The perfect pasta twirl, the soft collapse of cake, the crunch when cutting into a loaf of sourdough—these are the moments when the right silverware really earns its place at the table. From the weight of it in your hand to the contour of the handles, it doesn’t just serve the purpose of getting your food from plate to mouth (although, great that it does); it has the ability to transform your dining experience. After all, there’s a reason why a well-made flatware set may become an heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next.
Vogue’s Favorite Silverware Sets:
Featured in this article
An online search for new cutlery will likely turn up a rabbit hole of lookalike options—sets that all blend together without offering much distinction. But if you’re on the hunt for something that truly stands out—functional and beautiful—we’re here to help. Whether you’re drawn to mid-century silhouettes with sleek, clean lines or ready to invest in a heritage option that will stand the test of time, here are the silverware sets that deserve a spot in your kitchen drawer.
In This Story
- What to consider when buying silverware
- What to avoid when buying silverware
- What is the difference between flatware and silverware?
- How can you tell if silverware is high quality?
- 18/10 vs. 18/8 vs. 18/0
For the Traditionalist: Marly flatware set
- Why We Love It: If there’s one brand that blends elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless design into art for the tabletop, it’s Christofle. With origins dating back to 1830, its silver serving pieces and flatware are loved by royals, celebs, interior designers, and five-star hotels alike—and the price tag is best for the person who wants forever flatware. The Marly set, offered in both silver-plated and sterling silver finishes, features 24 pieces and is ideal for up to six guests. It includes dinner forks, knives, tablespoons, and teaspoons, as well as a storage box to stow away when not in use. The Marly set is one of the more ornate offerings in Christofle’s lineup, highlighting Louis XV-style motifs with delicate asymmetrical vines and foliage. While it is dishwasher-safe, handwashing and regular cleaning (using the brand’s signature cleaner) is recommended.
- Material: Silver-plated (also available in sterling silver)
- Finish: Polished silver-plated
- Pieces: 24 pieces
- Hand-washing recommended
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Heirloom-quality pieces that can be passed down generations | One of the more expensive flatware brands on the market |
| Available in both silver-plated or sterling silver options | Silver requires more maintenance than stainless steel options |
| Comes with storage box for proper care and longevity |
For the Minimalist: CB2 Amos flatware set
- Why We Love It: For those looking for something beautiful and pared back, the Amos flatware set by CB2 is a quiet standout. Sleek and streamlined, it brings a sense of calm modernity to table setting and is unfussy in its form. The silhouette is clean, with gently rounded heads and slender handles that feel elegant in the hand but work for everyday meal time. The 20-piece set comes in an 18/10 high-quality, polished stainless steel, for a subtle gleam to any tablescape. It includes four of each essential: dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, and dinner knife.
- Material: 18/10 stainless steel
- Finish: Polished silver
- Pieces: 20 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Comes in a full 20-piece set | Available only in polished silver; no matte options |
| High-quality stainless steel ensures longevity | Lightweight compared to more luxury flatware |
For the Antiques Lover: Guy Degrenne Marquise flatware set
- Why We Love It: Want a collection-worthy silverware set without having to spend weekends scouring vintage markets? Meet the Guy Degreene Marquise Flatware Set, a timeless classic that brings a bit of vintage charm to your table. Crafted from durable 18/10 stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish, each piece is adorned with regal baroque drop accents that feel straight out of a storied estate. The set comes in multiple configurations to suit your hosting or at-home dining needs—it’s offered in a five-piece or a 20-piece set. No estate sales required!
- Material: 18/10 stainless steel
- Finish: Mirror-polished stainless steel
- Pieces: 5-piece or 20-piece sets available
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel has the look of heirloom pieces without the upkeep | It won’t develop a traditional silver patina, which some antique lovers might want |
| Multiple set sizes allow you to build up or start small | Mirror finish can show fingerprints and smudges |
| More affordable and durable than antique silver |
Best Mixed Material Set: Sabre Bistrot flatware
- Why We Love It: There’s a good chance Sabre flatware has already graced your plate in some way—whether at a buzzy restaurant, cool café, or in your stylish friend s apartment. The French brand’s beloved Bistrot collection channels classic European bistro vibes with its 18/10 matte stainless steel and signature resin handle. Each five-piece set (dinner and salad fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon) comes in a kaleidoscope of colors, so you can really have fun with it: mix and match pieces, or commit to a color story if you like the monochrome look. It’s the perfect excuse to get a little playful with your flatware.
