Plates and bowls that survive daily life and still look good on the table.
Content scope
This guide has been reviewed for South Australia (Adelaide metro + regional SA). Building licensing, warranty, stamp duty and approval rules differ in other Australian states — verify against your local authority before acting.
Dinnerware is the one thing on the table you use every single day, so it needs to survive the dishwasher, the microwave and the occasional drop, while still looking good when guests come over. The choice is mostly about material and how many pieces you actually need. This guide covers the common dinnerware materials, what makes up a place setting, and whether to buy a boxed set or build your own.
Key takeaways
Plain practical advice for Australian builds. No fluff.
Stoneware is the everyday workhorse, warm, durable and usually dishwasher and microwave safe. Porcelain and bone china look finer and suit occasions but chip more easily. Melamine is near-unbreakable for outdoors and kids but isn't microwave safe. Glass is clean and modern but can shatter.
A standard place setting is a dinner plate, a side/entree plate and a bowl, sometimes with a mug. Work out how many people you seat day to day, then add a few spares for breakages and guests, four to six settings suits most households.
A boxed set is the cheapest, quickest way to a matching table. Building your own (open stock) lets you mix colours, buy exactly the pieces you use and replace breakages, but costs more per piece. Choose a set for value, open stock for flexibility and longevity.
Confirm it's dishwasher and microwave safe if that matters to you, check plates fit your cupboards and microwave, and favour stackable shapes to save space. Rimmed plates hide chips better than fine coupe edges in a busy kitchen.
“A place setting is a dinner plate, side plate and bowl, buy spares”
George Giannakakis
Founder
Quick compare
| Porcelain / bone china | Stoneware | Melamine | Glass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Fine, formal | Earthy, casual | Casual, tough | Clean, modern |
| Durability | Chip-prone if fine | Hard-wearing | Near-unbreakable | Can shatter |
| Best for | Special occasions | Everyday use | Outdoors, kids | Everyday & casual |
Durable, warm-looking everyday dinnerware, usually dishwasher and microwave safe.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Everyday family use
Fine, often translucent dinnerware for a formal, elegant table.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Special occasions and formal settings
Tough, lightweight, near-unbreakable dinnerware for outdoors and kids.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Outdoor dining, picnics and children
Clean, modern tempered-glass plates and bowls for casual everyday use.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Casual, modern everyday tables
Dinnerware prices depend on material and whether you buy a set or by the piece: a boxed stoneware set is the affordable, fast way to a full table, bone china and premium brands sit higher, and open-stock pieces cost more each but let you buy exactly what you need. Compare live prices for the set or pieces you want directly at the retailer.
Sponsored · why?
If you're tackling parts of this yourself, here's the practical gear owners reach for. You buy direct from the supplier at their price.
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Mirrors
Luigi Bar Cart - Mirror and Gold Base by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Picture Frames
Meri 4'' x 6'' Photo Frame
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Decor > Mirrors
Audrey Medium Arch Mirror, Gold
from Schots Home Emporium
Decor
Eye Mask 100% Silk
from Curtain Wonderland
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, All products excluding Donations and PJ bear, All products excluding outlet, Cushion Covers, Kids & Baby, Last Chance, Living, Living, On Sale, Outlet
Lena Cushion Cover
from Lorraine Lea
Blankets
Goose Down Blanket - Midnight Blue
from Eiderdown
Serving Pitchers & Carafes
J'ai Soif Carafe & Glass | Green | Decorative Glassware & Scented Objects | Maison Balzac
