Mix-And-Match Dinnerware Sets: Embracing Imperfection

Mismatched dinnerware sets are a fun and unique way to add some charm to your table setting. While a simple set of white dishes is versatile and reliable, a mismatched set can bring some creativity and excitement to your dining experience. You can find these sets on websites like Etsy and Amazon, with options ranging from vintage china to modern handmade porcelain. When curating your own mismatched set, it's important to stick to a unifying theme, such as a colour scheme or pattern, while also mixing and matching different materials and sizes to create a cohesive yet eclectic collection.

Mismatched vintage dinnerware

Etsy offers a wide variety of mismatched vintage dinnerware, including plates, bowls, and cups in different sizes and colours. You can find everything from vintage floral china to mix-and-match stoneware plates. Many of the options on Etsy come in sets, with some offering plates, bowls, and cups together. Prices range from $2.97 to $47.25 per piece, with some sets on sale.

Delicate Dishes also offers a large selection of vintage floral mismatched fine china with beautiful patterns in a variety of colours. They carry plates and bowls in different sizes, including dinner, luncheon, salad, dessert, and soup bowls.

Festoon offers mismatched vintage plates for $4 per dinner plate and $2 per salad or dessert plate. They have 350 plates available in each size, so you can mix and match to your heart's content.

Violet Vintage Rentals is another option, offering vintage mismatched china in various colours and styles. They rent plates in sets of 10 for $20, which is perfect if you're looking for a temporary option for a special event.

Whether you're looking for a permanent mismatched vintage dinnerware set or just renting for a special occasion, there are plenty of options to choose from. With so many unique pieces to choose from, you can create a one-of-a-kind table setting that reflects your personal style.

Mismatched china patterns

Start with a Foundation Set

Technically, a simple set of plain white dinnerware can serve as a wonderful foundation for the rest of your collection. They don't even have to be vintage! Having a basic set as a starting point will help to ground your mismatched collection and provide a versatile base to build upon.

Begin with Small Pieces

Starting a large collection can be overwhelming, so it's best to start small. Look for fun bread plates, dessert plates, or even stemware to begin with. Collecting your mismatched set piece by piece is half the fun! Take your time and enjoy the process of curating your unique collection.

Choose a Colour or Pattern Theme

Creating a mismatched table setting is an art. While it may appear to be a random mix of patterns and colours, a successful mismatched set will have a unifying element. Choose either a colour scheme or a pattern theme to tie your collection together. For example, you could pair plates with a blue and white colour scheme or plates that feature sweet roses, small florals or English landscapes.

Layer with Complementary Colours

Once you've settled on a unifying theme, you can start to layer in additional colours that complement your chosen scheme. Look for plates with colours that mix well with your existing pieces. For example, if you have plates with a floral theme, you can add a plate with a bold rim in one of the floral accent colours to really make those notes pop.

Consider the Material

Dinnerware is made from various materials, including porcelain, glass, ceramic, silver, and bone china. When collecting a mismatched set, try to stick to similar materials to create a more cohesive feel. Additionally, the lighter the piece, the more expensive it tends to be, as good china is known for its delicate quality.

Keep an Eye on Size

It's important to keep the sizes of your dinner plates, bread plates, and dessert plates similar when curating a mismatched set. While today's dinner plates can be as large as 12 inches, plates were typically only about nine inches in size up until the 1960s. Keeping the sizes consistent will help your table setting look more balanced and harmonious.

By following these tips and taking your time to collect pieces that speak to you, you'll be well on your way to creating a one-of-a-kind mismatched china collection that will charm your guests and inspire conversation. Happy hunting!

Mismatched porcelain dinnerware

Start with a simple set

Even if you want to move away from plain white dinnerware, having a simple set as a foundation for your collection is a good idea. This can be modern or vintage and in a solid colour or simple pattern.

Choose a colour or pattern

To create a cohesive look, choose either a colour scheme or a pattern to unite your mismatched dinnerware. For example, you could select plates with a blue and white theme or plates that feature small florals.

Layer with colours

Once you've chosen a theme, you can layer in other colours that complement it. For example, if you have floral-themed plates with aqua notes, look for a plate with a bold aqua rim to make those notes pop.

Stick to similar materials

Using similar materials, such as porcelain, will help your collection feel more cohesive. It will also give your table setting a more elegant look and feel.

