The Best Dinnerware Materials—Ranked!
Nothing wows the neighbors or inlaws like a beautiful table setting.
Whether you choose luxury napkins and porcelain plates or earthenware cheeseboards and bamboo chopsticks, a cohesive table setting can transform the evening.
If you’re looking to spice up the dinner table, keep reading to discover the best dinnerware material to stun your guests!
Porcelain
A completely classic dinnerware that is sure to please and last for years to come is porcelain, otherwise known as china. You can also customize porcelain to suit your individual design tastes, with different patterns and colors that make a statement. Porcelain can take on a truly modern look such as when rimmed with gold. Gold rimmed plates paired with some matching gold silverware make for an incredibly classy yet modern look that will have everyone envious!
Glass
For a unique look that you won’t find in many other homes, you can’t go wrong with glass. It looks phenomenal when paired with any meal, although you do run the risk of it breaking fairy easily. You can also choose different rims for your glassware, such as gold, silver, or white. For a truly delightful look, find glassware with embedded stones on flowers.
Melamine
A more affordable alternative to china, melamine looks nearly the same as porcelain and can be patterned and designed just as uniquely.
It’s much more durable than china and is virtually indestructible. This is a great solution for those with kids because it’s so unlikely to shatter or chip. The only downside of the stunning dinnerware is that it can’t be used in the microwave as it will leach chemicals.
Earthenware
Earthenware is not affordable but it also a stunning sustainable look to your table. You can opt for a completely natural and unglazed look which is especially attractive for cheese or cutting boards. For plates and bowls however, it is best to opt for a watertight version that is glazed.
As earthenware is quite porous, it does quickly absorb liquid so it’s best to avoid soaking it for a long time, especially if unglazed.
Stoneware
Another ceramic that is actually more durable and chip-resistant than earthenware but more expensive is the beautiful stoneware. Similar to earthenware, stoneware is made from the same materials but has added glass and is perfect for a casual dining setup. It’s easy to maintain and can go in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven (generally speaking).
It does take more care than porcelain or china as it has been known to crack or break during washing, which must be done by hand.
So Which Is the Best Dinnerware Material?
The best dinnerware material really depends on the look you’re going for and the type of durability that you need. If you want a customized set that not only looks great but will survive clumsy guests and kids, you can’t go wrong with melamine.
However, if you’re going for a more modern look and can deal with handwashing, stoneware or earthenware is a beautiful choice.
Whatever you choose, be sure to keep reading to discover everything you need for a beautifully designed home.
