Using matching flatware sets is easy, but mixing different colored or different shaped flatware sets can be magical. When it comes to styling a table that feels fresh, chic, and full of personality, don’t be afraid to shake things up. Mixing and matching flatware colors is one of the simplest ways to elevate your everyday meals or impress guests without having to reinvent your entire dining setup.
At ANNOVA, we believe color isn’t just a style choice, it’s a mood and a way to make everyday moments feel special. Whether you’re planning a playful brunch, a moody dinner, or just want to make Thursday night pasta feel a little more fun, here’s your guide to mixing flatware colors like a true styling pro.
✨ Why Mix Flatware Colors?
Because it’s fun and because your table deserves more than silver and beige flatware.
Mixing flatware:
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Adds dimension and visual interest
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Reflects your unique style or personality
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Lets you reuse what you already own in new ways, creating a new look
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Feels both intentional and effortless
🎨 The Color Mixing Rules
Here are some styling principles to help you get started. Trust your instincts!
1. Stick to a Palette
Choose 2–3 colors that complement each other. This could be:
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Analogous (colors next to each other on the color wheel, like pink + red + orange)
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Complementary (opposites like blue + yellow or green + pink)
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Neutral + Bold (gray + teal, cream + coral, or white + any bright hue)
🖌️ ANNOVA Tip: Try pairing buttered yellow with muted gray, or light pink with checkered red for a look that feels balanced and also playful.
2. Play with Placement
Mix your flatware by:
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Alternating colors at each place setting
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Coordinating each guest’s set in one color, but changing the next person’s
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Doing one color for forks, another for knives, and a third for spoons
This layered approach makes your table look curated, not chaotic.
3. Use Table Elements to Tie It Together
Anchor your color mix with a unifying element like:
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A solid tablecloth that picks up on one of your flatware shades
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Patterned napkins that blend all your chosen colors
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Neutral plates or textured chargers that let the flatware shine
Your flatware should feel like the pop, not the clutter.
4. Consider the Mood
Color communicates mood. What vibe are you going for?
Mood |
Suggested Flatware Combos |
Playful |
Red + Yellow + Light Pink |
Elegant |
Cream + Gold + Slate Gray |
Moody |
Teal + Black + Forest Green |
Springy |
Blush + Mint + Buttered Yellow |
Minimal |
Matte White + Ash Gray + Soft Taupe |
🧒 Bonus: Mixing Colors for Kids’ Tables
Don’t forget the little ones! Mixing colors at kids’ tables makes meals more exciting and encourages independence. Let them pick their own color combos from ANNOVA’s rainbow or animal flatware sets, the more fun they have, the more likely they are to stay at the table.
It’s the easiest way to spark joy (and fewer fights over who gets which color).
🪄 Styling Like a Pro is All About Confidence
You don’t need a design degree or matching plates to style a stunning table. You just need the freedom to play, mix, and explore combinations that feel right for you. With ANNOVA’s wide range of colorful flatware sets, in soft pastels, bold primaries, and quirky patterns, you’ve got endless options to create something beautiful.
Final Tips to Nail the Look
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Mix, but don’t overload: 2 to 3 colors is the sweet spot
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Use a neutral element (placemats, plates, or table runner) to ground the look
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Trust your eye: if it feels good to you, it works
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Photograph your table from above: you’ll notice how the colors play together from a distance