How To Build a Stunning Curated Vintage Dinnerware Set Collection

Discover the secrets to building a breathtaking vintage dinnerware set collection. Learn how to curate unique vintage dishes, mix and match patterns, and create stunning tablescapes. These budget-friendly thrift store tips will help you build your tableware and dinnerware collection without breaking the bank.

I admit that I might be obsessed with dinnerware and everything related to creating unique tablescapes. My weakness is vintage dishes and serving pieces. Vintage table linens, silverware, and glassware are also high on the list. I don’t have a large collection valuable items, but I love how they enhance my tables. I can’t wait to share how I’ve curated my collections.

Thrifting with the Gals

Today’s post is part of our monthly series, Thrifting with the Gals.

If you are new to our series, we are friends who share a love for vintage and thrifted decorating.

We all live in different parts of the country, but we come together once a month to share thrift store shopping ideas and tips on decorating with your treasures.

Here are the Gals:

• Ann from Dabbling and Decorating finds her treasures as she travels between Vermont and Maine. She decorates both homes with so many vintage treasures.
• Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest loves to travel and bring her vintage treasure to her lovely Florida Home.
• Lora from Lora Bloomquist Create and Ponder is thrifting and picking up amazing roadside finds to decorate her home in Minnesota.
• I am from North Carolina and love filling my farmhouse and beach cottage with thrift store finds. I focus on budget-friendly decorating and DIY projects.
• This month our guest host is Rachel at The Antiqued Journey and I know you will love seeing her vintage ironstone collection.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

How To Curate Vintage Dinnerware Sets

Y’all know that I’m a thrift store junkie! Therefore, all of my curated vintage dinnerware sets have been purchased from thrift stores, consignment shops, yard sales, and flea markets. I have some antiques but mostly vintage sets. I also have several collections that only contain a few pieces which are perfect for mixing and matching. If I find a great plate or bowl, I’ll purchase it with the hope I might run across more in the future.

How To Shop For Vintage Dishes

I love shopping for vintage dishes. I never leave a thrift store without checking for dishes, glassware, and silverware. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect pieces:

What Style and Colors Do You Need

I have a very eclectic decorating style and love creating unique tablescapes. Therefore, I have a mix of rustic and elegant vintage dishes. Here are some things to consider:

• Consider your decor: What style are you going for? Rustic or Modern farmhouse? Classic elegance? Mid-century modern?
• Are you shopping for everyday needs? If so, how many people do you typically feed? Do you need a full dinner set or just a few serving pieces?
• What are your plans for the vintage dishes? Are you planning dinner parties and need a variety of dish styles? Or maybe you just want dishes for decorative purposes.

These elegant vintage dishes were a steal for only $1.00 each. I love using these vintage dinnerware sets on my Spring and Summer tables.

Do Your Research On Vintage Patterns and Brands

I purchase vintage dishes and tableware based on how much I like the pattern and whether or not I have something similar. However, I don’t want to overpay to build my dinnerware collection.

Before you purchase vintage dishes and maybe pay too much for them, it’s a good idea to use websites like Replacements Ltd. and Etsy to determine which brands are worth investing in.

Another cool way to determine the value is using the Google app. Right on the search bar is a camera. Snap a photo of the dishes you find, and you’ll see what is for sale on websites such as Etsy, eBay, and more.

When I found these unmarked botanical dishes, I knew I’d bring them home at only $.49 each. However, I was curious about their value, and with a quick snapshot, I found these two identical dishes for $54.00. My set of 8 is in excellent condition and only cost me $3.92 plus tax. Don’t you love it when you get a great deal?

Where to Shop

• Thrift stores and flea markets are great places to find hidden gems at affordable prices.
• Antique stores offer a wider selection of high-quality pieces, and larger vintage dinnerware sets are more often available. I have never purchased a dinnerware set from an antique store because the prices are much higher. However, I have purchased single plates and serving pieces to complete or expand a set I got for cheap.
• Websites like eBay and Etsy have a vast array of vintage dishes, but be cautious of reproductions and overpriced items. Same here; I have only purchased to add to an existing set. For example, I found three milk glass plates for only 50 cents each. I paid $9.00 for the fourth plate on Etsy.
• Estate sales can be a treasure trove of vintage dishware, but be prepared to dig through a lot of items.