Keep an eye on size

Try to keep the sizes of your dinner plates, bread plates, and dessert plates similar. This will help your table setting look more balanced and intentional.

Mix old and new

Don't be afraid to mix modern flatware and stemware with your vintage plates, or vice versa. Combining new and old pieces will give your table setting a fresh and modern feel.

Take your time

Building a mismatched dinnerware set is a fun process, so take your time and enjoy the hunt! Look for pieces at thrift stores and garage sales, where you can find unique items at affordable prices.

Care instructions

When caring for your porcelain dinnerware, it's important to handle the pieces with care as they can be delicate. For cleaning, most porcelain dinnerware can be washed in the dishwasher on a delicate cycle or gently hand washed. However, some pieces may not be microwave-safe, so it's important to check the care instructions before use.

Mismatched dinner plates

Starting Your Collection

When building your mismatched dinner plate collection, you don't have to start from scratch. You can use your existing plain white dinnerware set as a foundation and build from there. This way, you'll have a cohesive base to work with while adding fun and interesting pieces. Start small by adding mismatched bread plates, dessert plates, or stemware. Collecting these pieces over time is half the fun of creating a unique set!

Choosing a Colour or Pattern

The key to nailing the mismatched look is to stick to either a colour scheme or a pattern. For example, you can pair plates with a blue and white theme or choose plates that feature small florals or English landscapes. This will give your table setting a cohesive feel, even with the mismatched pieces.

Layering Colours and Patterns

Once you've chosen your colour or pattern, you can start layering. Look for colours within your patterned plates that you can pull out and emphasise. For instance, if you have floral-themed plates with aqua notes, find a plate with a bold aqua rim to really make those notes pop.

Materials and Sizes

When collecting mismatched dinner plates, try to stick to similar materials, such as porcelain, glass, ceramic, or bone china, to create a more cohesive feel. Also, keep in mind the size of your plates. While today's dinner plates can be as large as 12 inches, try to keep your dinner, bread, and dessert plates a similar size for a more unified look.

Mixing Old and New

Don't be afraid to mix and match modern flatware or stemware with your vintage plates, or vice versa. Combining new and old pieces is an excellent way to keep your table setting feeling fresh and modern.

Where to Find Mismatched Dinner Plates

You can find mismatched dinner plates at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Etsy. Etsy offers a wide variety of vintage and new mismatched dinner plates, ranging from stoneware to fine china, in various colours and patterns.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a charming and inviting table setting that will have your guests admiring your unique style long after dessert has been served!

Mismatched dinner sets

Mismatched dinnerware sets are a fun and unique way to elevate your dining experience and bring some charm to your table. Here are some tips to help you create a stylish and cohesive mismatched dinner set:

Start with a Foundation

Even if you want a mismatched set, it's good to start with a simple foundation set of dinnerware. This could be a plain white set, which is versatile and reliable, or it could be a set with a subtle pattern or colour that you can build on. You can then slowly add to this set with fun and unique pieces.

Choose a Colour or Pattern

To make your mismatched set look cohesive and "effortless", stick to either a colour scheme or a pattern. For example, you could pair plates with a blue and white theme or choose plates that feature small florals or English landscapes. This will help bring unity to your table setting.

Layer with Colours

Once you've settled on a uniting theme, you can start to layer in more colours. Look for plates that have notes of the same colour as your foundation set, even if the plates themselves don't have the same pattern. This will help to tie the whole setting together.

Similar Materials

While your dinner set is mismatched in pattern or colour, it can help to keep the materials similar. This will make the collection feel more cohesive. Dinnerware comes in various materials, including porcelain, glass, ceramic, and bone china, so you can choose the material that best suits your style and budget.

Mix Old and New

Don't be afraid to mix modern flatware and stemware with vintage plates, or vice versa. Combining new and old pieces is a great way to keep the setting feeling fresh and modern.

Size and Proportion

Keep the sizes of your dinner plates, bread plates, and dessert plates similar. Until the 1960s, dinner plates were only about nine inches, but today they can be as large as 12 inches. So, when mismatching, try to keep the proportions similar to avoid a jarring effect.

Thrift and Collect

Take your time to find unique pieces at thrift stores and garage sales, where prices are usually cheaper. Collecting your mismatched set piece by piece is half the fun!

You can find mismatched dinnerware sets and individual pieces on websites like Etsy and Amazon, offering a range of styles, materials, and colours to help you create a charming and inviting table setting.

Frequently asked questions