from Maison Balzac
Cushions & Bedding
Giselle Bedding Memory Foam Pillow Bamboo Twin Pack
from Crazy Sales
Home Fragrance
Wanderlust Diffuser 300mL
from Salt & Pepper
Furniture
Venari Gold Inlaid Plate by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Cups & Mugs
Noritake Hertford Bone China Cup & Saucer Set
from Living Styles
Throw Pillows
Waffle Cushion
from Curtain Wonderland
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, All products excluding Donations and PJ bear, All products excluding outlet, Dining, Kids & Baby, Last Chance, Living, Living, On Sale, Outlet
Nevada Tablecloth - Linen
from Lorraine Lea
Candles
Bonne Nuit Large Scented Candle | Decorative Glassware & Scented Objects | Maison Balzac
from Maison Balzac
Home Fragrance
Wanderlust Candle with Lid 198g
from Salt & Pepper
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Furniture
Heizer 65cm Oak Bar Stool - Coastal Beige by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Bar Stools
Osaka Mango Wood Kitchen Stool, Distressed Black
from Living Styles
Furniture > Chairs > Table & Bar Stools
Tama Stool
from Schots Home Emporium
Entertainment Centers & TV Stands
Advwin LED TV Unit Cabinet Entertainment Unit
from Advwin
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, Floor Rugs, Kids & Baby, Mother's Day Gifts, On Sale
STEPH & GIAN Meadow Rug
from Lorraine Lea
Outdoor Lounge
LONDON RATTAN 1 Seater Outdoor Sofa Modular Lounge Chair, Grey
from Edisons
Living & Storage Furniture
Artiss Rocking Armchair Footstool Bentwood Beige
from Crazy Sales
Furniture
Allen 65cm Bar Stool - Full Black by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Side Tables
Susston Replica Saarinen Tulip Marble Side Table
from Living Styles
Furniture > Chairs > Table & Bar Stools
Lucca Concrete Stool, Grey
from Schots Home Emporium
Entertainment Centers & TV Stands
Advwin LED TV Unit Cabinet Entertainment Unit White
from Advwin
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, Floor Rugs, Kids & Baby, Mother's Day Gifts, On Sale
STEPH & GIAN Bark Rug Walnut
from Lorraine Lea
Kitchen & Dining Room Chairs
Ex Display - Marlow Walnut Dining Chair - Naxos Beige (Trug) by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Modern Rugs
Swirl Hand Woven Wool Round Rug, 160cm, Brown
from Living Styles
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, Floor Rugs, Kids & Baby, Mother's Day Gifts, On Sale
STEPH & GIAN Elm Rug Pepper
from Lorraine Lea
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Bed Frames
Betsy Fabric Single Bed Frame - Pearl Grey with Storage by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Bedside Tables & Nightstands
Tasmania Mahogany Timber Bedside Table, Right, Mahogany
from Living Styles
Bedroom Vanities
Advwin Dressing Table Stool Set 12 LED Bulbs
from Advwin
Bedroom Furniture
Artiss Bedside Table 2 Drawers High Gloss - White
from Crazy Sales
Mattresses
Onebed Adjustable Bed Frame
from Onebed
Bed Frames
Celeste Fabric King Bed Frame - Olive Brown Boucle by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Tallboys
Tasmania Mahogany Timber 6 Drawer Tallboy, Mahogany
from Living Styles
Bedroom Vanities
Advwin Dressing Table Stool Set Makeup Dresser
from Advwin
Bedroom Furniture
Artiss Vila Bed Frame Fabric Gas Lift Storage - Grey Queen
from Crazy Sales
Mattresses
Onebed Foundation Bed Frame
from Onebed
Bedside Tables
Johansen Scandinavian Oak Lamp Side Table with Drawers - Natural by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Bed Frames
Astro Single Foldaway Bed
from Living Styles
Bedroom Vanities
Advwin Dressing Table Stool Set with 12 LED Bulbs
from Advwin
Bedroom Furniture
Artiss Nino Bed Frame PU Leather - Black Queen
from Crazy Sales
Bedside Tables
Johansen Nest of Wooden Side Tables - Natural by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Lighting
Ex Display - Miles Natural Barstool - Light Beige - Last One by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Pendants
Aero Metal Pendant Light - Satin Chrome
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Lighting > Lighting Fixtures > Ceiling Light Fixtures
St Kilda Deco Pendant Light, Copper & Brass
