This guide’s main purpose is to give you a wide perspective about what you should looking for when you want to purchase vintage-looking flatware sets.
So, in this guide, we’ll show only flatware sets that have a vintage or retro look.
Every household item has its lifespan and flatware makes no exception. There comes a time when you will want to change the old and bent flatware or you are just moving out from your parents’ house and take life in your own hands. Or maybe you want to make a nice wedding or housewarming gift.
If that’s your case too, this guide may come in handy as we will go through the most important things to look after, when buying a new silverware set.
We have tested a lot of those flatware sets and we’ve searched for other people reviews as well.
Things to consider
There are some criteria that you should look for when you are searching for a good flatware set. Of course, the first thing to keep in mind is quality. And by that, I mean the material. Stainless steel is by far the best cutlery material, mainly because of its durability, price, and it doesn’t change the food taste. You can check our full blog post about vintage stainless steel flatware here.
Best flatware material
The recommended stainless steel for flatware is the 18/10 one because it is rust-resistant and also holds its polish very well. That means it has 18% chromium and 10% nickel in its composition. Chromium protects the steel from acid-causing rust that is contained in many types of food. Nickel prevents corrosion and also adds luster on the steel’s surface.
Difference between 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steel
The main difference between 18/10 and 18/0 stainless steel is that the last one has no nickel, making it more susceptible to corrosion, but it’s cheaper.
They have similar durability, but the 18/0 one has magnetic properties, a softer shine, and are more prone to staining.
So, the 18/0 stainless steel flatware will need extra attention, in order to have them a lifetime.
Since 18/0 stainless steel is cheaper than the 18/10 one, you can find flatware made of 18/0 stainless steel that is thicker and heavier. Also, there are some 18/0 flatware sets that are plated with decorative and protective coatings, making them resistant to corrosion like the 18/10 one.
How does the flatware feel in your hand
After ensuring that the flatware is made of quality materials, the next important thing is that it must feel comfortable when you are using them. This is more subjective and it is different for each individual. Some may prefer a lightweight set and others a heavyweight one.
Other criteria are the appearances, price, and how easy they are to clean.
Flatware design
Of course, appearances are a matter of personal preference, so our top order may not reflect your personal choices, but in terms of quality, we make sure that the products that we recommend are flawless.
The size of the set
You also need to pay attention to how many pieces the set has. So, if you are hosting dinner parties, you don’t want to put mismatched flatware for your guests.
Our choices include sets of various sizes, so choose according to your needs.
The price
Regarding the price, we think you should consider paying a little more for good quality or if you find a design that fits perfectly with your dining room décor since a good silverware set can serve you for the rest of your life.
That being said, we made this guide for you with our top picks. All of the items included in this guide are made of long-lasting materials, have a vintage look, are easy to clean and comfortable to use.
Price breakdown
We have breakdown the price of every flatware set that we recommend in this post, so in the table below you can see how much money you will actually pay for every piece of that flatware.
| 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Sets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatware set name | Flatware set size | Flatware set price | Price per piece |
| Wallace Hotel | 20 | $60 | $3 |
| Abbey Collection Premium Quality | 20 | $44 | $2.2 |
| Lenox Vintage Jewel 5-Piece | 5 | $59.95 | $11.99 |
| Lenox Vintage Jewel 20-piece | 20 | $179.95 | $8.99 |
| Lenox Vintage Jewel Gold 5-Piece | 5 | $74.95 | $14.99 |
| Mikasa Regent Bead | 65 | $132.99 | $2.05 |
| Elome Vintage Design Rose Gold | 4 | $21.99 | $5.45 |
| Fortessa San Marco Antique Silver | 20 | $138.78 | $6.94 |
| Mepra Dolce | 24 | $277.30 | $11.55 |
| Oneida Golden Michelangelo | 46 | $399.9 | $8.69 |
| 18/0 Stainless Steel Flatware Sets | |||
| Flatware set name | Flatware set size | Flatware set price | Price per piece |
| Oneida Wordsworth | 20 | $63.41 | $3.17 |
| RiverRidge Home Rose Monogrammed | 46 | $64.99 | $1.41 |
| JUJIAJIA ROSE GOLD | 20 | $31.99 | $1.59 |
Our top picks
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating * |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Wallace Hotel 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Oneida Wordsworth 18/0 Stainless Steel Flatware Set | 4.3 |
| Best Big Set | Mikasa Regent Bead | 4.7 |
| Best Gift | Elome 4-Piece Vintage Flatware Set | 4.4 |
| Best for One | Lenox Vintage Jewel 5-Piece Place Setting | 4.3 |
| Best Fancy One | Oneida Golden Michelangelo Fine Flatware Set | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | RiverRidge Home Rose Monogrammed Vintage Flatware Set | 4.5 |
1. Wallace Hotel 20-Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4
The most popular patterns from Europe’s grand hotels are reproduced in 18/10 stainless steel, creating a unique, elegant table setting. Perfect for everyday or formal occasions. The look is dramatic and eclectic. Hotel flatware with its five assorted reproduction designs brings the unique classic back to life.
