Boring Tableware Is So Out And Maximalism Is Here To Impress

Maximalism grew in the early 20th century, both as a reaction to the coldness of minimalist design trends, as well as the aristocratic desire of the elite to display their opulence via a variety of colors, textiles, and styles that only they could afford. Well, after the minimalism experienced in the first decades of the 21st century, it's no surprise that the trend has come back to life again, announcing to the world that less is no longer more, and even when it comes to your dining settings, tables have literally turned. No more monochromatic hues and minimalistic clean lines — it is time to go for vibrant patterns and bold colors, and to capitalize on the dopamine decor trend in your tablescaping as well.

The table is the central character in any event or gathering and maximalism demands that it stays imprinted in the minds of your guests long after they leave. And while there are a number of ways to energize your table game, such as having eclectic centerpieces and uninhibited styling, there has to be a method to the madness as well. If the multitude of colors you bring to your tabletop do not complement each other, there is a risk of the design resembling a toddler's scribblings. Maximalist decor is about bringing order to chaos, but also knowing when to stop (one of the key differences between maximalism and cluttercore). So make sure that the textures and colors of your table decor interact well together.

Although serveware, candles, and centerpieces often end up being the center of attention of table decor, the element that sets the stage is the tablecloth. Shun the boring and go maximalist with bold patterns and vibrant shades that instantly catch the eyes of your guests and also bring your personality to the forefront, unapologetically. Once you're done, it is time to introduce even more patterns and colors with your plate sets and glasses.

Furthermore, with a maximalist style, you can not have enough variety, so the last thing to do is to look for matching sets of bowls to place on your dinner table. In fact, layering different elements, such as crockery patterns, textile motifs, and accessory colors is one of the crucial features that makes maximalism, well, "maximal". So, if you have been afraid to bring out your thrifted classic stoneware because of fear of what the neighbors might say, maximalism demands you to lean into the mismatched vibe and completely hypnotize them! Apart from layering other usual suspects like linen, and centerpieces, you can also get innovative and use your charcuterie board for the same purpose, and experiment with visually delightful cheese, fruit, and meat rolls to add further depth to your tablescape.

It is easy to think about maximalist trends and dwell so much on the colors that you completely ignore other crucial elements of design, like shape. With items like pepper grinders and vintage sculptural pieces, you can introduce some unique and eye-catching shapes to your tabletop that will almost have the same dazzling effect that deconstructivist buildings have on passersby. In fact, you can make things even better by adding a unique shade on top of the shape and amplifying the effect for your guests even more.

Moreover, you can also have a maximalist table design even with completely neutral tones by adding layers to boring elements like glassware, say, by using different glasses for different beverages. Even without a lot of colors, you can combine the actual materials that adorn your table and have a mix of metal, glass, ceramic, and wood to get a rich, sophisticated look. However, as we mentioned before, knowing what not to do when decorating with maximalist style is just as important as knowing the do's, and you should refrain from including too many clashing aesthetics in a single space. But as long as you stick to one over-arching theme, style, or color scheme — the more the merrier.