Inspect Before You Purchase

Vintage dishes and glassware will often show signs of wear. Consider your plan of usage before purchasing damaged or fragile plates and glasses.

I love vintage dishes that look well-loved, but you may be looking for everyday dishes that can withstand more love. If so, look for more durable stoneware that can withstand daily use.

If your plan is to decorate with your vintage finds, don’t worry about small chips and other signs of wear and tear. These imperfections will only add to the authenticity of your curated collections. Older pieces may have more wear and tear but can also be more valuable.

How To Build Your Vintage Dinnerware Set Collection

To begin building your vintage dinnerware set collection, make a list of desired patterns, styles, and colors. I began collecting vintage ironstone and transferware dishes. If the price is right, they are still on my list of must-haves.

I was lucky to find a whole set of white vintage ironstone plates and serving pieces at a local charity shop. I have added a few extra plates and serving pieces to expand the original collection. I have both blue and brown transferware, but none of the dinnerware sets are 100% complete. My favorite brown set comes out every fall, and I don’t worry about imperfections. I found them years ago at a Salvation Army Thrift Store and would love to run across more in this pattern.

When shopping, be open-minded. Begin with a few pieces that you can’t resist, and gradually expand your vintage dinnerware sets collection. Be patient, and good things come to those who frequently shop all the thrift stores. LOL! Seriously, you never know when that great set of dishes will get donated, so show up often if you are serious about curating dinnerware sets.

I keep adding to my Golden Wheat Collection, and it is seriously like finding one piece at a time. I have seen complete sets, but none with a price tag that I was willing to pay. So, I’ll keep picking up inexpensive pieces as I find them.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Combining different patterns and styles will give your table setting a unique look. The same is true of silverware, wine glasses, and water goblets.

The original white ironstone dishes look great mixed with the Desert Rose vintage dinnerware set. I found several at Goodwill and was lucky to add a few more to the collection at a Salvation Army Thrift Store. My combined collection cost less than $15.00.

By following these guidelines, you can find beautiful and functional vintage dishes that will add character to your home.

Sentimental Dinnerware Sets

I shared these favorite sentimental dishes the first year I was blogging. I grew up eating many home-cooked meals in this pattern. When I ran across a large set complete with serving pieces at a yard sale, it took me back to those magical childhood days. Since my mom’s set was long gone after years of daily use, I purchased the whole set for only $10.00. I later found the glassware and added a few pieces from an antique store. I paid more for two dinner plates than I paid for the whole set at the yard sale. But my set is complete, and I use them often for girlfriend brunches.

Unique Ways To Display Your Vintage Dinnerware Collections

Don’t overlook the random vintage platter, dinner, or dessert plate because you can find a use for them. Here are a few ways I use those singular great finds.

Create a Wall Plate Display

You can create a wall plate display with your vintage dinnerware sets or random vintage dish finds. Look for similar colors in various shapes to mix and match for a creative wall display.

If you only have a few pieces, combine them with a shelf or other art to fill your space.

Use In Bookcases, Cupboards, and Mantels for Display

Adding vintage dinnerware sets to the back of shelves in bookcases and cupboards adds a decorative flair. Instead of stacking dishes, stand them at the back to brighten the inside of your cabinets.

You can also add dishes to plate stands to create a stunning visual display. Place them in cupboards, open shelves, and mantels.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my vintage dinnerware sets. If you have any questions, please leave me a comment.

Resources

Click Image For Details and To Shop For Vintage Dinnerware Sets

Now it’s time for Thrifting with the Gals. Be sure to link to each account below for more great thrifting and vintage shopping and decorating advice.

Rachel – Thrifting for a Vintage Ironstone Collection – Robyn – 7 Useful Items For Fall To Thrift For

Lora’s – Thrifting Tips To Revive Old Stools / Ann’s – Primitive Decorating Ideas For Dining Table