It’s a 20 piece set, service for four and includes 4 dinner forks, 4 salad forks, 4 dinner knives, 4 dinner spoons, and 4 teaspoons.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel, this set is sturdy and durable, so it will stand up the rigors of everyday use.
Dishwasher safe for quick and easy clean up without losing its polish.
Pros:
- Great price for the quality
- They are comfortable to handle
- Very durable. Some users have been using those for years.
Cons:
- They are not so thick, thus not too heavy. Some users may enjoy this though.
2. Oneida Wordsworth 20 Piece Set for 4, 18/0 Stainless Steel
This is a 20 piece flatware set which includes 4 each: salad fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon. Made of 18/0 stainless steel for great durability.
They have a nice, classical, flowery style.
This classic fiddle back design is bursting with blossoms, scrolls, and leaves. Azalea is equally at home with undecorated or more ornate tableware. A pattern that appeals to the true romantic.
They are dishwasher safe, so don’t worry about cleaning and polishing.
Pros:
- Very good price for their quality.
- Limited lifetime warranty. Each piece of fine quality Oneida stainless is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the original owner
Cons:
- We wished it would have been made of 18/10 stainless steel.
3. Abbey Collection Premium Quality Flatware 20 Piece Set for 4, 18/10 Stainless Steel
This 20 piece flatware set for 4 includes 4 each: dinner fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, salad fork, teaspoon.
It has a classic timeless design that is perfect for elegant or everyday affairs.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel for great durability.
Although it is dishwasher safe, it is recommended to handwash them to protect the plated flatware against dings and scratches.
Also is good to avoid harsh detergents, and use mild soap and water instead. After using a dishwasher, remove the flatware after the rinse cycle for spotless cleaning.
Immediately hand dry after washing using a soft cloth to avoid rusting and spotting.
Dimensions: Dinner Fork: 7-1/2″ Total Length, Dinner Knife: 9″ Total Length, Dinner Spoon: 7-1/8″ Total Length, Salad Fork: 7″ Total Length, & Teaspoon: 6-3/8″ Total Length
Larger sets are available for 8 or 12 people.
Pros:
- Great price
- Unique design
- Available in 3 different colors
Cons:
- Although this set has a classic look, it doesn’t look quite vintage. It’s more of a mixture between the Victorian era look but with a modern touch.
4. Lenox 18/10 Stainless Steel Vintage Flatware set for one , 5 piece
This is a 5 piece set for one, including dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, and teaspoon.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel it’s durable and tarnish resistant. The moment when you will see them you will realize that they are of good quality.
With its classic and vintage look, it fits perfectly with any kind of décor, being a good choice for everyday use or even a special occasion.
They are sturdy, thick, and heavy, so they feel very good when you handle them, but this, of course, it’s a personal preference.
Dishwasher safe, clean the flatware with a mild detergent for the best results. Users should avoid soaking the utensils in order to thwart pitting, drying hand-washed pieces immediately.