- Material: 18/10 matte stainless steel and signature resin handle
- Finish: Matte steel and glossy or matte resin
- Pieces: 5 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Versatile for formal and informal settings | Resin handles can scratch over time |
| Lots of color variety | Matte finish on stainless steel can show light surface markings over time |
For the MCM Lover: David Mellor Minimal flatware
- Why We Love It: With its pared-down silhouette and thoughtful proportions, this flatware set—designed by celebrated British designer David Mellor—is a quiet standout for the mid-century modern enthusiast. Made for those who appreciate sculptural forms and restrained minimalism, each utensil balances a thick, linear handle with subtle curves at the bottom. Made from durable 18/10 stainless steel, the matte-finish, five-piece set includes a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon. At $95, it’s a nice price point for such a design-forward dining essential.
- Material: 18/10 stainless steel
- Finish: Matte stainless steel
- Pieces: 5 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sculptural but understated silhouette makes it both elevated and versatile | Only comes in a matte finish; no polished or mixed-metal options |
| Dishwasher-safe | Lightweight feel may not appeal to those who prefer a heavier hand feel |
For The Naturalist: Sabre cutlery set
- Why We Love It: If you like bringing natural elements into your home, this wood-handled set is for you. Another favorite from French tableware brand Sabre, this flatware is offered as a set of four—including a dinner fork, soup spoon, knife, and teaspoon—priced at $90. And while most wooden-handled sets require hand washing, this one is safe for the dishwasher up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. (Plus, the polished 18/10 stainless steel is durable enough to stand up to everyday use.) Whether you’re setting the table for a sun-drenched garden party or an easy weeknight dinner, this set adds an earthy element.
- Material: Polished 18/10 stainless steel with natural wood handles
- Finish: Polished steel paired with organic wood
- Pieces: 4 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Wood handles bring a natural touch to the table | Only includes 4 pieces, missing a dedicated salad fork |
| Polished 18/10 stainless steel ensures durability and a modern edge | Wood will still require more mindful care than all-metal flatware |
| Surprisingly dishwasher-safe (up to 113°F), unlike most wood-handled flatware |
For the Modernist: Misette Squiggle cutlery set
- Why We Love It: This modern flatware brings the drama to the table—in a good way. Misette, the homewares brand known for an artful and whimsical approach to decor, delivers major table presence with this 24-karat gold-plated stainless steel flatware that comes with a fun squiggle handle. Designed for the modernist who isn’t afraid to add a little glam to their table, the five-piece set comes with a dinner fork, knife, salad fork, soup spoon, and teaspoon.
- Material: Stainless steel, plated in 24K gold
- Finish: High-shine 24k-gold plated
- Pieces: 5 pieces
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| 24K gold plating offers luxe appeal | Not dishwasher safe |
| Sculptural and unique design | Gold plating may show wear over time |
For the Art Deco Enthusiast: Georg Jensen Pyramid cutlery gift box
- Why We Love It: There’s no question that Art Deco is creeping back into the design conversation. And if you’re drawn to this timeless style, Georg Jensen’s Pyramid silverware is likely to be your new favorite set for all future dinner parties. With graphic lines and tiered detailing on the bottom, this set was designed by Harald Nielson, in collaboration with Jensen. It comes in a 18/8 stainless steel and mirrored-finish—it’s dishwasher-safe, but it is recommended to clean with a mild soap directly after use to maintain the gleam.
- Material: 18/8 stainless steel
- Finish: High-shine mirror polish
- Pieces: 5 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Polished stainless steel offers shine without the upkeep of traditional silver | The mirrored finish shows a bit more smudges and fingerprints |
| Tiered Art Deco details feel both timeless and graphic | Not available in multiple finishes |
Best Affordable Set: West Elm Siren flatware set
- Why We Love It: This fishy flatware from West Elm is minimalist with a playful twist: Each handle mimics a fishtail. Crafted from 18/0 mirror-polished stainless steel, this everyday flatware set includes a table fork, salad fork, knife, dinner spoon, and dessert spoon. Even better than the functional, joy-inducing design is the price tag. It’s less than $35 for a five-piece set.
