As 19th-century writer Oscar Wilde once said, “Life imitates art”, and that could not be more true for tableware and its ever-changing trends.
Influenced by the real world and complex circumstances, tableware takes on a distinct feeling of its own and often informs people of how to feel.
This year, tableware trends are all about expression through colour, imperfect shapes and layering!
We are also seeing some revived trends. Namely, a return to more exotic materials.
A renewed interest in sustainability and the embracing of pieces inspired by nature also seems to be a recurring theme for 2022. Materials like coral, bamboo, agate, cork and more are being used as accents to create beautifully decorated tables this year.
To give you a better idea of what you can expect in terms of tableware, we’ve rounded up various trending cutlery, napery, glassware and dinnerware styles you should be looking out for in 2022.
Tableware trends to keep your eye on for 2022
If you’re looking to dress your table up this year in something modern and on-trend then look no further. These are some of the hottest trends you can expect to see in 2022.
- Geometric patterns
- Florals
- Metallics
- Marble
- Watercolours
- Tropical
- Exotic
We are seeing a lot of artisanal pieces from high-end brands and individual designers alike.
In addition, there seems to be a need to know where items come from and how they are made due to concerns about sustainability.
Overall, consumers are becoming more adventurous and are looking for ways to add interesting textures and patterns to their everyday lives.
Tableware trending colours in 2022
Primary colours are back in a big way! Sunny yellows, bright reds and classic blues are making an appearance, mostly on white dinnerware and napery. Adding a playful energy, reminiscent of summer holidays.
Earthy browns have also taken centre stage, fulfilling our desire to reconnect with nature and the outside world. Relaxing chocolate browns work to create a warm, rich, earthy feeling, grounding dining rooms and providing a sense of depth and comfort.
The revival of the placemat and tablecloth
Placemats have been trendy for so long and are still very useful for protecting your table from spills and scratches. You can eat on them and put them away instead of changing the whole tablecloth.
But practical considerations aside, placemats and tablecloths do such a great job of adding colour and texture to a table. And best of all can be mixed and matched to suit your style, whatever it might be.
Rustic and relaxed dinnerware
Rustic and relaxed table settings are being embraced and serving ware is less refined this year. Evidenced by hardier earthenware and stoneware with crackle finishes and rougher textures being favoured.
Ceramic serving ware has also become more textured with the incorporation of raised dots and other patterns, making it easier to grip when serving.
Metallic Cutlery
This year, there has been a clear deviation away from traditional stainless steel cutlery.
With rose gold continuing to be popular along with a growing trend in black and gold cutlery, with a semi-matte finish.
We can expect to see more two-toned styles with gold tips and black and white handles. Slimline cutlery is also quite popular this year, with more elongated designs being preferred over traditional styles.
Of course, no one cancelled knives, forks, and spoons made of traditional stainless steel, but if you’d like to strive for a stylish presentation, below are some more detailed expected styles for cutlery in 2022:
- Gold, bronze, brass, or black plating
- Comfortable handles without any patterns and ornaments
- Using forks, spoons, and knives of different shades in one set
- Handles with mother-of-pearl or chameleon coating
Cottagecore Napery
Last year we saw the embracing of the “Cottagecore” also known as “Farmcore” or “Countrycore” movement on social media.
Basically, a social media movement welcoming the idea of living a simple rural lifestyle. Welcoming local food, artisans, animals, forests, gardens, flowers, and no technology.
This trend also brought on a love for more romantic florals in soft furnishings and table linens. Along with bright patterns, mimicking Mediterranean tables from the likes of Greece.
Colourful glassware
In keeping with the theme, glassware has become more playful and less formal. Mismatched sets featuring an array of colours are especially popular alongside colourful melamine glasses.
This year, glassware is less polished and refined, with bubbles and textures appearing on the glass to emphasise the artistry behind each piece. Stems and rims are also chunkier, making them this season’s essential accessory!
Conclusion
2022, so far has been a year spent recovering from a pandemic and other unpleasantries. It’s also been a year filled with hope as people look to the future and consider how they’ll make the most of a post-pandemic world.
This is clearly reflected in this year’s tableware; a mix of sleek, modern and elegant, with rustic, rough around the edges and quirky styles.
Whether you want to marvel at the muted colours or become a total colour connoisseur, 2022 has something just for you!