A hot trend in the Indian market — laser cut wood panels or jali design — has taken homes and commercial spaces by storm.
What is it?
Intricate laser cut designs take their inspiration from Mashrabiya — an Arabic term for lattice-work windows in stone or wood that spread across India thanks to Islamic architecture, and our Mughal rulers. The designs are mimicked on wood panels today to create hypnotic, mesmerizing patterns, and give it a contemporary feel.
Where can it be used?
These beautiful and versatile laser cut wood panels are light and can be used on furniture, as room partitions or even on a wall. Back-lit laser cut panels and false ceiling panels are currently in vogue.
What are the popular designs?
From traditional favorites like paisleys to contemporary geometric designs like hexagon lattice, laser cutting makes it all possible. There is a great range of choices and plenty of scope for customization.
What about the price and material?
The prices can hugely vary according to the intricacy and complexity of the design chosen. Some are readily available on MDF boards. As for the finish, for a contemporary appeal, you would find most of them painted white. But traditional wood polishes are available as well.
Here, we give you five fantastic ways to incorporate jali designs in your home:
1. Create private corners
The geometric pattern on this laser cut wood panel blends in beautifully in this modern home and separates the living and dining areas without adding visual clutter. The same can effectively be applied in an open layout kitchen.
Simple floral motifs on this sliding jali divider add a charming touch to this home and cuts out the noise from the living room.
2. Stunning backlit beauty
Source: Ambati Chandra Shekhar
Delicate laser cut wood motifs are brought to life with a backlight in this living room. The more intricate the jali work the more stunning the effect.
Back-lit jali panels are a popular choice in pooja rooms as well thanks to their ethereal glow.
3. Lattice furniture
Source: Abhinav Jain
Another growing use of these laser cut boards is on furniture. Whether you employ the same backlit technique or simply use it under your glass table top to give it some drama — the possibilities are endless.
In this salon, laser cut wood panels used on the reception desk make for a grand welcome.
A pair of bar stools with laser cut designs keep things visually light and stylish in this kitchen.
4. Jali facade
Source: Acid Studio
Laser cut wood panel walls give you a holistic view of the outdoors and let you soak up some sun while providing privacy.
Source: Acid Studio
We love how a lattice-cut screen has been used to sift the sunlight into the courtyard. This way the courtyard remains cool during daylight, and also lends the home an artistic touch.
5. Deck your walls
Laser cut wood designs can also be used to make a stylish statement on your existing walls. In this bedroom, a contemporary jali panel easily lends an edgy dimension.
We also suggest skipping your routine wall art and instead install a set of laser cut wood panels in your living room for a jaw-dropping update.