Pros:
- All utensils benefit from a lifetime breakage replacement program upon registry
- Stylish and classic look, suitable to complement any tabletop décor, with any occasion.
Cons:
- Some people may find those a bit too big in size and heavy.
- They are a little bit more expensive than other sets in our guide, but it’s quite justifiable due to the thickness and quality
If you want a bigger set, it’s also available in a 20 piece version, suitable for 4 people.
The set is also available with a golden margin finish.
5. Mikasa Regent Bead, 65-Piece, 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set with Serving Utensil Set, Service for 12
Mikasa’s Regent bead flatware features elegant yet subtle beading that transitions beautifully from everyday meals to finer occasions. This 65-piece service for twelve includes 12 each: 8-1/4 inch dinner fork, 7-1/2 inch salad fork, 9-1/2 inch dinner knife, 7-3/4 inch dinner spoon, and a 6-1/2 inch teaspoon. It also includes 1 each: tablespoon, cold meat fork, pierced tablespoon, sugar spoon, and butter knife.
This Mikasa set it’s a service for twelve, with 65 pieces in total and includes 12 each: dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon.
It also includes each: tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, cold meat fork, butter knife, and sugar spoon.
Mikasa’s Regent Bead Gold flatware features elegant yet subtle beading that transitions beautifully from everyday meals to finer occasions
High quality 18/10 stainless steel construction resists rust and stands up to years of use in your kitchen or dining room. This product includes a lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty. This flatware is completely dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and never needs polishing.
Please note that those utensils are quite big and heavy, for some this is perfect, but others may find this a little bit uncomfortable. So, keep in mind this.
Pros:
- The timeless pattern that will fit well in any table décor.
- Great quality
Cons:
- One can find the set a little expensive, but that’s due to the quality and size.
6. Elome 4-Piece Flatware Set for one, 18/10 Vintage Stainless Steel Cutlery Set, Rose Gold in Gift Box
This 4 piece flatware set includes one each: dinner knife, dinner fork, spoon, and teaspoon.
Made of 18/10 stainless steel, are very durable, greater resistance to stains and rust, and stands up to years of daily use in your kitchen or dining room.
The classic design works well with both modern and traditional table settings. The set it’s Lead-free, Cadmium-free, Phthalate-free, BPA-free durable, and eco-friendly. This is a safe choice for you.
The timeless elegant design makes this flatware appropriate for formal events or everyday meals, Perfect Ideal for Restaurant, weddings, catered events, party, family reunion, upscale catering, or home dinner, and much more.
They are dishwasher safe, so they are very easy to clean and maintain.
Pros:
- Very nice golden vintage look.
- Comes wrapped up in gift box, makes it ideal for a gift.
- Classic design, ideal for all kinds of events.
- Perfect weight and nice to handle.
Cons:
- The set contains only 4 pieces, so it may become pricey to make a full set for a family.
7. Fortessa San Marco Flatware, 20 Piece Place Setting for 4, Antique Silver
This 20 piece set for 4 people includes 4 each: table fork, dessert fork, Table knife, table Spoon, teaspoon.
Made from heavyweight 18/10 stainless steel for greater resistance to stains and rust and superior shine.
Features polished handles, edges, and fork tines for long-wearing use. Good weight and balance.
The San Marco antiqued have a traditional, clean, and simple design similar to the good old vintage silverware.
They are easy to clean and maintain as they are dishwasher safe.
It is beautiful enough for life’s special occasions and practical enough for your dishwasher every day.
Pros:
- Great quality
- Nice authentic vintage look.
Cons:
- A little bit pricey
8. Mepra Dolce, 24 Pcs Vintage Flatware Set for 6 – Pewter Tableware
This Mepra flatware set has 24 pieces and is suitable for 6 people. It includes 6 each: European table spoon, table fork, table knife, European coffee spoon.
Mepra cutlery is designed to be durable and completely dishwasher safe. This cutlery is resistant to rust, corrosion, fading, tarnishing, and chipping to ensure a long-lasting flatware set.
