20 Great Dinnerware Sets That Make Upgrading Easy

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Every amateur home chef knows that you're doing their art a disservice by just plopping whatever they made onto whatever plate is just there. Plating is part of the elite kitchen experience, you see. Even if you don't give a damn about ambiance, it's simply good form to have plates and other dinnerware that aren't chipped, match each other, and you have enough for your daily dining needs.

Getting the right dinnerware set is equal parts function and taste. Maybe you need a four-person set or the ability to expand for your very many dinner guests. Here, we've pulled some of the best ones from our favorite brands like Material Kitchen, Our Place, and Pottery Barn in a variety of materials like stoneware, ceramic, and glass.

What kind of plates and bowls you want (and how many of each)? Aside from the serious questions, shopping for dinnerware sets is also a little fun. They're not a big commitment purchase, but come with a heavy style punch: Something like an ivory stoneware or a white porcelain set is timeless, whereas a speckled charcoal stone or raw-edge ceramic is more modern. And hey, they even make a great housewarming gift, too.

Modernist Dinnerware, 16-Piece Set

Hawkins New York's dinnerware set is always the one I recommend to any adult man who just moved into a new place or ever intends on having a romantic interest over and possibly consume food from one of his plates. It's simple, understated, and has a cool enough shape to feel special.

Starter Set

Our Place makes a few dinnerware sets, but this is a good one for beginners. It has four place settings with big plates, small plates, and bowls. You can add on other coordinating options like pasta bowls and mugs. They're ceramic but have a raw-like rim—it feels a bit scratchy but it looks cool.

The Place Setting Set

If you live alone or would rather try out a dinnerware set before committing to a whole set-up, Material Kitchen makes the best setting for one: a big plate, small plate, and wide bowl crafted out of a Natural Korean clay blend.

Colored Glass Dinnerware

Mosser's colored dinnerware is a perennial favorite for newlyweds and new homeowners. This one is a three-piece set fit for one person's dining needs with a big plate, small plate, and bowl, but there are a ton of colorful add-ons to choose from: dinner plants, salad plates, cereal bowls, shallow bowls, and mugs.

The Entry Way

If you're the type of eater for whom you the idea of a matching dinneware set is nice and all but you're really just going to use the same flat bowl to consume all of your meals, then this set of four dishes and glass cups is it. You can opt for a different set with varying dishware, but you know this is the one you're really going to use.

The Tabletop Set

Madein's tabletop set looks and feels like something you'd get at your favorite diner in the best way. Add on matching accessories to grow your set with essentials (which adds on shallow bowls and mugs) and complete sets (which has everything in the tabletop and essentials sets, plus a tiny plate and silverware).

Moon Plates and Bowls Sets, 12 Pieces

You can get a cheap dinnerware set without it feeling cheap. Case in point: This 12-piece set of gray blue plates and bowls for $60.

12-piece Stoneware Westfield Dinnerware Set

Another one for the money-saving, dinner-having set: a Threshold 12-piece stoneware assortment. They're a bit more prone to chipping than some pricier ones but they get the job done.

La Nouvelle Table Dinnerware by Merci

If you want your dinnerware sets to really level up your dining experience, these rectangular plates and dishes were meant to be hosted with. This is one of the bigger sets, but you can choose fewer plate options for a smaller set.

Archie 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

This ribbed glass dinnerware feels like the best of retro kitchenware. For a fun, eclectic space, these are a great add.

Classic Dinnerware Set

If you're in need of a complete and total dinnerware overhaul, Fable's dinnerware set is expertly made and perfectly useful. The plates, bowls, and mugs are made with hand-finished stoneware in a variety of neutral colors.

The Core Set

Some plate and bowl designs get fancy with turned up edges or raw rims. Year & Day's 16-piece set doesn't stray from the basic designs, making those plates and bowls straightforward, sturdy, and pretty to look at whilst eating off.

Classic Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Pottery Barn is a favorite for adding to registries and new homes, and we can't fault their dinnerware sets for being classic and timeless. The all-white porcelain with a glazed finish will last you forever.

Swoon Off-White Dinnerware

Now, if you like a more modern style, CB2's set has a cool shape and fun taper. They're also dishwasher-, microwave- and freezer-safe, plus oven-safe up to 350 degrees.

Bistro Porcelain Stackable Dinnerware Set

Pottery Barn's bistro set really looks like it belongs in the bistro that is your kitchen. Choose from a 12- or 16-piece set (16 piece includes the mugs) in white porcelain with a black rim detail.

Glass Dinnerware Collection

La Jolla's swirled glass adds a cool dimension to your standard plates and bowls. Choose from a range of beachy colors: white, inky blue, sage, pink, gray, or amethyst.

Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Yes, Parachute Home is better known for its bedding but its stoneware dinner plates and roomy bowls are selling us on its kitchen capabilities, too. Very good to match a minimal, neutral style.

Dinnerware Set, 12-Piece

You can get just about anything your heart and home desires on Amazon, including this patterned set of plates and bowls.

Potter's Dinner Set

East Fork's pottery just feels special to have. The pieces are handmade in North Carolina and they have a simple look with a substantial feel. There's a bunch of colors to choose from, too, and they rotate shades with the seasons.

Hellerware Dinnerware, Set of 6 Plates

These brightly colored Hellerware plates, bowls, and mugs were originally designed in the '60s, and they bright the best of that style home even still. They're made from melamine, so they're good for using both indoors and out.

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