Elegance at Every Setting: My Six Favorite Flatware Designs

1. Citterio 98 by Antonio Citterio

Designed in 1998 for Iittala

Why I Love It: This is flatware with presence. Designed by renowned Italian architect and industrial designer Antonio Citterio, the Citterio 98 collection balances bold, modern lines with exceptional ergonomics. The matte-brushed stainless steel finish feels contemporary, while the generous proportions make every piece satisfying to hold.

Ideal For: Modern table settings, everyday use with style, or as a sculptural counterpoint to more traditional dinnerware.

2. Arne Jacobsen Flatware (1957)

Designed for A. Michelsen, Denmark

Why I Love It: Futuristic when it was introduced and still strikingly modern today, Arne Jacobsen’s 1957 flatware design is a masterclass in minimalism. Originally created for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, every piece reflects Jacobsen’s belief in form following function—with smooth, unadorned surfaces and an almost architectural purity. It’s bold, iconic, and unmistakably Scandinavian.

Ideal For: Design-forward homes, architectural table settings, or anyone who appreciates modernist icons.

3. Flatware by Ettore Sottsass (c. 1980s)

Designed during the height of the Memphis movement

Why I Love It: Ettore Sottsass’s flatware is as much a design statement as it is a dining tool. With sculptural forms, unexpected proportions, and playful geometry, it exemplifies the spirit of the Memphis Group—a radical departure from functionalist restraint. These pieces don’t just accompany a meal; they start conversations.

Ideal For: Eclectic interiors, collectors of postmodern design, or those who believe dining should be as expressive as any art form.

4. Conca Flatware by Gio Ponti (1951)

Originally designed for Krupp and reissued by Sambonet

Why I Love It: Gio Ponti’s Conca flatware reflects the designer’s signature grace and architectural sensibility. The tapered handles and subtle curves are elegant without being ornate, striking the perfect balance between modern refinement and timeless tradition. It feels like holding a quiet piece of mid-century Italian history in your hand.

Ideal For: Elegant table settings, design-conscious collectors, and those who appreciate restrained, enduring beauty.

5. Flatware by John Pawson (2005)

Created for When Objects Work

Why I Love It: John Pawson’s flatware is minimalism distilled to its purest form. With an emphasis on proportion, weight, and quiet detail, each piece is stripped of all ornamentation—yet nothing feels missing. The design is contemplative and calm, reflecting Pawson’s architectural philosophy of simplicity, space, and light.

Ideal For: Minimalist interiors, modern zen-inspired table settings, or those who believe less truly is more.

6. “Cutlery” by David Chipperfield for Alessi

Designed for Alessi, 2009

Why I Love It: This design exemplifies David Chipperfield’s precise architectural language—elegant, functional, and quietly commanding. Crafted in satin stainless steel, the pieces are stripped of flourish but full of integrity. The proportions are beautifully resolved, offering both visual clarity and tactile satisfaction.

Ideal For: Contemporary dining, understated luxury, and those who appreciate clarity of form with uncompromising quality.