Select the Best Dinnerware for Your Home

Manufacturers fire refined clay at high temperatures to make stoneware, creating an extremely durable material. It’s available with a matte finish, which offers a warm, rustic look, as well as a glossy finish, which gives the stoneware a rich, contemporary aesthetic. Some benefits of stoneware are that it’s highly resistant to chips and affordable. 

When it comes to styles and colors, your options are limitless. Choose from neutrals like white, gray and off-white or bright shades of red, blue and green. There are also many patterns available, like festive plaids and bright floral designs, to add visual interest to your table. If you like a textured look, consider an embossed stoneware set. Most stoneware is safe to use in the dishwasher and microwave, but always check the manufacturer’s details to confirm best practices for use and care.

Ceramic is a popular material for everyday dinnerware. It’s known as an economical choice and comes in a range of colors and patterns. Whether you prefer a modern look or a traditional aesthetic, you’ll find a ceramic dinnerware set to complement your home’s unique style. 

Generally, ceramic is dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before running ceramic dishes through a cycle. Some ceramics are safe to use in the microwave and oven, while other pieces aren’t.

Manufacturers create melamine dinnerware from a lightweight resin powder that’s extremely durable. Once only used for camping and outdoor dining, it’s now a popular choice for indoor use, especially in homes with children. That’s because the material is break-resistant. Melamine dinnerware comes in solid colors as well as a variety of prints, ranging from florals and nature motifs to sports-themed options and more. You can also find melamine dinnerware in different shapes, including round, square and oval shaped. 

Melamine isn’t safe for microwave or oven use. However, some dinnerware sets that contain a combination of melamine and other materials, like bamboo, may be safe for reheating food in the microwave. Most melamine is safe to use in the dishwasher.

Porcelain is known as a more sophisticated dinnerware material and typically comes with a higher price point than other types. It’s a very low-maintenance material that’s generally safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave and oven. Porcelain is typically lightweight, which makes it easy to stack in a kitchen cabinet. Bright white porcelain is a popular classic option, but if you prefer colorful or printed sets, there are many to choose from.

Earthenware is a thick, heavy material that offers a casual look and feel. It’s considered a budget-friendly option, but it’s also known to be prone to chipping. Because it heats more quickly than other materials, you should only use earthenware in the microwave on low settings. Most earthenware is safe for dishwasher use.

Though you may think of glass as a clear material, glass dinnerware comes in other finishes, including opaque white. Unlike vitrified glass, which is unbreakable, traditional glass dinnerware is prone to chipping and shattering. Glass offers a stylish look, but it may not be the best daily dinnerware choice for homes with children. Most glass is highly heat-resistant, making it safe to use in the microwave and oven. It’s also generally dishwasher-safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your dinnerware.

Once you’ve decided which material and style of dinnerware will work best in your home, you should determine how many place settings you’ll need. If you’re a single person who doesn’t entertain much, opt for sets with one, two or four place settings. If you have a large family or enjoy having guests over for meals, consider a larger set with place settings for six, eight or 12 people. 

Though some people prefer to have separate dinnerware sets — one for casual, everyday use and another for special occasions — others may want to simplify with a single set that they can use anytime. If you want to keep things simple, choose a plain white dinnerware set and use accessories like stylish charger plates, placemats and napkin rings to dress up the table.