Plates & Plate Sets

Which plates do you need for a well-laid table?

For everyday use, three types of plate are usually enough: a dinner plate for the main course, a smaller dessert plate, and a deep plate or bowl for soup, pasta and muesli.

The diameters are guidelines, as every range comes out slightly differently. You'll find the exact measurements on each product page.

Plate set or single plates: which suits you?

A plate set is worth it if you're starting from scratch or want every piece from one range. Single plates are ideal if you want to add to, replace or deliberately mix your tableware.

Sets are built around the number of people: 12, 24 or 36 pieces mean three pieces per person, while 16, 32 or 48 pieces mean four pieces including a cup. That way you can quickly see whether the quantity is enough for your household. If you're looking for a full dinner service, take a look at our plate sets.

• Adding to: If you're missing a piece, simply order matching single plates from the same range.
• Mixing: Pair matt black plates with light-coloured bowls, for example, for a calm contrast.
• Spares: A few extra plates come in handy when guests visit or something gets broken.
• Colour scheme: Stick to one or two base shades and your table will look harmonious even with mixed ranges.

Earthenware, stoneware or porcelain: which material suits your plates?

Earthenware plates look warm and have lively glazes, stoneware is fired harder and is very robust, and porcelain is thinner-walled, lighter in colour and rings brightly when clinked.

Earthenware is denser than terracotta and suits a rustic, cosy table. Stoneware ceramic plates often have a matt or shimmering glaze, like the matt black plate sets you'll find here. Porcelain looks classic and understated. You can find out more about materials in our dinner sets.

When should you choose large, small, deep or pasta plates?

Large plates give the main course room to breathe, small plates suit dessert and breakfast, deep plates are made for soup, and pasta plates keep sauce and noodles together.

Each type has its own selection: browse the large plates, the small plates, the soup plates or the pasta plates. Ranges such as Riviera, Azulejo, Bronzo, Nova and Color Pasta cover several plate types.

How do you care for and stack ceramic plates properly?

The easiest way to care for ceramic plates is in the dishwasher, as all sets in this selection are dishwasher safe. When stacking, felt dividers or kitchen paper protect the glaze.

Stack plates of the same size on top of each other, and don't pile too many up. Almost all plates are microwave safe, with any exceptions noted on the product page. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as going straight from the freezer into a hot oven.