully curated lighting for a dramatic effect.
4. Retail and Commercial Spaces
Public areas like reception desks or bars make for a fantastic use of tambour wood. It gives the space a boutique feel that’s much more interesting and textural.
A look says a lot about your brand, and tambour wood immediately showcases that you care about the smaller details.
5. Hidden Storage and Custom Builds
What is tambour wood if not the perfect material for custom builds, especially those designed to hide something important? You’ll often see it used as a sliding panel in small spaces, like bar stations or appliance garages.
Wood Types at Osborne Wood
At Osborne Wood, we offer a wide collection of tambour wood for both painting and staining.
Paint-grade panels are ready for a splash of color and are fantastic for those who want ultimate customization. Stain-grade panels highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain, giving a space even more of the characteristic warmth that makes wood such a beloved material.
We offer tambour wood panels made from popular wood species like:
White oak
Red oak
Poplar
Maple
Walnut
If you have questions on what product would work best for your project, reach out to our team or check out our comprehensive how-to guides!
Shop Tambour Wood Panels
Are you tempted to try out tambour wood panels for yourself? We have just the thing: our Tambour Sample Box of 12 decorative tambour sample pieces. Each box includes a random assortment of wood species and sizes, but you’ll receive at least one of each of our available wood species.
Check out our many other high-quality tambour wood panels that are ready to make any room or piece of furniture pop. Your dream project starts with Osborne Wood, so browse through our impressive catalog and speak with a product specialist today.
