The best flatware is primarily a functional purchase; cutlery, after all, goes a long way to facilitate eating. However, that's not all you need to consider. Flatware can add a stylish touch to your dining table, complementing or contrasting with your tableware. There is a variety of options available, though. So, to make this a well-balanced roundup, with fair comparisons between potential purchases, we've narrowed our selection to 20-piece sets. And all the basics are covered, including stainless steel, plastic-handled, and solid color options, as well as a few more interesting designer sets for good measure.
Lianyu black silverware set
Made of stainless steel with a black metallic electroplated coating
Stand out from the crowd with this chic cutlery choice. This contemporary black option makes an eye-catching style statement on your dining table. The set is made from stainless steel and then electroplated with a black metallic layer. This process means the cutlery is dishwasher-safe, and you don't have to worry about the coating coming off.
AmazonBasics stainless steel flatware set
A no-nonsense, square-edged option
This practical flatware set is a great-value option. It features four salad forks, four dinner forks, four teaspoons, four dinner spoons, and four dinner knives. It's made of 18/0 stainless steel. This set has an unfussy design with square-edges. It boasts a well-balanced construction and is ideal for everyday, ordinary use.
Fiesta Merengue flatware set
Multi-toned plastic handles for a pop of color
These cheerful cutlery items from Fiesta bring the child-friendly plastic handle concept right up to date. They are made of 18/0 stainless steel. The plastic part is constructed from durable ABS that's mounted onto the handles, leaving an attractive metallic edge. These utensils are also a practical choice as they are dishwasher safe.
ShareCook rainbow silverware set
Add a little magic shimmer to every mealtime
This shimmery silverware was all the rage recently, but if you've missed out on the trend or just can't get enough rainbow in your life, there's still time to invest. Made of 18/0 stainless steel with a mirror finish, this set boasts smooth edges and ergonomic handles. Its multi-hued tones will go with any dinnerware.
Homogo gold flatware set
Enjoy everyday elegance with golden cutlery
A subtle hint of gold is a great way to add a luxurious touch to your dining table. This set is made of sturdy stainless steel but gets that electroplating treatment to add a mirror-finished Midas touch to your flatware. As with all the sets we're featuring, this is a 20-piece option, giving you a full set of flatware for four people.
Berglander rose gold flatware set
Opt for an unusual, eye-catching color
If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, why not consider these pink-hued utensils? This flatware set is made of good old durable 18/0 stainless steel but gets an anti-rust, high quality, titanium rose gold coating. This finish enhances surface hardness to avoid scratches.
Deacory white and gold flatware set
Serve up some seriously stylish spoons
This Deacory flatware set is an attractive option that can add a bit of two-tone flair to your next dinner party. As well as the attractive tapered white handles, and the lovely matte gold metallic elements, we really like the unusual shape of the cutlery. These utensils are made of 18/10 stainless steel and plastic.
Oneida Louisiana fine flatware set
Ornate option for fine dining
If you're looking for a classically styled choice, do consider this handsome set from Oneida. The Louisiana collection boasts raised floral scrollwork on the handles that is a really elegant choice for fine dining occasions. This set is made from high quality, corrosion-resistant 18/10 stainless steel and should last a lifetime.
Fiesta Celebration flatware set
Contemporary choice gets colorful epoxy inserts
Anyone who prefers a contemporary style with a hint of fun is sure to love Fiesta's Celebration flatware. The cutlery boasts a modern shape, but it's the colorful epoxy inserts in the handle that really set these utensils off. The rainbow-colored detail will add a brilliant splash to your dining table and complement any kind of china.
Flatware flair
Why you can trust Real Homes
We love all these flatware sets for different reasons. Our overall staff pick, the Lianyu black silverware set, stands out from the cutlery crowd as an unusual option that will work for both everyday use and more formal occasions.
If you're looking for a fancy set to bust out when you have dinner guests around, consider the Oneida Louisiana fine flatware set. This handsome, high-end collection has attractive raised scrollwork on the handles, offering an elegant solution.
Anyone more into fun than frills should look at the Fiesta Celebration flatware set. This cutlery keeps things light with rainbow-colored epoxy inserts in the handle, providing you with a splash of color at every mealtime.
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With over 10 years of experience writing for popular websites Amy-Mae is a freelance features writer with a focus on writing reviews, how-tos, and buyers guides. She lives near the sea in Devon with her family, two naughty cats, and two much-loved dogs. Her beloved daughter ensures she has very little spare time but if she manages to wrangle any you'll find her on the sofa watching box sets and drinking gin.