from Schots Home Emporium
Lighting
Clearance - Fontain Slim Pendant Lamp - Rose Gold - White by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Pendants
Aero Metal Pendant Light - White
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Lighting > Lamps
Eden Cast Bunker Light, Brass & Sandblasted Glass
from Schots Home Emporium
Lighting
Clearance - Fontain Cylinder Pendant Lamp - Rose Gold - White by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Wall Sconces
Holly Wall Sconce - Large
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Lighting > Lamps
Queenscliff Bunker Light, Brass & Sandblast Glass
from Schots Home Emporium
Lighting
Clearance - Fontain Wide Pendant Lamp - Rose Gold - White by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Wall Sconces
Holly Wall Sconce - Small
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Lighting > Lamps
Fremantle Bunker Light, Brass & Sandblasted Glass
from Schots Home Emporium
Lighting
Lenora 1.48m Oak Bench -Light Beige - Last One by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Desk Lamps
Forma Metal Adjustable Desk Lamp, Black
from Living Styles
Home & Garden > Lighting > Lamps
Boomerang Surface Mounted Light, Bronze
from Schots Home Emporium
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Storage Lockers & Cabinets
Zia 1.83m (H) Ash Curve Cabinet - Natural by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Office Chairs
Conimbia Premium Leather Replica Eames Office Chair, Mid Back, Black / Sliver
from Living Styles
Desks
Advwin Computer Desk Study Table 120cm Black
from Advwin
Home Office
Artiss Wooden Office Chair Leather Seat Black
from Crazy Sales
Workspace Tables
Vasuda 1.2m Home Office Desk - Green by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Office Chairs
Replica Eames Italian Leather Soft Pad Office Chair, Mid Back, Black / Silver
from Living Styles
Desks
Advwin Computer Desk Study Table 120cm White
from Advwin
Home Office
Artiss Wooden Office Chair Leather Seat White
from Crazy Sales
Storage Lockers & Cabinets
McConnell 65.5cm Rattan Door Cabinet - Natural by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Office Chairs
Replica Eames Italian Leather Soft Pad Office Chair, Mid Back, White / Silver
from Living Styles
Desks
Advwin Gaming Desk Ergonomic Computer Desk LED Light
from Advwin
Home Office
Artiss Wooden Office Chair PU Seat Black Brown
from Crazy Sales
Workspace Tables
Brendon Home office Desk - Natural Oak by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Office Chairs
Replica Eames Italian Leather Soft Pad Office Chair, High Back, Black / Silver
from Living Styles
Desks
Advwin 180° Rotating Computer Desk
from Advwin
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Transform your space with Daisy Fields, a dazzling artwork by Eleanor Baker, beautifully printed and framed by Gioia Wall Art. With its vibrant colors and idyllic imagery, this piece brings a touch
Daisy Fields, By Eleanor Baker by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Saucepans
Scanpan Impact Saucepan with Lid, 18cm
from Living Styles
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, Cart Add on, Kids & Baby
Healthy Choice 1.7 Litre Glass Kettle
from Lorraine Lea
Refrigerators
GECKO 95L Portable Upright Fridge, 12V/24V for Motorhome, Caravan, Black
from Edisons
Kitchen & Cookware
Aqua Filter - 5 Stage Water Filtration Filter - Single Refill Pack
from Crazy Sales
Unique Bodrum Relaxed Geometric Design Cushion, with soft woven linen, subtle color differences, and varying weave styles. Adds texture and charm to your home. Knife edge, hidden zipper, and WeaveF
Bodrum 50cm Relaxed Geometric Design Cushion by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Frypans
Scanpan Impact Frypa, 20cm
from Living Styles
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, Kids & Baby
Wilfa Probaker Kitchen Machine With Stainless Steel Hook
from Lorraine Lea
Freezers
GECKO 95L Portable Upright Fridge, 12V/24V for Motorhome, Caravan, Silver
from Edisons
Kitchen & Cookware
Free shipping! Aqua Filter - 5 Stage Water Filtration Filters - Value Pack of 3 Refill Filters
from Crazy Sales