- Material: 18/0 stainless steel
- Finish: Mirror-polished
- Pieces: 5 pieces
- Dishwasher-safe
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable option | As an 18/0 steel option, it has a lower resistance to corrosion |
| Whimsical design |
For the Fashion Insider: Christofle x Charlotte Chesnais Carrousel shell flatware set
- Why We Love It: Designed as a collaboration between Christofle and Paris-based jewelry designer Charlotte Chesnais, this silver-plated flatware set turns everyday dining into an experience. The collection features curved drop handles that are a nod to Chesnais’ designs, and each piece lives upright in a walnut rotating case inspired by sculptor Jean Arp. If you’re a fan of Chesnais’ sculptural rings, earrings, and bracelets, this is the tableware expression of her signature style—perfect for special occasions. The set includes 24 pieces: six dinner forks, dinner knives, dinner spoons, and dessert spoons.
- Material: Silver-plated flatware
- Finish: Mirror-polished
- Pieces: 24 pieces
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A true collector’s piece: Fashion-driven flatware that doubles as art | Higher price tag |
| Rotating walnut case turns storage into a display moment | Silver-plated finish requires more care than stainless steel |
Best Formal Set: Tiffany Co. Elsa Peretti Padova flatware set
- Why We Love It: If silverware is the jewelry of the table, then of course we’d want it to be designed by the legendary Elsa Peretti. The 32-piece Padova set—named after the Italian city where it was crafted—is made entirely of sterling silver and is priced at $6,210. It includes six forks, knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons, as well as one serving fork and spoon. Like Peretti’s iconic jewelry designs, the Tiffany Co. set is a study in understated elegance and craftsmanship. Each piece reflects her signature philosophy of transforming everyday objects into sculptural, tactile moments of beauty.
- Material: Sterling silver
- Finish: Silver
- Pieces: 32 pieces
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| High-end material and craftsmanship | High price tag and is a more serious investment |
| A strong design pedigree, designed by Elsa Peretti | Sterling silver requires more care |
| Full 32-piece set has you covered for crowds |
Everything You Need to Know
What to consider when buying silverware
It really comes down to your lifestyle. Are you someone who hosts often and wants a full, matching set that can withstand constant use? Do you prefer a no-fuss option that’s dishwasher-safe and durable enough for everyday meals with kids? Or are you the type who loves making a visual statement at the table—choosing dinnerware pieces that feel more like design objects than utensils?
There s no best flatware set, just the one that fits the way you live. So identifying how you’d put them to use would be a good start for helping you unearth what it is you’re looking for.
What to avoid when buying silverware
When purchasing silverware, it’s worth paying attention to quality markers that’ll determine how well your flatware holds up over time. If you’re looking for a true investment set that’ll last a lifetime, skip anything made from low-grade stainless steel (which is anything below 18/8 or 18/10). Those ratios refer to the chromium and nickel content, and lower numbers can mean your pieces will dull, pit, or even rust. Not fun!
You’ll also want to avoid a set of flatware that feels overly lightweight. While a slim profile can be elegant, lightness often signals poor construction and lower durability, meaning pieces are more prone to bending, scratching, or losing their finish long before they should.
What is the difference between flatware and silverware?
Flatware is the broad, general term for the serving utensils that include forks, knives, and spoons, regardless of what they’re made of. It can be stainless steel, gold-plated, resin-handled, wood-accented… you name it.
Silverware, on the other hand, technically refers to flatware made of real silver, either sterling silver or silver-plated. Over time, people have used silverware and flatware interchangeably to mean all utensils, but in the purest sense, it s about the material, not the category.
How can you tell if silverware is high quality?
It all comes down to material and construction. How it feels in the hand. How it wears over time. For stainless steel flatware, the gold standard is 18/10 or 18/8. Those numbers indicate the percentage of chromium and nickel, which prevent rust and give the metal its signature shine.
From there, it’s about weight, balance, and craftsmanship. High-quality flatware should feel solid in the hand and the pieces should be smooth, evenly finished, and free of visible seams or rough spots. A reputable maker will back their craftsmanship with durability claims or guarantees, and ideally, the set holds up to everyday dishwasher use without losing its polish.
18/10 vs. 18/8 vs. 18/0
When shopping for silverware the numbers you see in the description—18/0, 18/8, and 18/10—represent the composition of chromium and nickel in the alloy. The first number (18) indicates the percentage of chromium, which gives the steel its rust resistance and strength.
The second represents its percentage of nickel, which adds luster and improves coercion resistance. So, 18/10 contains the most nickel, making it the more durable option and also the shiniest— and is often considered the highest quality. The 18/8 is slightly lower in nickel but still offers good resistance and a nice finish. An 18/0 contains no nickel and is generally considered more prone to spotting and less lustrous, but is great for people with nickel allergies or anyone looking for more budget-friendly options.