For table settings meant to last for years, materials like hand-blown glass, stoneware, and stainless steel are excellent choices. Glass and ceramics withstand daily use and dishwashers, while steel cutlery like FRAMA X Ole Palsby Cutlery maintains its look. Wood and certain metals develop a beautiful patina over time, though they often require more care to preserve their beauty and function.
Bente 4 min read
When I speak with customers here at Houmøllers, I notice that many initially choose their table setting pieces based on color and form. I understand this. However, for a home where things are meant to last for years, the properties of the materials are just as important. It is about how they withstand daily use and how they age. I have seen many examples where the right material makes a difference in everyday life. For a home where things are meant to last for years, the properties of the materials are just as important. It is about how they withstand daily use and how they age. I have seen many examples where the right material makes a difference in everyday life.
Glass is a material that almost always features in a table setting. It is robust, and it is easy to keep clean. There are differences in glass, however. Hand-blown glass often has a unique character with small irregularities that speak to the craftsmanship. I think, for example, of Serax's Carafe Transparent + Stopper, which has a fine balance between the raw and the elegant. These small differences give the glass life and a story, and they make each piece special. Even though it is hand-blown, it is often more robust than one might think and can withstand daily use.
Machine-made glass is more uniform in appearance and often thicker, which can give a sense of solidity. It is a practical choice that can endure a lot. I have seen how the Kiosk Glass Mugs Swirl (set Of 2) from Hübsch, for example, combine a playful design with durability suitable for everyday life. Whether one chooses hand-blown or machine-made, Glass is a material that retains its look year after year, without significant change.
Ceramics, and especially stoneware, are materials that bring a very particular weight and feel to the table setting. They are fired at high temperatures, which makes them incredibly durable and resistant to knocks and chips. I am pleased to see that many choose Handmade ceramics, because it brings an authenticity to the table. Each plate or bowl has its own small story in the glaze and form.
The glaze on ceramics and stoneware is crucial for how easy it is to maintain. A good, dense glaze ensures that the surface is easy to wipe clean and is dishwasher safe. I have seen many families who use their Dinnerware of stoneware every day, and it remains beautiful for decades. It does not develop a patina in the same way as wood, but perhaps gains a little more character over time with use and movement.
Cutlery is a central part of any table setting, and here the material is crucial for both feel and durability. Stainless steel is the most common choice, and for good reason. It is incredibly resistant to rust and corrosion and maintains its shine with minimal maintenance. I can point to FRAMA X Ole Palsby Cutlery as an example of cutlery designed to last. It is made of stainless steel, and it is a set that can be passed down through generations.
Other metals, such as brass or copper, can also be used in table settings, often in smaller serving pieces or decorative elements. These metals will develop a patina over time, acquiring a darker, more subdued luster. This can be beautiful, but it requires an awareness that the appearance will change. For example, a brass fruit bowl from AYTM, such as the Uva Glass Bowl, which combines glass and brass, can gain a depth and warmth that only comes with time.
Wood brings a natural warmth to the table setting. Cutting boards, serving trays, and coasters made of wood are beautiful elements, but they require more care than glass or ceramics. Wood needs to be oiled regularly to maintain its beautiful surface and prevent it from drying out. I have seen how a well-cared-for piece of wood can develop an incredibly beautiful patina, deepening in color over the years, and this adds a very special story to the table.
Textiles like tablecloths and napkins in linen or cotton add softness and color. They can withstand many washes, but colors may fade slightly over time, and the texture changes. This is part of the charm of Home textiles – they acquire a softer, more lived-in feel that suits a home that is lived in. One might also consider a pitcher like Jug Blue Charly from Serax to give the table a splash of color that lasts.
My experience is that the best choices for table settings are those that can withstand being used. Choose materials you enjoy touching and that you know will last for many years. It is often the simple, solid materials that bring the most joy to a home meant to endure.
Hand-blown glass for table settings is unique with small irregularities from the craftsmanship, giving it character. Machine-made glass is more uniform and often thicker, providing a solid feel. Both are durable for table settings.
Stainless steel cutlery for table settings is easy to maintain; it is dishwasher safe and retains its shine. Cutlery made of other metals may develop a patina and require more specific care, such as polishing, to preserve its appearance.
Yes, most types of handmade ceramics and stoneware with a good, dense glaze can be put in the dishwasher. However, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific table setting, as there can be differences.
Wood develops a beautiful patina by gaining a deeper color and more character if maintained correctly. Metals like brass and copper will also develop a unique, subdued luster over time in your table setting.
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