What you should know about flatware

Terminology, Material, Design

Sets of flatware comprising knives, forks and spoons have only been available since the middle of the 18th century. The changing styles since then are reflected in the shapes and designs of contemporary flatware.
The best-known styles are summarized below:

Baroque: Elaborate, opulent

Rococo: Dainty, particularly in terms of decoration

Empire: Decorated with Graeco-Roman patterns

Chippendale: Grandiosely decorated

Art Nouveau: Neo-Baroque designs with stylized garlands and vines

Scandinavian style: Plain, functional designs

Since the imagination of designers knows no limit, many types of flatware cannot be specifically categorized.