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Wayfair Review

Thursday, December 5th

2024 China Dinnerware Store Reviews

Wayfair Review 4.5 Star Rating

Wayfair

4.5 Star Rating
  • Over 2,500 options in fine china alone
  • Price points for every shopper, from budget to luxe
  • Easy-to-shop website
  • Free shipping on orders over $35
  • 30-day return policy
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

Who doesn't love to shop at Wayfair for all things home-related? Their inventory is vast and ranges from A(utumn holiday decor) to Z(ebra print sheets) and almost everything imaginable in between.

Thousands of choices in china

That's certainly true when it comes to china dinnerware. Wayfair's selection includes over 2,500 options in fine china alone. You'll find plenty of brands you know, like Wedgwood and Lenox, and dozens more that may be completely new to you. We recommend making generous use of the filters - color, material, shape, number of pieces, or anything else that you already have in mind - to get right to the china you're picturing.

Luxe dinnerware on offer

As always when we shop at Wayfair, we had fun looking at the most- and least-expensive options within the category. With respect to china dinnerware, Wayfair's most opulent offering during our recent visit was the Vista Alegre Terrace Porcelain China Dinnerware Set with Service for 4. Priced at $980 for a 20-item set (bread and butter plate, small plate, dinner plate, saucer, cup x 4), this elegant set also features a la carte matching serveware when you scroll down the page. Or, if the Vista Alegre brand doesn't speak to you, Wayfair also carries some higher-end china made by Wedgwood, Karaca, and East Urban, in patterns that range from traditional to trendy.

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Budget-friendly options too

Flipping to the most affordably-priced china dinnerware at Wayfair, we spotted the Brayden Studio Harek Porcelain China Dinnerware Set with Service for 12: for just $109.99 (sale price, marked down from a still-bargain $173.99), you'll get five-piece settings for your dozen favorite people, with a total of 60 plates, teacups, saucers, and pasta bowls. Believe it or not, despite the low-end price, people are high-end happy with this budget-friendly china: all six customers who reviewed it gave it a perfect five-star rating.

Ample (if sometimes contradictory) details

That's another thing we adore about Wayfair: the abundance of customer reviews, item photos, and details about each and every product they sell. That obviously includes dinnerware, so if it's important to you to know the exact measurements of each bowl, teacup, and plate, you're likely to find it. Just be aware as you shop that Wayfair's descriptions can sometimes be contradictory: for the Vista Alegre pattern we mentioned earlier, the Product Overview said that the dishes were microwave-safe, which seemed unlikely given the metal accents. Sure enough, when we clicked to read the extended description, it clearly said it wasn't for use in the microwave.

Free shipping over $35, 30 day returns

How about shipping and returns? This retailer gives free shipping on any order over $35, so you should have no trouble qualifying on your order of china dinnerware. Wayfair's return policy is a standard 30 days, and you're on the hook for the return shipping (which will be deducted from your refund when you use Wayfair's pre-printed label).

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Not an expert in china

So, why isn't Wayfair our #1 choice for china dinnerware? Well, obviously this isn't a specialty store: you get a broad range of brands to choose from, but it may not feature all the china dinnerware styles of a particular brand.

Customer service is very good, but not perfect

And, although the company has an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, Wayfair gets its fair share of complaints (over 2,000 filed with the BBB in the last year alone). That's to be expected for a retailer that ships millions upon millions of products around the globe, and the BBB's rating means that those complaints are being addressed.

Best option for dinnerware-and-more

Wayfair is one of our favorite one-stop shops for everything we need in our home, and it easily earns our second-place ranking for china dinnerware. No matter what brand you like, or budget you're trying to stick to, you'll find plenty of options here. Wayfair is an excellent place to buy china dinnerware.

Where Can You Get the Best Selection of Fine China Dinnerware?

China dinnerware, often referred to simply as "china," is a type of fine porcelain or ceramic dinnerware that has been cherished for centuries for its elegance and timeless beauty. Despite the changing trends in dining and tableware, china dinnerware remains popular for several reasons.

First, china dinnerware is renowned for its delicate and refined appearance. The intricate patterns, often featuring floral or geometric designs, exude a sense of timeless beauty that enhances any dining experience. The delicate translucency of fine china also adds to its charm. But, while china may seem delicate, it is actually quite durable when properly cared for. High-quality china can last for generations, making it an excellent investment.

