It doesn't matter how good a cook you are; if your dinnerware set is not up to scratch, you'll lose prime hosting points (and if you're not a good cook, then all the more reason to make sure your table at least looks the part). Sure, a dinnerware set needs to be practical and durable, but it needs to look good, too.
We don't do 'basic' here at Livingetc. Even a classic dinnerware set has to have an edge — it needs to elevate your table. And there are plenty of design-forward options available in a range of styles and price points to suit your aesthetic; with classics from high street fave John Lewis to artful designs from Completed Works.
"There are options you can go for that will elevate your table settings without breaking the bank," says our editor, Hugh Metcalf. "Think artisanal designs that have a handmade quality to them, or plates that introduce interesting textures or glazes that can bring more of a 'quiet' quality to them than all-over prints and loud colors."
I recently bought new dinnerware myself, so I have studied the full breadth of stylish options available right now. Luckily for me, working with a team of interiors experts, I am constantly exposed to all the latest in design, from furniture and decor to the kitchen brands you need to know about. And so, without further ado, here are the 13 best dinnerware sets for a design-forward dinner table.
Best Artisan Dinnerware Set
I can attest to the quality of John Lewis dinnerware sets — I have one of their sets, which I've owned for the past ten years, that looks as good now as the day we got it. And this artisan stoneware set with a rich reactive glaze finish is the perfect balance of neutral without being basic. Customers rate it 4.6/5 stars and comment on its design and quality.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four salad or side plates, and four cereal bowls
Colors: Natural (as above) and Light Blue
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Ceramic Dinnerware Set
I love the irregularity of this dinnerware set. Off-white in color with darkened edges, it's another neutral-but-not-basic option made of 100% ceramic that would add style and interest to any table setup.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls
Colors: White
Material: Ceramic
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Clay Dinnerware Set
Not your average all-white dinnerware set — this set is crafted by skilled artisans from white-glazed Portuguese clay. And with their perfectly imperfect shape, they demand attention on the table (or on your shelves). One happy customer was so delighted with the set they ordered another one!
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four pasta bowls
Colors: White
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes, and also oven and freezer safe
Best Stoneware Dinnerware Set
A black dinnerware set might not be to everyone's taste, but this zinc dinner set with a reactive glass finish oozes style and sophistication — and definitely looks more expensive than its price tag. Choosing a darker colored set is also a great way to add contrast to an otherwise neutral table display.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls
Colors: Black
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Reactive Glaze DInnerware Set
This out-of-this-world dinnerware set is a statement set, for sure. Made from reactive stoneware, it will pack a design punch while also being practical — it's a set for 12 people that is both scratch-resistant and chip-resistant. It even has matching salt and pepper shakers included!
What it includes: 12 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, 12 pasta bowls, 12 soup bowls, 1 salad bowl, and salt and pepper shakers
Colors: White (as above) and Black
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes, and oven safe
Best Glazed Rim Dinnerware Set
Organically shaped with a beautiful pale green edge and reactive glaze rim, this dinnerware set would be a stylish addition to any table. Customers rave about this set, with one noting that it feels and looks handmade — and you can't argue with that for the price!
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four salad or side plates, and four cereal bowls
Colors: Pale Green
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Bone China Dinnerware Set
Crafted from fine bone china, the delicate gold rim marries perfectly with the green-striped edge design, giving this set an air of elegance. While possibly not perfectly suited to everyday use due to its delicate nature, it is certainly worth having for hosting and special occasions.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls
Colors: Green (as above), Gray, and Pink
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: No
Best Splatter Print DInnerware Set
Splatterware is having a bit of a moment right now, and this set from Nkuku has just the right amount of splatter print for a dinnerware set without being too over the top. Each item is decorated by hand with a black splatter finish, adding a playful element to this stylish set.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls
Colors: Black Splatter
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Dishwasher safe
Best Earthy Dinnerware Set
This earthy green dinnerware set is crafted from ceramic and is brought to life with a reactive glaze, which creates a speckled effect on each dish. The set is a nice way to introduce color to a scheme without being over-the-top.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, and four bowls
Colors: Green
Material: Ceramic
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Classic Dinnerware Set
If you do want to go for a white dinnerware set, make sure it's not basic by going for a set like this, with its beautiful pearl edges that have a hint of gray in them — the bobble detail instantly elevates the design. This best-selling Pearl tableware is also durable, chip-resistant, and suitable for all appliances — you can't go wrong with that.