Get cosy with the Palma 50cm Soft Inlay Stripe Feature Cushion. Made from a cotton-linen blend, this cushion features a chunky woven texture and a stone-washed look for added depth and character. W
Palma 50cm Soft Inlay Stripe Feature Cushion by Interior Secrets - AfterPay Available
from Interior Secrets
Frypans
Scanpan Impact Frypan, 24cm
from Living Styles
ALL ACTIVE PRODUCTS IN SHOPIFY, All Products, Appliances, Christmas Gift Guide, Kids & Baby, Mother's Day Gifts, New Arrivals, On Sale
Healthy Choice Slow Cooker 8L
from Lorraine Lea
Refrigerators
GECKO 125L Portable Upright Fridge, 12V/24V for Motorhome, Caravan, Black
from Edisons
Kitchen & Cookware
8 Stage Water Filter & 2 Bonus Filters
from Crazy Sales
From Curtain Wonderland
Curtains & Drapes
Damask Blockout Eyelet Curtain 165x220cm
Curtains & Drapes
Hamilton Blockout Eyelet Curtain 220cm & 250cm
Curtains & Drapes
Leicester Room Darkening Eyelet Curtain 220cm & 250cm Drop
Curtains & Drapes
Lincoln Room Darkening Eyelet Curtain
Curtains & Drapes
Piper Blockout Eyelet Curtain 220cm & 250cm Drop
Window Blinds & Shades
Panel Glide Track
Window Treatment Replacement Parts
Roller Glide Bendable Curtain Track
Curtain & Drape Rods
Quality Metal Extendable Curtain Rod Pole Set 22mm
Curtain & Drape Rods
Metal Extendable Curtain Rod Pole Set 19/22mm
Curtain & Drape Rods
Elbow For 22mm Rod Sets
Curtain & Drape Rods
19/22mm Curtain Rod Double Brackets 2/Pack
Window Blinds & Shades
Helena Room Darkening Roller Blinds
Window Blinds & Shades
Memphis Roller Blinds
Window Blinds & Shades
Java Room Darkening Roller Blinds
Window Blinds & Shades
Burma Room Darkening Roller Blinds
Suggested by BuildPilot suppliers
Braun Breakfast1 Coffee maker KF 1100 Black
from Braun Household
Kenwood Classic Chef XL Stand Mixer White
from Kenwood
Braun PurShine Coffee maker KF 1500 Black
from Braun Household
Kenwood Classic Chef Stand Mixer White
from Kenwood
Braun Breakfast1 Coffee maker KF 1100 White
from Braun Household
Kenwood Classic Chef Stand Mixer White with Silver Trim
from Kenwood
Braun PurShine Coffee maker KF 1500 White
from Braun Household
Kenwood Titanium Chef Patissier XL Stand Mixer Silver
from Kenwood
Braun Breakfast1 Water Kettle WK 1100 Black
from Braun Household
Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL Stand Mixer White
from Kenwood
Braun Breakfast1 Water Kettle WK 1100 White
from Braun Household
Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL Stand Mixer Black
from Kenwood
Braun PurShine Water kettle WK 1500 Black
from Braun Household
Kenwood MultiPro Express Food Processor White
from Kenwood
Braun PurShine Water kettle WK 1500 White
from Braun Household
From Braun Household
Braun TexStyle 3 Steam iron SI 3055 Black
Braun FreeStyle 3 Steam iron FI 3194 Black/Blue
Braun FreeStyle 3 Steam iron FI 3164 Grey
Braun TexStyle 9 Steam iron SI9684DB Blue
Braun CareStyle 1 Steam generator iron IS 1012 White/blue
Braun CareStyle 3 Pro Steam Generator Iron IS 3157 White/blue
Braun CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron IS 9095 Black
Braun CareStyle 5 Steam generator iron IS 5249 Black
Braun QuickStyle 5 Garment steamer GS 5011 White/Purple
Braun QuickStyle 5 Garment steamer GS 5031 Black/Blue
Braun QuickStyle 7 Garment steamer GS 7077 Black/copper
Braun Soft Textile Protector for TexStyle 7 STP7
Braun FreeStyle 5 Steam iron SI 5184 Black
Braun FreeStyle 5 Steam iron SI 5034 Violet
Braun TexStyle 1 Steam Iron SI 1080 Violet/white
Some links here are affiliate links. BuildPilot may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what you pay, and you always purchase directly from the retailer. Learn more.
Was this guide helpful?
Sources last verified June 2026
Answer a few quick questions and BuildPilot CoPilot will shortlist suppliers and trades matched to your build, your suburb and your budget.
Vetted Australian businesses worth asking your builder about, plus the online Suppliers we recommend buying from direct.
BuildPilot may earn a fee or commission if you engage or buy from one of these businesses. It never changes who we recommend. How we get paid →
We use cookies to improve your experience. Cookies on. Learn more
