Forget paintings and sculptures —today's design connoisseurs are investing in the art of the table.

Tableware is no longer just about practicality; it's a reflection of personal style and taste. From sleek, modern designs to timeless, handcrafted pieces, the right tableware transforms everyday dining into an elevated experience. Whether for intimate dinners or grand gatherings, these five standout brands are redefining how we set the table, appreciating in value while enhancing daily life.

Dior Maison

A name long associated with grace and elegance, Christian Dior's eye for creativity isn't limited to clothing, but also extends to the home. One exemplar being the enchanting Les Gris-Gris de Monsieur Dior collection. Conceived by artistic director Cordelia de Castellane, the collection centres around four art de vivre motifs so dear to the founding couturier – the clover, a personal talisman for Dior; the bee, representing the "little beehive" Dior used to describe his house when he presented his first collection; the star, a guiding light in Dior's journey; and the rose, which draws from Dior's childhood memories and creative muses. These timeless symbols are woven throughout a set of elegant plates, tea and coffee sets, a tray, and a trinket bowl as tokens of good luck.

Summerill & Bishop

Founded in 1994 by June Summerill and Bernadette Bishop selling far-flung finds for the kitchen, this London-based tableware atelier has based its creations on one rule – “if you wouldn’t hang it up on the wall as art then it shouldn’t be on your table”.

Drawing from traditional tableware techniques, Summerill & Bishop embraces a warm, slightly rustic aesthetic, intertwined with modern sensibilities. Its thoughtfully curated collection showcases elegant tableware, luxurious textiles, high-quality cookware, and distinctive gifts – each designed for both everyday indulgences and special occasions. At the heart of the brand lies a commitment to sustainability, prioritising eco-friendly materials and practices that significantly reduce environmental impact.

Collaborating with artisans and chefs, Summerill & Bishop fosters a vibrant community united by the spirit of hospitality and togetherness, encouraging all to celebrate life's moments in style. With products that resonate with warmth, elegance, and a dedication to enduring quality, Summerill & Bishop enriches homes of any style, transforming everyday living into a form of art. Available at Lane Crawford.

Baccarat

Baccarat, founded in 1764, has been synonymous with refined crystal and exceptional craftsmanship for over 250 years. The French luxury brand is renowned for its timeless designs that seamlessly blend heritage and modernity. From lighting and home décor to tableware, Baccarat continues to elevate everyday living with its iconic creations.  

The Arcadia Collection pays homage to the arched windows of Baccarat’s historic Manufacture, where generations of artisans have crafted masterpieces. The collection includes four sizes of plates and a “timbale” in two styles. Arcadia Red features Baccarat’s signature red with gold accents, while Arcadia Gold is detailed with gold and platinum. With bold geometric patterns, graphic lines, and vibrant colors, these pieces perfectly complement Baccarat’s crystal works, adding elegance to any dining setting. The Octogone Collection, inspired by Baccarat’s red octagonal tassel, introduces lacquered trays in three sizes. Each tray is handcrafted with a glossy finish and comes with a removable leather insert for added functionality. Available in seasonal colors, they pair with matching coasters to create a cohesive table set. 

Baccarat also reimagines its iconic designs as sculptural candles, such as the Harcourt Glass Candle, inspired by the 1841 Harcourt glass commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, and the Harcourt Candlestick Candle, now available in six colors. These pieces, along with the Octogone accessories, showcase Baccarat’s ability to modernize its heritage for both casual and formal occasions.  

Bodum

Founded in 1944 by Peter Bodum in Copenhagen, Bodum built its reputation on a clear mission: delivering quality coffee and tea solutions at accessible prices. Its guiding principle remains "form follows functionality".

For Bodum, coffee is more than a beverage; it represents a daily ritual. The Danish-Swiss kitchenware brand designs products that enhance this experience through practical innovation and clean aesthetics. The Bodum Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker, exclusive to MoMA, is a case in point. Users can program brewing up to 24 hours in advance. Its showerhead system ensures even water distribution, while an LED screen provides clear controls. The machine shuts off automatically after 25 minutes.

For espresso enthusiasts, the Bodum Chambord Stainless Steel Espresso Maker provides a classic Italian brewing experience. Made from high-quality stainless steel, it brews robust coffee in under two minutes on any stovetop. This MoMA edition features exclusive colours, combining utility with considered design. Both products are made in colours chosen exclusively for MoMA, and are available at the MoMA Design Store. 

While the brand is best known for its coffee and tea accessories, its tableware collection is equally impressive, offering minimalist pieces that cater to modern lifestyles. The hallmark of Bodum’s tableware lies in its use of high-quality materials like borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastics, ensuring durability while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Their glassware, for instance, features double-walled designs that not only keep beverages at their ideal temperature but also add a striking visual element to the table.   

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler, the celebrated interior designer renowned for her fearless use of color, pattern, and texture, brings her iconic aesthetic to the dining table with her tableware collections. Known for blending modern glamour with timeless artistry, her pieces transform everyday dining into a bold design experience.  

One standout collection is her collaboration with Belgian design house Serax. The Serax series features sculptural forms, high-contrast finishes, and hand-painted details that celebrate imperfection and individuality. With geometric patterns, organic shapes, and a rich interplay of materials, the collection feels both contemporary and timeless. Plates, bowls, and serving pieces from this line are perfect for those who appreciate a mix of artistry and functionality.