12 plates that make your dining table look expensive - handpicked by our editors for their elegance

These are the best 12 plates that make your dining table look expensive - a mix of elegant refinement and charm for a sense of wonderful luxury

smart plates for elegant dining tables
(Image credit: Amara, Jonathan Adler, Nordstrom)

There are times, such as special occasions and celebrations, when you want to give your table settings an elegant elevation. One way to do this is with plates that make your dining table look expensive. 

From plates with platinum or gold trims and classic designs to those made with fine bone china, these pieces often are expensive. However, that's not always the case. 

We've selected premium plates that make your dining table look expensive from the best dinnerware sets, as well as those with lower price tags from across the best home decor stores

Monochrome plates that make your dining table look expensive

Gold plates that make your dining table look expensive

Platinum plates that make your dining table look expensive

Blue plates that make your dining table look expensive

How can I make my dining table look rich?

Choose a good quality dinnerware set made from porcelain or bone china, as these materials are both durable and refined–and are less likely to chip than stoneware ceramics.  

Pair dinnerware with the best flatware and avoid using odd cutlery from different sets. Gold-hued or black flatware is popular and will elegantly accent dinnerware with the same tones. Heavier flatware feels better to use than lighter pieces.

Don't forget candles and flowers dotted along the table or as a decorative centrepiece. Linen napkins will always create a more luxurious look and feel than paper.

According to the tablescaping experts at Harrods Interior Design. 'Linens are a great starting point to create your scheme, so have your theme in mind when choosing your base. 

'Set the mood with beautiful charger plates, they can be a luxurious alternative to placemats creating a more elegant setting. Choose one ceramic as your main showstopper. 

'Then layer the setting with complementing soup, salad and desert plates, but make sure your dinnerware is not fighting with each other.

'We suggest taking into consideration which wines will be served at the event and dress the setting with appropriate glassware.

'Add an accent using statement cutlery and choose a beautiful napkin ring as a final touch to the setting.

'Remember not to arrange your flowers too high as to block conversations and spread length of flowers down the table for each guest to enjoy–and light some candles.'

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.