The Atomic Age On The Table: Dinnerware Sets With A Mid-Century Modern Flair

Atomic dinnerware sets are a fun and unique way to add a retro vibe to your table. These dinnerware sets, popular in the 1950s and 1960s, feature eye-catching atomic patterns, such as starbursts, or interesting shapes with artistic decals. They are often made of stoneware or china and come in a variety of colours, including turquoise, aqua, beige, orange, and yellow. Atomic dinnerware sets can be found at various price points and are available on sites like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon.

Atomic Starburst Dinnerware

Franciscan Ware launched its Starburst pattern dinnerware in the mid-1950s, which was perfect for the atomic age. The collection includes teacups, serving dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and sectioned plates. The atomic starburst design features a mix of colours, including pink, grey, lime, teal, and black.

Franciscan Starburst dinnerware is available from various sellers, including Etsy and eBay. You can find both vintage and reproduction pieces, with some sellers offering individual items and others offering full sets.

For example, Etsy seller KateMcEnroeNYC offers a 10-piece Franciscan Starburst dinnerware set, while another Etsy seller offers a set of two dinner plates. You can also find individual items like cups, saucers, bowls, and pitchers from various sellers.

In addition to dinnerware, you can also find Franciscan Starburst-patterned textiles and decor items, such as rugs, clocks, and wall art.

Mid-Century Modern Dinnerware

Vintage Dinnerware

Vintage dinnerware sets are a great way to embrace the mid-century modern aesthetic. Gladding, McBean & Co.'s Franciscan dinnerware set is a popular choice, featuring atomic patterns like the well-known Starburst and the uniquely shaped Contours. For a versatile option, Syracuse China's Midcentury Modern patterns, including "Evening Star" and "Jubilee Atomic Star," offer a casual yet elegant look. If you're a fan of mix-and-match, Russel Wright's dinnerware line offers various colours and pieces meant to be rearranged, with the American Modern Tall Pitcher being a standout piece. For a truly unique set, Eva Zeisel's round dishware sets depart from the typical linear shapes of the time.

Modern Dinnerware

When it comes to modern dinnerware, there are numerous options that draw on mid-century modern influences. Here are some sets to consider:

• The Christina Collection by Dakota Fields: This set radiates retro elegance by synthesising modern and traditional styles. It is made with premium porcelain, offering high mechanical strength and a slim profile. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, and each piece is dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven-safe.
• Pradnya 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This set adds a touch of eye-catching style to your table and is perfect for mixing and matching with casual pieces or saving for special occasions. It includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls, and it is microwave-safe.
• Amberella 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: Impress your guests with this premium dinnerware set that includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. The set is available in three colours and is ideal for everyday use or special occasions.
• Alec 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set: This set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs in slate and stone pearl hues. It offers a casual, mismatched look and is chip-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe.
• Fortessa Heirloom Smoke Dinnerware 16-Piece Set: This set features organic forms and matte finishes, perfect for daily use or special gatherings. The dinnerware is made with high-fired ceramic, resulting in a stoneware look with the performance of vitrified china. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Artist Fare Dinner Plate by A&B Home: This square dinner plate features elegant swirls of blue on white, easily coordinating with other tableware. It is made of durable stoneware, ensuring long-lasting impression at your dinner parties.

Etsy and eBay Finds

If you're looking for unique mid-century modern dinnerware, Etsy and eBay offer a variety of options:

• Etsy features atomic-themed dinnerware, including plates, bowls, glasses, and even night lights. You can find pieces with starburst patterns, atomic boomerangs, and retro geometric designs.
• EBay offers a range of mid-century modern dinnerware, including Royal China's "Star Glow" pattern, Syracuse China's "Jubilee Atomic Star" plates, and vintage ceramic Franciscan Atomic Starburst dish sets.

Whether you choose vintage or modern, mid-century modern dinnerware is a fantastic way to bring a touch of retro style to your dining experience.

