The humble slat—a narrow flat strip of wood or metal according to Merriam-Webster—hardly seems the stuff of stunning design, but in the hands of a skilled designer its potential blossoms.
![Confidential Client, Lehi, Utah Group collaboration area in Lehi UT](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:1068/h:712/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image1-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, Lehi, UT. Photography © James Florio.
At the ceiling and wall, slats echo one another, define space, and create ambiance.
![Confidential Client, Lehi, UT Wooden walls in a casual meeting area](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:864/h:1080/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image2-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, Lehi, UT. Photography © James Florio.
At the same location, slats used in different ways on the walls and at the ceiling create an intriguing and sophisticated effect.
![Confidential Client, Mexico City Slatted, enclosed meeting space](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image3-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, Mexico City.
Here slats add interest and some privacy, but allow light to penetrate.
![Confidential Client, Mexico City. Wooden slatted ceiling, Mexico City](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image4-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, Mexico City.
A pattern of slats at the ceiling add the warmth of natural wood to a casual communal venue.
![H-E-B/Favor, Austin, TX. Slatted meeting space in Austin](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image5.jpeg)
H-E-B/Favor Delivery, Austin, TX. Photography © Peter Molick.
Vertical slats create a space within a space.
![Big Fish, Seattle. Slatted wall decorations in an elevator lobby](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image6-1.jpeg)
Big Fish, Seattle. Photography © Sherman Takata.
Raw wood slates at the wall and ceiling complement the reception desk design.
![Confidential Client, NYC Slatted EGD wall](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image7-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, New York City. Photography © Eric Laignel.
An interactive wall of slats sends a message.
![MSP Recovery, Coral Gables, FL. A casual collaboration area in Florida](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image8-1.jpeg)
MSP Recovery, Coral Gables, FL. Photography © Robin Hill.
Parallel at the ceiling, slats emphasize a clean, minimalistic design.
![Mitsui USA, NYC Mitsui USA Stairs](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image9-1.jpeg)
Mitsui USA Headquarters, New York City Photography © Eric Laignel.
Both opaque and open, at the stair wall slats offer a glimpse of the next floor.
![Confidential Client, NYC Wooden hall with slats in NYC](https://ml5enisp4q1t.i.optimole.com/cb:avo9~b5e4/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://interiorarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image10-1.jpeg)
Confidential Client, New York City. Photography © Devon Banks.
Slats create an immersive experience.
IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.
IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.