The 12 best ceramic plates - relaxed, modern-rustic style

The 12 best ceramic plates chosen by the Livingetc editors for the way they create table settings that are both casual that cool - elevated for everyday

ceramic plates
(Image credit: Lulu and Georgia, Nordstrom)

Ceramic plates–sometimes referred to as stoneware–often have an artisanal aesthetic, like they've been thrown on a potter's wheel. This gives them a certain charm and a chunkier look than other types of dinnerware. 

Plates made of porcelain, fine china or bone china have a thinner profile, smoother finish and a more refined style. So ceramic or stoneware plates are popular with those who prefer a relaxed or rustic style at the table.

When choosing the best dinnerware sets, ceramic plates are a great choice for casual everyday dinners. Take your pick from our edit of the best ceramic plates from the best home decor stores.

Best rustic ceramic plates

Best patterned ceramic plates

Best full color ceramic plates

Best simple ceramic plates

What are the disadvantages of ceramic plates?

Ceramic is less translucent than porcelain, so plates tend to be thicker, with a chunkier look. This is great if you like a more rustic style. Porcelain has a smoother finish, with a more refined style and is more durable than ceramic.

'Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic stoneware. This leads to a harder and more durable composition that's much less likely to break,' says Daniella Bingham, tabletop buyer at Anthropologie. 

'However, ceramic stoneware dinnerware sets have a special finishing glaze that gives a smooth look to the material, making it ideal for everyday use.'

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.