Atomic Glassware

One notable manufacturer of atomic glassware is the Federal Glass Company, known for its distinctive designs using 22-karat gold. Their Mid-Century Golden Atomic Starburst Collins Glasses and Clear Atomic 22-Karat Gold Star Glasses are sought-after by collectors. Federal Glass also produced the Inca range, which featured turquoise and 22-karat gold starburst patterns. For a more playful option, some atomic glassware features cat motifs, adding a whimsical touch to the retro style.

Today, atomic glassware is experiencing a revival, with online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay offering a wide range of vintage and vintage-inspired options. These pieces are popular among those who appreciate the unique style and quality of mid-century modern design. Whether you're building a collection or seeking a unique gift, atomic glassware adds a touch of atomic-age glamour to any barware collection.

Atomic Flatware

There are several manufacturers of atomic flatware, including Oneida, Mar-Crest, and National Stainless Company. The Mar-Crest pattern, for example, has three distinct variations: Citation Futuristic, Citation 1, and Citation 2. Citation Futuristic features three stars on a wavy handle, while Citation 1 (MCF-1) has five large stars on a tapered handle with a rounded tip. Citation 2 (MCF-2) showcases three small stars and four swirling lines on a straight handle with a slightly square or rounded tip.

Oneida's Twin Star pattern is another popular atomic flatware design, often sold as individual pieces or in sets. Other manufacturers, such as Wallace, Superior, and International, also produce atomic flatware with distinct patterns like Bright Star and Night Sky.

These vintage pieces are commonly found on sites like Etsy and eBay, offering a wide range of choices for collectors and those seeking to complete their sets.

Atomic Kitchenware

Dinnerware Sets

If you're in the market for a complete atomic dinnerware set, you'll be spoilt for choice. For a rare find, look no further than the 1950s Mid-Century Modern Atomic Gold Starburst 65-piece dinnerware set. This stunning set features metallic gold atomic starbursts on a creamy background and includes dinner plates, salad plates, bread plates, berry bowls, saucers, coffee cups, a serving platter, and vegetable bowls. It's a true collector's item.

For a more affordable option, consider the Franciscan Starburst 10-piece dish dinnerware set, which features a classic atomic pattern with a retro vibe. You can also mix and match individual pieces from different sets to create your own unique collection.

Plates

Atomic plates come in a variety of colours and patterns. From the vibrant Retro Atomic Black Cat dinner plates in teal blue, cream, and burnt orange to the classic Mid-Century Modern Atomic Diamond Starburst dinner plate in retro beige, orange, teal, and mustard yellow, there's an atomic plate to suit any taste.

You can also find atomic plates in more subtle designs, such as the Royal China Blue Heaven 10" dinner plates with a simple atomic starburst pattern. For something truly unique, check out the vintage Homer Laughlin Atomic Modern Star plates, which feature a black and grey atomic infinity squiggle design with platinum trim.

Bowls

Atomic bowls are a great way to add a pop of colour to your table. The Retro 1950s Aqua Blue Atomic Starburst bowls are a perfect example, with their vibrant colour and classic atomic pattern. For a more subtle option, the Vintage MCM Royal China "Blue Heaven" bowls in turquoise and grey are a great choice.

If you're looking for something truly unique, the Mid-Century Modern Atomic Starburst bowls feature an interesting combination of round and linear shapes.

Glassware

Complete your atomic table setting with some stylish glassware. The Atomic Starburst Collins set features four mid-century modern highball tumblers inspired by vintage dinnerware. For something truly unique, the Atomic Cat 4-Colour set of drinking glasses features a retro diamond starburst pattern in pink, aqua blue, and yellow.

Whether you're looking for a full dinnerware set or just a few statement pieces, atomic kitchenware is a fun and retro addition to any home. With its unique patterns, vibrant colours, and mid-century modern style, atomic kitchenware is sure to impress.

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