Small plates are compact pieces of dinnerware designed for serving appetisers, desserts, bread, snacks, side dishes, cakes and lighter meals. They are generally smaller than standard dinner plates and can be used either as part of a complete table setting or as versatile individual serving pieces.
In Australian tableware collections, small and side plates commonly range from around 15 cm to 21 cm in diameter. For example, current Australian dinnerware options include 15 cm porcelain side plates, 16–16.5 cm porcelain plates and approximately 20 cm stoneware side plates. Exact sizing varies between collections.
Side plates are designed for smaller servings such as bread, salads, appetisers and snacks. They are one of the most versatile forms of small plate for everyday dining.
These are typically smaller than dinner plates and are useful for bread, toast, pastries and other accompaniments.
Small dessert plates provide an appropriate surface for cakes, slices, fruit, pastries and other sweet treats.
Compact plates are ideal for presenting starters, finger foods and small portions when entertaining.
Small plates can provide an elegant setting for afternoon tea, cake and biscuits.
Ceramic designs can introduce colour, texture and character to casual table settings.
Porcelain plates often have a refined, lightweight appearance and can work particularly well for more polished dining arrangements.
Stoneware offers a more substantial feel and is popular for relaxed everyday dining. Australian examples include 20 cm stoneware side plates with textured or reactive-glaze finishes.
There is no single standard size for a small plate. The intended use generally determines the most suitable diameter.
Common sizes include:
Australian commercial tableware examples include 16 cm small porcelain plates, while many contemporary stoneware side plates are around 20 cm.
When shopping, always check the exact dimensions rather than relying solely on the term “small”.
Choosing small plates is about balancing size, material, design and intended use.
If you mainly need plates for bread and small snacks, a 15–17 cm plate may be suitable.
For desserts, salads, cakes and more generous side servings, something around 19–21 cm can provide greater flexibility.
Small plates do not necessarily need to match your dinner plates exactly. Coordinating colours, materials or shapes can create a more relaxed and layered table setting.
For a cohesive look, repeat at least one element such as:
Small plates are easy to stack, but a larger collection can still require considerable cupboard space. Check the overall height of a stacked set if storage is limited.
Porcelain provides a smooth and refined appearance and can suit both everyday and more formal table settings. Some Australian porcelain small plates are dishwasher and microwave safe, although care requirements vary by product.
Stoneware has a more substantial, relaxed character and works beautifully in contemporary, rustic and organic interiors.
Reactive glazes can create subtle variations in colour and finish, meaning individual pieces may not look completely identical.
Ceramic plates offer a broad range of colours, shapes and decorative finishes. They can be particularly appealing when you want a more handcrafted or expressive table setting.
Small glass plates can provide a lighter, more contemporary appearance. They are useful for desserts, appetisers and entertaining, depending on the product's construction.
Melamine can be useful for suitable outdoor or casual settings because of its lightweight construction. Always check the manufacturer's instructions regarding dishwasher, microwave and heat use.
Small plates can be surprisingly versatile around the home.
Small plates are not limited to formal entertaining. They can become part of everyday dining routines.
Use them for:
A versatile 19–21 cm plate can be especially useful if you want one smaller plate to perform several roles.
When entertaining, small plates make it easier to serve different foods without requiring a large dinner plate for every course.
Use them for:
For a relaxed Australian gathering, combine small stoneware plates with linen napkins, timber serving boards, ceramic bowls and natural textures.
Small plates can add another layer to your table setting.
For a sophisticated look, place a small plate alongside the main dinner plate where appropriate. You can then introduce a folded linen napkin, subtle cutlery and a simple centrepiece.
For a more relaxed setting, mix complementary plates rather than choosing an identical set.
Try combining:
A neutral small plate can also allow colourful food to become the visual focus.
Contemporary Australian interiors often favour tableware that feels relaxed rather than overly formal.
Small plates in white, cream, beige, earthy tones, soft greens and muted blues can complement natural materials and modern dining furniture.
Textured surfaces, organic shapes, subtle speckling and reactive glazes can add visual interest without making the table feel excessively decorative.
Current Australian dinnerware examples include hand-finished stoneware, scalloped edges, speckled surfaces and nature-inspired patterns.
Choose simple white, black or neutral plates with clean silhouettes.
Soft blue, white, sandy beige and lightly textured finishes work beautifully with coastal interiors.
Look for earthy tones, irregular edges, tactile finishes and stoneware.
Classic white porcelain, subtle scalloping and refined details can complement a Hamptons-inspired table.
Reactive glazes, hand-finished surfaces and natural colours create a relaxed rustic character.
Mix different colours, patterns and shapes while maintaining one connecting element to keep the table visually cohesive.
The main difference is size and intended use.
Small plates are generally suited to appetisers, desserts, bread, snacks and side servings.
Dinner plates are larger and designed to accommodate a complete main meal.
Some larger small plates can also function as entrée or light-meal plates. Australian commercial dinnerware examples show 23 cm plates being used for smaller meals or entrée-style serving, while 25 cm plates are commonly used as standard dinner plates.
Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, particularly when plates feature hand-finishing, metallic detailing or special glazes.
General care tips include:
For example, some contemporary stoneware plates are dishwasher and microwave safe but specifically not oven safe.
Small plates can complement a wider dining collection at House of Isabella Australia, particularly when layered with tableware, serving pieces and decorative accessories.
Collections such as the Florabelle Collection, Emac & Lawton and OneWorld Collection can provide inspiration for creating a considered table with elegant textures and complementary finishes.
House of Isabella Australia offers a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, Australian-based customer care and fast delivery Australia-wide.
For added flexibility when shopping, Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip is also available.
Popular small plate styles include:
The emphasis is on tableware that feels useful enough for everyday dining while still adding personality to entertaining.
Small plates are commonly used for appetisers, desserts, bread, snacks, side dishes, cakes, pastries and light meals.
Small plates can range from approximately 15 cm to 21 cm, although there is no universal definition. A 20 cm plate is a common versatile side-plate size in Australian dinnerware collections.
The terms are often used interchangeably, although exact sizing and intended use vary between brands and collections.
Yes. A larger small or side plate around 20–23 cm can work well for light meals, entrée portions, salads or smaller servings.
Neither is universally better. Porcelain often provides a refined appearance, while stoneware tends to offer a more substantial and relaxed character. Consider the specific product's durability and care instructions.
Some can, while others cannot. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before microwave use.
Small plates may be compact, but they can make a significant difference to everyday dining and entertaining. From a simple slice of cake to beautifully presented appetisers, the right plate provides a thoughtful backdrop for the food while adding another layer of style to your table.
Choose a size that suits how you eat, a material that fits your lifestyle and a finish that complements your existing dinnerware. With the right combination, small plates can move effortlessly from casual breakfasts to elegant gatherings.
Brand and collection names mentioned in this glossary entry, including Florabelle Collection, Emac & Lawton and OneWorld Collection, are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or otherwise associated with these brands unless expressly stated otherwise. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Product dimensions, materials, finishes, colours, care instructions, dishwasher or microwave suitability and availability may vary between products.
Disclaimer: All trademarks, brand names and product names mentioned on this website are the property of their respective owners. Any references are made for identification, informational or comparative purposes only, and do not imply any affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship or authorisation.
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