Matte Tableware: Why Everyone’s Obsessed (And You Might Be Next)
You want your tableware to look stunning, but some of the trendiest options out there just aren’t practical. Chips, scratches, high maintenance... style often comes at the cost of durability.
That’s why matte tableware is quickly becoming the go-to choice for people who want both form and function.
In this article, we’ll break down why matte finishes are great for everyday meals and special occasions alike.
Pros of Matte Tableware
Matte tableware consists of plates and cutlery with a non-reflective and velvety finish.
It’s moody, modern, and surprisingly warm. Not flashy, but impossible to ignore. Just a soft, understated look that feels more like ceramic sculpture than everyday dinnerware.
You’ve probably seen it everywhere: in cafés and on cooking shows. Matte tableware has quietly taken over the table, and for good reasons:
-
It photographs like a dream.
Let’s be honest, we eat with our eyes first and scroll with them too. The matte surface doesn’t create glare, so food looks richer, colors pop, and every dish feels professionally plated. -
It feels elevated.
Matte finishes give off an effortless elegance. It’s the interior design equivalent of a minimalist capsule wardrobe. -
It plays well with others.
Matte black with gold cutlery? Stunning. Muted sand tones with forest green napkins? So earthy. You can mix and match matte tableware in ways that glossy sets just can’t pull off. -
It makes casual meals feel… less casual.
Scrambled eggs on a matte plate? Fancy. Weeknight ramen in a matte bowl? Instagram-worthy. Matte tableware could turn your go-to meals into something a little more special.
What Makes Matte Different and Why It Matters
Matte tableware differs from traditional glossy options in several key ways:
Texture and Feel
There's something incredibly tactile about matte dishes. They usually have a slightly more porous surface that feels natural in your hands – almost like a stone that's been worn smooth by water.
Visual Warmth
There’s something about glossy finishes that can feel… a little too polished.
Without reflecting harsh light, matte pieces create a warmer table setting. They bring a sense of visual warmth and texture that instantly makes a table feel more inviting.
Food Presentation
Chefs have long known that matte plates make food stand out. Colors pop more vividly, and the natural contrast helps each dish become the star of the show.
Scratch Resistance
Those tiny scratches on glossy dishes? They're far less visible on matte surfaces. The non-reflective finish helps disguise minor wear and tear that happens with regular use.
Picking the Right Matte Dinnerware Set
Before you rush to fill your cart with matte dinnerware, here are a few things worth thinking through:
1. Material
Stoneware is heavier and feels earthy and rustic. It’s like something you'd see in a cozy Nordic kitchen. Most matte stoneware pieces are great for casual meals and adds a natural vibe.
Porcelain is smoother, more refined, and a bit more delicate. It's typically thinner than stoneware, though high-quality porcelain can be surprisingly tough.
2. Color
The beauty of matte tableware lies partly in its color options. Without gloss to create glare, colors appear more saturated.
Matte doesn’t mean boring. In fact, it opens up a whole color palette, from moody charcoals to soft greiges to pale pinks. Ask yourself: what kind of vibe are you going for?
Do you aim for moody and dramatic? Try charcoal, matte navy, or deep terracotta.
Soft and Scandinavian? Go for ash grey, beige, or off-white. Or do you want playful but minimal? Muted blush, sage, or dusty blue will do the trick.
3. Shape and Size
Not all matte sets come in standard round shapes. You’ll see angular bowls, squared edges, and even irregular rims. Those imperfections? They’re part of the charm.
If you're the kind of person who likes to stack your dishes neatly in a cabinet, make sure you double-check the dimensions. Some artisanal sets look gorgeous but don't always nest well.
Mix or Match?
Here's where it gets fun. While perfectly matched sets certainly have their place, matte tableware practically begs to be mixed and layered.
You can mix whites with beiges or combine different textures while keeping colors consistent. For contrast, pair matte pieces with one or two glossy accents.
The best thing with matte pieces is you can effortlessly blend them with other dinnerware styles for a table that feels both curated and creative.
Where to Find Quality Matte Tableware
Looking for a head start? These brands and retailers have matte tableware worth checking out:
- Department stores typically carry mid-range options from established brands
- Etsy and craft markets connect you directly with small businesses and artisans creating one-of-a-kind matte pieces
- Restaurant supply stores sometimes carry commercial-grade matte options that are built to last
- Catalonia Plates offers haute cuisine-inspired tableware, including refined matte pieces that bring that upscale, chef’s-table feel straight into your home kitchen.
Is Matte Tableware Worth It?
Matte tableware won’t make your cooking better. But it will change how your meals feel. Even the simplest food starts to look intentional. Elegant. Like you planned a whole vibe… even if you didn’t.
When it comes to finding pieces that balance craftsmanship with sophistication, Catalonia Plates offers the best of both worlds. We are the North American distributor of Pordamsa, your trusted source for haute cuisine tableware.
Check out our full catalog of glossy and matte pieces at Catalonia Plates!
