The 12 Best Dinnerware Sets — Our Editors Have Found the Most Elegant Table Settings

The 12 best dinnerware sets range from glazed to minimalist plates, patterned to plain. But they're all stylish and sophisticated and come with our seal of approval

a collection of dinnerware sets on a colorful background
(Image credit: Anthropologie, Wayfair, Zara Home)

Choose well and the best dinnerware sets will last for years, if not decades. Of course, tastes change, but if you work out what you like, rather than being swayed by the latest fads, your dinnerware will stand the test of time.

There's a huge flexibility of choice, with dinnerware sets available for four, six, eight or even twelve place settings in a multitude of styles, colors, and materials. 

Whether you like to dine on fine bone china, love bold patterns and color, or prefer a more casual or understated approach, there's a dinnerware set to suit your taste and lifestyle.  

Scroll through our favorite dinnerware sets from the best home decor brands and see which you prefer.

Best Simple Dinnerware Set

Best Everyday Dinnerware Set

Best Dinnerware Set for One

Best Quirky Dinnerware Set

Best Modern Dinnerware Set

Best Elegant Dinnerware Set

Best Rustic Dinnerware set

Best Dinnerware Set with a Reactive Glaze

Best Create-Your-Own Dinnerware Set

Best Bold Dinnerware Set

Best Two-Tone Dinnerware Set

Best Value Dinnerware Set

What is the most durable dinnerware set?

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Believe it or not, despite its delicate appearance, bone china is the most durable. This is due to the actual crushed animal bones used with the clay, which gives bone china its luminosity and strength. However, bone china is the most expensive type of dinnerware and won't appeal to vegans.

For everyday use, stoneware and porcelain are also extremely durable and are slightly thicker than bone china, due to the manufacturing process. Most stoneware and porcelain dinnerware sets are dishwasher and microwave safe too.  

'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. 

'Earthenware tends to be less durable as it is fired at lower temperatures. Bone China is considered to be the strongest because of the added bone. Shape and thickness also play a part in durability.'

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. 

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