English Ironstone China | Lovely Dinnerware

Ironstone dinnerware lends a warm and homey feel to your home dinnerware collection. Much of this is English china. Traditional, cottage and romantic styles all can benefit from using ironstone china as part of your table setting.

Much of this dinnerware was made in England, particularly in Staffordshire, going back to the 1840s. It provided a rising Middle Class with beautiful, durable and affordable china, in classic shapes. Ironstone china has retained its popularity among people who use and collect dinnerware.

Ironstone was also made in America and other places. The pieces shown in the collage are all vintage English ironstone, made by Alfred Meakin, J&G Meakin and Adams.

Ironstone dinnerware is finer than stoneware, but not as fine as porcelain. More modern ironstone is usually creamy white, sometimes with color transfer motifs. Older, antique wares are often a stark white, blue or grayish white.

You can create lovely traditional table settings, as well as cottage and romantic themes -- with some carefully chosen ironstone wares.

Photo by kimbesa