Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture

Interior architecture deals with the design of indoor spaces in terms of aesthetics and function. Technical fabrics, especially metal meshes, have found a place in modern interior architecture as an unusual, style-defining material. While traditional interiors tend to be dominated by wood, textiles, or stone, interior architects are increasingly using metal meshes in hotels, corporate headquarters, or public buildings to create a contemporary, elegant atmosphere.

Applications in Interior Architecture:

• Room dividers and curtains: Large-scale stainless steel meshes can serve as semi-transparent partitions. They zone areas (e.g., lobby vs. bar in a hotel) without heavy walls and allow light and sightlines to pass through. Movable mesh curtains enable flexible space divisions for events.
• Ceiling panels: Suspended ceiling panels made from metal mesh can conceal ventilation systems or acoustic materials while reflecting light decoratively. Often, lighting is installed behind the mesh so it breaks and diffuses the light—creating an impressive shimmering ceiling effect.
• Wall coverings: Metal mesh panels on walls can display patterns or logos (for example, laser marking can blacken parts or colored backing panels can create designs). Additionally, foam panels behind the mesh absorb sound, giving the mesh an acoustic function.
• Furniture and retail design: In high-end furniture, metal meshes appear as fillings for cabinet doors or counter fronts. Boutiques use brass mesh for a luxurious flair, while tech stores opt for stainless steel for a high-tech look.
• Lighting fixtures: Interior architects also cover lamps with metal mesh, producing interesting shadows and light effects within a space.

Special materials are often used indoors: brass and bronze meshes for warm golden tones, black-coated meshes for a subtle modern look, or combinations with textiles (e.g., mesh layered over fabric). Since corrosion is not a concern indoors, material choices can be guided purely by aesthetics—including patinated or otherwise finished metals.

Another aspect is safety: metal meshes are non-combustible. In public buildings, textile curtains are sometimes replaced by metal mesh curtains to meet fire safety regulations without sacrificing the textile character of a curtain. These are heavier but still movable and drapable.

Working with metal meshes in interior architecture requires a delicate touch: their shiny, sometimes reflective surfaces can make spaces feel cooler. Therefore, metal meshes are often deliberately combined with warm materials (wood, fabric) and accent lighting is used to create an inviting atmosphere. When used correctly, metal meshes give rooms depth and sophistication that are difficult to achieve with conventional materials.

In conclusion, metal meshes have opened new design possibilities in interior architecture. They embody modernity and innovation and succeed in combining a technical flair with elegance—ideal for spaces that require a representative, contemporary character.