Mepra is known for innovation in design, thanks to lucrative collaborations with important Italian designers such as Angelo Mangiarotti. You can now easily bring a piece of made in Italy history to your table.
The Vintage collection by Mepra is a re-interpretation of Neo-Baroque style. The flatware collection includes cutlery with elegant, refined, modern, and balanced shapes.
The dining cutlery set is made using 18/10 stainless steel. This steel contains more than 5 percent of alloying elements and is very strong. The material is resistant to oxidation and rust.
Pros:
- Very good size and weight.
- Easy to handle
- Classic Italian vintage style, suitable for all occasions.
- Very durable and resistant
Cons:
- They are a little bit pricey
9. RiverRidge Home Rose Monogrammed Vintage Flatware Set, 46 Piece for 8
A 46 piece set, perfect for 8 people. Includes 8 each: dinner fork, dinner spoon, salad fork, teaspoon, dinner knife, and 1 each: serving spoon, gravy ladle, serving fork, butter knife, sugar spoon.
Made of 18/0 stainless steel, meaning they don’t have the same corrosion resistance as the 18/10 one.
The traditional shape with rose blossom design and elegant monogrammed letters makes them perfect for any occasion.
Dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean them.
Pros:
- Very good price for such a large set.
- The set comes with 6 serving pieces including a gravy ladle.
Cons:
- They are made of 18/0 stainless steel, so they are prone to staining if they are not well-taking care of.
10. Oneida Golden Michelangelo, 46 Piece Fine Flatware Set, 18/10 Stainless with 18K Gold Acccent, Service for 8
This is a 46 piece set for 8 people and includes 8 each: salad fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, dinner teaspoon,
and 1 each: serving ladle, serving spoon, pierced serving spoon, sugar spoon, butter knife, serving fork.
This set design is amazing. The Golden Michelangelo Flatware Set retains the masterful markings of the original and paints the culinary canvas with an 18-karat gold accent running from the base, through the handle, and extending slightly past the neck. A true embodiment of elegance and excellence.
Oneida’s 18/10 fine flatware combines genius design along with durable materials that will last a lifetime.
Stainless Steel Care & Use: Dishwasher Safe, remember to place forks and spoons handles down and place knives in a separate basket sharp ends down
Includes Oneida’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
This is a unique set, suitable for special occasions, also it will be a perfect wedding gift.
Pros:
- A high quality set with unique beautiful vintage style.
Cons:
- This is an expensive set, but the quality and design may worth it.
11. Rose Gold Silverware Set, Stainless Steel, Hammered Lines, 20 Pieces Flatware Cutlery Utensils Sets, Tableware Service for 4
If you like copper cookware this set is for you. Although it is hard nowadays to find authentic copper flatware, as it is not as good as stainless steel in terms of durability and it also can change the food taste. You can read our full post about copper flatware here.
So the best part about this set is that it is made of 18/0 stainless steel, but it looks like a vintage copper flatware set.
It’s a service for 4 with 20 pieces including 4 each: dinner knife, dinner fork, dinner spoon, dessert spoon, and dessert fork.
In terms of health safety, you have nothing to worry about as the set is made of high-quality stainless steel and the vacuum electroplating technology ensures the durability of the rose gold coating so don’t worry about surface fading or breakup. It’s BPA free, non-toxic and the smooth edges won’t hurt your mouth.
Very nice and classic design with a vintage copper look will certainly fit in any table décor.
The set is very well balanced in terms of size and weight, so it feels good when you handle them.
The set is dishwasher safe so don’t worry about cleaning.
Before the first use washes the cutlery set with warm soapy water, then wash away any residue left in the process.
To ensure the set will last for a long time, make sure to clean and dry them after use and store it in a dry place.
You can dry the tableware with a soft towel to keep the surface smooth and prevent water spots.
Pros:
- A unique vintage copper look with hammered handle will suit well for everyday use and special occasion as well.
- Very good price, good quality and very strong coating that will last for years.
Cons:
- Made of 18/0 stainless steel, but due to the titanium rose gold coating it will resist stains pretty well in time.