3form Introduces Flare: New Reflective Metallics
Award-winning materials manufacturer brings back a glimmer of fun
Materials innovator 3form introduces their newest collection, Flare—a metallic offering that adds a sophisticated, reflective shimmer to the award-winning manufacturerʼs Varia and Chroma materials. A softer, more adaptable take on metallics suitable for any hospitality, retail, or corporate environment, the Flare Collection offers a fresh take on texture and light refraction for interior finishes and surfaces. Inspired by the chromatic spectrum, the Flare collection was created to reflect the inherent beauty of shimmering light. Combining reflective and colorful elements that lend modern design a sense of movement and life, Flare features three distinctive patterns of scattered metallic dust— Silver Thunder, Brass Lioness, and Copper Saddle available in Varia. Silver Avalanche and Copper Blackout available in Chroma.
As a materials innovator, this is the first time 3form has applied a metallic treatment to the surface of Varia and the first time a material has been added to Chroma outside of pure color. The application process includes complexity few can achieve, embedding the metallic flakes directly on Variaʼs surface to create depth, texture, and illumination, uniquely reflecting any surrounding light without losing its well-known translucency. For 3formʼs Chroma—most commonly a one-sided material for horizontal surfaces— Flareʼs sparkling effect is created when shimmering fragments are applied to the back side of the product. Copper Blackout, for example, gives the appearance of a metallic, high-end version of granite—a perfect bar top surface to rest a crystal glass at a luxury hotel.
“The way that light interacts with our products is fundamental. Flare demonstrates our classic capabilities with color and translucency, but it also shows how we can innovate and use our materials in new and exciting ways,” explains Chief Creative Officer Ryan Smith. “It’s exciting that we have this incredible material platform with which to work.” From large-scale digital printing to hand-laid organics, or new offerings like the Flare Collection, these innovations show 3formʼs industry-leading capabilities and commitment to a diverse portfolio of products. 3form continues to pursue sustainability, sourcing their recycled metallic flakes from a US-based company with 40 years of experience in the metal industry.
Flare in Varia is offered in 3 colors: Silver Thunder, Brass Saddle, and Gold Lioness. Varia panels are offered in 4ʼx8ʼ and 4ʼx10ʼ with 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ gauges with a super matte Vellum finish and a four-week lead time. Flare in Chroma is offered in two colorways: Copper Blackout and Silver Avalanche, in 1/2 inch and 1-inch gauges in 4ʼx8ʼ or 4ʼx10ʼ sized panels, complete with a Vellum finish and a 4-week lead time.
About 3form
3form, a Hunter Douglas company, is a design-driven materials solutions company offering breakthrough sustainable products that help bring projects to life. Their approach promotes craftsmanship, community, sustainability, and respect for the environments where we work and live. The 3form product portfolio ranges from innovative materials to sophisticated turn-key solutions. The full 3form family includes 3form, LightArt, and 3form Elements.