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China Dinnerware Store FAQ

Despite the name, the plates, bowls, cups and saucers aren't necessarily made in China - although that's why delicate dinnerware was originally given the name of "china”. There are two main types of dinnerware referred to as china, porcelain and bone. Bone china is created in a similar process as porcelain, but an extra ingredient (bone ash) is used when making it. This bone ash gives the final product a milkier white color.
That depends on your preferences. Bone china has a more delicate look and feel, to the point of being almost translucent. Porcelain colors are often brighter, the whites are whiter, and so on. Either one can make your dinner table look beautiful!
It takes a much higher temperature to fire china dinnerware. Those high temperatures make it more likely that a dish or bowl won't survive the firing process - making the ones that do come out perfectly a more expensive final product.
Read the printed materials that came with your dinnerware to determine if it can be used in the oven or microwave. You may also be able to find that information on the bottom of the plate, bowl, or cup itself. If your china has any metal accents, like a gold design or platinum band around the edge, DO NOT use it in the oven or microwave!
If you are using your great-grandmother's china that came over from England, it's probably best to wash it by hand using a gentle dish detergent and warm water. On the other hand, newer china is often made for the rigors of today's day-to-day life, including being washable in the dishwasher. Again, check the information provided about your china or look on the bottom of the dinnerware to see if it has been designated as dishwasher-safe.
Although it's not as common on gift registries now as it was in the past, china dinnerware still catches the eye of many engaged couples. It's fun to have a set of "nice” dishes for the first Thanksgiving meal together or for entertaining dinner guests. Plus, with many people embracing the idea of "you only live once”, china dinnerware is often found in everyday use.
Where else will you find the world's best selection of brands, patterns, and pieces of china? Local retailers often carry an extremely limited inventory of china, and they may not have enough on hand for the number of full place settings you want. Getting your dinnerware directly from the manufacturer or from an online home goods store ensures that you can get exactly what you're looking for, delivered safely to your doorstep.
Probably not. Many china retailers want to earn your business, so you'll often find free shipping offers with a certain minimum purchase amount. You may also spot discounts on your purchase that can make it even more affordable to get the dishes you've been dreaming of.
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Continued from above...

Also, many people reserve their china dinnerware for special occasions like holidays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Using it during these moments adds a sense of tradition and significance to the event. Of course, you can always live like every day is special, because china can be suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings. Its versatility allows you to create different table settings to suit various events and moods.

Finally, collecting china dinnerware has been a popular hobby for many. Some patterns and brands have become highly sought-after collectibles, with enthusiasts scouring antique shops and auctions for rare pieces. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily use and occasional accidents.

However, when you're out shopping for china dinnerware at your local stores, you might notice that your options are a bit limited. Those big-box retailers usually stock just a couple of brands and a handful of patterns. So, if you want to match your china with your home decor or you have a particular brand in mind, turning to online stores is your best bet. They tend to have a wider selection, often at better prices.

Online shops make it super easy and fun to find the perfect china for you. They've usually got handy filters and clear images of each plate, cup, bowl, and saucer. The only tricky part might be trying to pick just one pattern from all the gorgeous options they offer!

Ready to get shopping? Here are some ways to narrow down the options as you search for your perfect china dinnerware:

  • Design and pattern. Choose a style that appeals to your personal taste and complements your existing tableware or decor. Consider whether you want a classic, traditional pattern or a more contemporary design.
  • Brand reputation. Research the reputation of the brand you're considering. Established brands with a long history of producing quality china are often a safe bet. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who own china dinnerware.
  • Use and maintenance. Check if the china dinnerware is safe to use in the microwave and oven if you intend to heat or reheat food in them. Also research how easy it is to clean and maintain. Some patterns or brands may be dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing.
  • Completeness and availability. If you plan to use your china dinnerware regularly, ensure that the set you're purchasing includes all the essential pieces you need, such as dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, and serving pieces. Check if replacement pieces are readily available in case of breakage, and if you can get those replacements free of charge or at a reduced cost.

Whether for everyday use or special occasions, the right china dinnerware can elevate your table settings and create lasting memories. To help you find the best patterns and settings, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked today's most popular brands and retailers. Your table will be picture-perfect in no time!

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