What it includes: Four dinner plates, four side plates, four pasta bowls, and four cereal bowls
Colors: White with soft gray edge
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes, and oven and freezer safe
Best Dinnerware Set for One
Dining for one? Then treat yourself to this gorgeous, handcrafted-in-Italy set for a wholly unique table setup. Each set is entirely hand-painted with a glorious dark band around the rim and spots punctuated across the glossy green surface of the dishes for a considered design.
What it includes: One flat dish, one soup plate, and one fruit bowl
Colors: Green
Material: Ceramic
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Dishwasher safe; not recommended for microwave
Best Build-Your-Own Dinnerware Set
I own the dinner plates and side plates in anthracite gray from this collection, which I absolutely love. They look and feel more expensive than they are and I always think my food looks better when plated up on these beauties! The great thing about a build-your-own set is that you can define the number of each item you want/need — plus, if disaster strikes and something smashes, you can easily order one item rather than a whole new set.
What it includes: Build your own dinnerware set for as many or as few people as you need - bowls start at £7.99, and plates start at £9.99
Colors: Beige (Above), Natural White and Anthracite Gray
Material: Stoneware
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Yes
Best Dinnerware Set as Art
I couldn't leave this one off the list! Exclusively available at Net-a-Porter, this Completedworks' dinnerware set is a Dali-esque feast for the eyes. Handmade from either clear or recycled glass, it is a complete work of art. When not in use, this set would make an exceptional display on open shelving. Bold and beautiful!
What it includes: Four dinner plates, two side plates, four tumblers, four wine glasses, a jug, a bowl, and a tapered candle
Colors: Clear (Green)
Material: Glass
Dishwasher/Microwave safe: Handwash only
Best Dinnerware Sets FAQ
Choosing the best dinnerware set can be difficult and there are a few things that you need to consider when making your choice. Our editor, Hugh Metcalf, has some tips to help with some of the most frequently asked questions.
How to Choose a Dinnerware Set?
A dinnerware set is a very personal choice, and it ultimately comes down to your style preferences. As our editor, Hugh Metcalf, advises, "This is where I'd generally keep it simpler with the design, looking towards softer, more neutral colors, and avoiding patterns (or choosing plates with patterned rims, only). You eat with your eyes first, and a plate of food that looks chaotic set against something too garishly bright or patterned isn't going to get your appetite going."
There are other ways that you can introduce color and pattern into your table set-up, such as your serving plates, of which you can have a variety to mix things up. "In my experience, no matter how much you spend on a dinnerware set, if you choose a plain white set, it's going to end up feeling a little more basic," says Hugh.
And outside of how your dinnerware set will look on the table, if you have open shelving, you need to be even more mindful of how the set will look on display. "I love a plate with an irregular shape that doesn't necessarily stack so neatly — it makes stacks of plates feel less functional and more like a piece of decor or art," Hugh continues. And I wholeheartedly agree — my dinner plates are irregular in shape, and I love the added interest the lack of uniformity creates in the stacks.
Does a Dinnerware Set Have to Match?
Again, this is largely down to personal preference. However, as Hugh explains, "I'm still a proponent of a matching dinner set, so still invest in plates, side plates, and pasta bowls that match at least. This makes layering them up on the table more cohesive, and we can avoid things like charger plates. Dessert bowls aren't so much of a must for matching, given it's always served separately, and this can actually be somewhere to experiment with design a little bit more.
"I'd never worry about mugs matching dinner sets, too — it's too limiting in the design, and mugs are your opportunity to buy into ceramics that act as great decor, too," Hugh continues.
A lot of it comes down to how you want your table to look and your styling preferences, but I agree on, at the very least, your main dinner plates and side plates matching.
What is the Most Durable Type of Dinnerware Set?
China is generally considered the most durable; however, "China, porcelain, and stoneware are all durable materials as they are vitrified at very high temperature," says Louise Rosie, Head of Design at Wedgwood, the British heritage tableware brand.
You will also need to consider how much you are planning on using your dinnerware set — will it be for everyday use or special occasions only? And ensure that you care for the set as advised (i.e., no sneaking it in the dishwasher if it's not dishwasher-safe)!
Hopefully, you've found the best dinnerware set for you in this edit — all that's left now is to make sure you're up to speed with the rules for entertaining.
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