The Simple Vintage Plate Size Guide
When buying vintage tableware, it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the right plate for your place settings. We know you want your table to look just right for that special occasion, so we have put together this handy guide to help you choose which size plate you need for every meal or celebration.
Serving Platters
Vintage serving platters are usually oval, but can be round, rectangular, or square, or sometimes novelty shaped. They can measure anything from 12 - 20 inches across, so they make showstopping centrepieces for your table. Use them for displaying and serving the main course, but they also make great sharing plates.
Cake Serving Plates
Vintage cake serving plates can be round, square, hexagonal, or octagonal, and usually, but not always, are decorative with scalloped rims, and ‘tabs’ or ‘ears’ with gilt flourishes. They usually measure around 9 to 12 inches across. Use them for serving whole cakes by the slice, cupcakes, scones, and traybakes.
Sandwich Trays
Vintage sandwich trays, or sandwich serving plates, are usually rectangular in shape, and like cake serving plates they are usually (but not always) decorative with gilded ‘tabs’ or ‘ears’. They usually measure between 11 and 13 inches in length. Use them for serving dainty sandwich triangles without their crusts.
Saucers
More than the partner to a teacup, saucers can have other uses at the table. Usually measuring around 5.5 to 6.5 inches in diameter, they are perfect for serving small appetisers, for sitting underneath a sundae dish, or for serving small sweet treats after a meal.
Tea Plates
Tea plates, or side plates, are usually 6 - 7 inches in diameter. Use them to serve fresh bread or a side dish as an accompaniment to your main course. They are also often used in a trio with teacup and saucer for afternoon tea. Go for a cohesive look with matching china patterns, or mix it up for an eclectic bohemian vibe.
Luncheon Plates
A luncheon plate is slightly smaller than a dinner plate, usually averaging around 9 inches in diameter, and as the name suggests they are used for lighter meals like lunch when portion sizes are smaller. They are also suitable for appetisers, salads, and desserts.
Dinner Plates
Traditionally the dinner plate is the star of the show, and usually has a diameter of 10 inches, but they can go up to 11 or 12 inches.
Whether you are looking for a single replacement plate to match and complete your heirloom china collection, or are looking for a set of vintage plates, you can view our current collection for sale in the Trixie and Bea Online Shop, where we also have some beautiful decorative cabinet plates, collectors plates, and plates for display on your dresser or wall.