The 12 best colorful plates - instant joy for your tabletop decor

The 12 best colorful plates as chosen by Livingetc editors to bring happiness and joy to your table settings

colorful plates in yellow, red and blue
(Image credit: Burke Decor, Amara, Target)

Some occasions call for colorful plates–whether it's eating outside during the warmer months, a celebration, or just for the pure joy color brings. 

Even if you prefer to eat your main course on a white plate, colorful charger plates, side plates, appetizer or dessert plates can bring a cheerful boost of color to your table.

Some of the best colorful plates we've seen form part of the best dinnerware sets, others can be mixed and matched with existing crockery. Here's our round up of colorful plates from the best home decor stores

Best bold colorful plates

Best graphic colorful plates

Best rustic colorful plates

Best simple colorful plates

What is the trend in tableware in 2023 and beyond?

As with other areas of interior design, there are a number of trends in tableware, that you can pick and choose from. 

'Textured plates, geometric shapes, colourful and rustic touches, eco-friendly materials and handcrafted pieces are all popular tableware trends for 2023 and beyond,' says Daniella Bingham, tabletop buyer at Anthropologie.

Richard Eaton, Design Director at Denby expands further, 'Mediterranean luxe, is a trend that invites all the sunshine and joy of the Mediterranean coast into your home. 

'Ceramics are a key feature of Mediterranean style. The colour palette is rich, earthy tones like terracotta and ochre, as well as sea-inspired hues such as turquoise and royal blue. 

'Sustainable interiors have been around for a while now too and we’re going to see more rustic and honest pieces in our homes. Handcrafted items are a major focus of this trend. 

'Designers are opting for well-made homewares that are created to stay in the home for years to come. In fact, 38% of consumers said that they have paid more money for durable and long-lasting products in an effort to be more sustainable.

'Handmade ceramics with organic textures, patterns, and shapes are a major highlight of the rustic trend, along with pieces that showcase a unique identity in an offshoot labelled "flawsome design".'

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.