Understanding Vintage Plate Sizes & the Pieces That Make Up a China Set
Vintage china sets were designed with intention. Each plate, bowl, and serving piece had a specific purpose—meant to guide a meal from beginning to end with both beauty and function. While modern dining often simplifies place settings, traditional china tells a richer story.
Understanding plate sizes and the additional pieces that make up a china set helps explain why vintage dishes vary so much in scale—and why each piece feels just a little different in the hand.
Dinner Plates (10–12 inches)
The dinner plate is the largest and most familiar piece in a china set.
Traditionally used for:
Main courses
Formal meals
Hearty servings
Vintage dinner plates are often slightly smaller than modern versions, reflecting a time when portions were more modest and meals more structured.
Luncheon Plates (9–9.5 inches)
Luncheon plates became popular in the early to mid-20th century, especially for daytime meals.
Used for:
Light lunches
Salads with protein
Informal gatherings
These plates bridge the gap between dinner plates and salad plates and are often beautifully patterned.
Salad Plates (7–8.5 inches)
Salad plates were designed for lighter courses served before the main meal.
Common uses included:
Salads
Appetizers
Desserts
Because of their size and versatility, salad plates are some of the most commonly found vintage pieces today.
Bread & Butter Plates (6–6.5 inches)
Small and charming, bread and butter plates were placed above the dinner plate in formal settings.
Traditionally used for:
Bread or rolls
Butter or spreads
Small pastries
These plates often feature delicate designs and are favorites for decorative and display use today.
Dessert Plates (7–8 inches)
In many sets, dessert plates were distinct from salad plates, reserved solely for sweets.
Used for:
Cakes and pies
Fruit
After-dinner treats
Not all china sets included separate dessert plates, but when they did, they were often among the most ornate pieces.
Charger Plates (12–14 inches)
Chargers were not meant for direct food use but served as decorative base plates.
Purpose:
Added elegance to place settings
Framed dinner plates
Removed before the main course
Chargers were common in formal dining and remain popular for special occasions.
Bowls in a China Set
Soup Bowls
Often shallow with a wide rim, soup bowls were designed for broths and light soups.
Cereal or Fruit Bowls
Smaller and deeper, these bowls were used for breakfast or fruit courses.
Dessert Bowls
Used for puddings, custards, or ice cream, dessert bowls often matched the rest of the set.
Cups, Saucers & Tea Pieces
A complete china set typically included:
Teacups
Saucers
Sometimes coffee cups (slightly larger)
Tea service was an important ritual, and these pieces were often designed with particular care.
Serving Pieces That Complete a Set
Beyond individual place settings, china sets often included:
Platters (oval or round, various sizes)
Vegetable bowls
Gravy boats
Sugar bowls and creamers
Covered tureens
Teapots and coffee pots
These pieces allowed meals to be served gracefully at the table rather than prepared in the kitchen alone.
Why Sizes and Pieces Varied
Not every household owned a full set. Many families collected pieces over time or used only what suited their lifestyle. As a result, vintage china today is often found in partial sets or as individual pieces.
This variety is part of what makes vintage dishes so charming—and why mismatched collections can feel both personal and intentional.
Appreciating the Whole Story
Each plate size and serving piece reflects a time when meals were layered experiences, not just something to rush through. Understanding these differences allows us to appreciate vintage china for what it is—not outdated, but thoughtfully designed.
Whether used for display, repurposed into décor, or enjoyed mindfully today, these pieces still carry purpose.
