If one thing has dominated decor trends over the last few years, it's anything and everything stainless steel and chrome. There's just something so expensive-looking about the shiny metallic finish — it adds a certain polish (there's a pun in there, somewhere) to your tabletop and kitchen styling. But the frustrating thing is, it's not just expensive-looking; it typically is quite expensive. That's until IKEA decided to enter the chat, of course.
Indeed, I almost fell off my chair when I first saw images of IKEA's new AFTONHAJ collection. At first, I honestly thought it was an ad for Georg Jensen, but the prices — which start at a measly £8 — were a dead giveaway. My only complaint is that there are only four pieces in the collection (unless you count the two different sizes of the jar with a lid).
Stainless steel serving dishes have a nostalgic 20th-century sleekness that's so hot right now. Plus, it's a super durable finish when it comes to the kitchen and dining table. The shiny finish will draw the eye on almost any table setting, whether paired alongside neutral dinnerware and simple glasses, or scattered amongst colorful, kitschy designs. Here's what IKEA has on offer.
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While not the first range it's released, H&M's recent collection includes a number of stainless pieces, including this picnic mug with a cool curved lip, and a slightly brushed finish that will cleverly hide any scuffs or scratches.
Then there are these matching small bowls, with the same curved lip and brushed finish. Much smaller than IKEA's serving bowl, I could see this filled with delicious dips, olives, or nuts, and scattered across the table.
And, of course, to finish the set, there are these stainless steel picnic plates. Totally cool, they'd add a slightly industrial touch to your table. I would probably skip them as the main dinnerware, though, and buy one or two to use as serving trays instead.
On the more up-market end of the scale, you've got this stainless bowl from FERM LIVING. It's simple silhouette lets the metallic finish do all the talking, and it's brushed stainless finish gives it a characterful charm.
I actually own two of these side plates and I absolutely love them. Perfect with a dip smeared across them, or for a small dinner, the brushed finish just feels so cool, and like they've survived many a dinner party already.
And just to prove that stainless steel dinnerware is absolutely having a moment, I can't ignore the fact that it was all over HAY's recent 'Outdoor Market' collection. Designed specifically for time spent outdoors, it's a testament to steel's durability and style.
Want to really lean into the trend? Livingetc has predicted that 'Sanded Steel' kitchens will be everywhere soon, and asked designers how to make it feel timeless.
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