If you’re learning how to set a table and you’re in the market for new dinnerware, you have a heaping platterful of materials to choose from. There are the classics, such as steadfast favorites like ceramic. Then there are the lesser-known, but equally breathtaking options to consider serving your culinary creations on—such as melamine.
Melamine is a brilliant and sturdy material, but it’s not uncommon to wonder what it’s really made from. If you’re curious about this dazzlingly durable dinnerware option, pull up a seat at the table and get comfortable. In this article, we’re answering the question that will be on everyone’s mind once they see your delightful new dishes: what is melamine?
What is Melamine: A Multi-Use Material
Melamine is a chemical that goes by many different monikers (with over 100 recognized scientific and branded names worldwide). Whatever you decide to call it, however, this magical material has as many uses as it does nicknames.
Melamine resin is a synthesized material used in the production of a variety of household and industrial goods, including:
- Various plastics
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Food packaging
- Industrial coatings
- Wood grain/wood veneer
While one could spend a multi-course meal (and dessert) discussing melamine’s multiple uses, its presence in tableware is what’s most important to us.
We know what you’re thinking: how can one material be used to make both paper and plates (without being a paper plate)? Is it magic?
No, it’s simply the science of contemporary manufacturing.
How Melamine Tableware is Produced
Melamine itself is a white, powdery substance akin to salt or flour once it makes its way out of the lab. While it may be the namesake of the kitchenware it goes into, melamine is merely one ingredient needed to craft dishes that endure.
To make melamine tableware and melamine dishware, manufacturers:
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Mix melamine powder with other materials (mostly plastics) to create a compound for molding.
- Press the melamine compound into the bottom of a heated mold.
- Lower the top half of the mold onto the compound with extreme force until it forges the melamine plates into the desired shape.
- Embellish the piece with a design by overlaying it with a paper pattern and sprinkling glazing powder atop.
- Compress it into the mold one more time until the material fully sets and the glaze hardens.
- Trim off any excess paper or bits of the synthetic resin, inspect the piece for imperfections and ship it off to the market.
The process is fairly standard for the production of melamine dishes, but the results are anything but ordinary, for these decorative, plastic products.
The Many Benefits of Melamine Dinnerware
Now you know how melamine is made—so, why should you consider setting the table with melamine dinnerware? The range of attractive attributes melamine dishes comes with makes it an ideal option for everyday use and special occasions alike:
- It’s safe to eat from – If food safety is your concern, worry not; even a lifetime of dining off properly produced melamine plates will cause no harm. The Food and Drug Administration reports that melamine contamination or melamine poisoning is not something one should worry about, as long you’re not ingesting the plate (or pieces of it) itself.
- It’s dishwasher safe – Melamine dinnerware offers another advantage when it’s time to clean up: you can safely wash them in your dishwasher. One small caveat about melamine tableware, however, is that you should never place it in the microwave,. or for that matter, the oven. While melamine wares can withstand the heat inside a dishwasher, it is not recommended to expose them to extreme temperatures.
- It’s incredibly durable – Melamine is one of the most durable materials used in crafting kitchenware. Melamine plates are shatterproof, scratch-resistant, and incredibly long-lasting. When you purchase a premium melamine dish set for your home, you can be sure it will accompany you during busy breakfasts, lackadaisical lunches, and divine dinners for years to come.
- It comes in many stunning and artisanal designs – As part of the manufacturing process described above, melamine resin lends itself to an endless range of unique designs like those you might see in china patterns. Through the molding process, melamine plastic can even be shaped into interesting organic designs, not unlike ceramics.
- Lightweight – While melamine dinnerware can come in varying weights, most are delightfully lightweight—especially when compared with ceramic or glass. This can be especially advantageous if you’re looking for a chic option for dining outdoors or simply want a lighter set for your daily meals.
Why Choose Melamine Over Other Tableware Materials?
If you’ve ever wondered why melamine dinnerware is such a popular choice, the answer lies in its smart combination of form, function, and durability. Unlike traditional ceramic or glass dinnerware, melamine offers a more resilient, lightweight, and shatter-resistant option—perfect for modern lifestyles.
Made from melamine plastic and durable resin, this material mimics the look of fine tableware without the risk of chips and cracks. That makes it especially useful in busy homes, outdoor dining spaces, and even for use around kids or in vacation homes. While plastic tableware may seem like a similar option, melamine products provide a far more refined appearance and sturdier feel.
Melamine also comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles—offering everything from minimalist neutrals to artistic, patterned designs that resemble hand-glazed ceramics. You can find melamine bowls, melamine plates, and full melamine dishware sets that look beautiful on any table, from casual brunch to an alfresco dinner party.
When compared to other materials, melamine strikes the perfect balance between everyday usability and elevated design. For those who want practical dinnerware without sacrificing style, it’s easy to see why melamine continues to be a favorite in kitchens and on registries around the world.
Dine on Magnificent Melamine Dinnerware from Lenox
Whether you're looking for melamine bowls or eye-catching decorative plates, there’s no shortage of beautiful and practical options to choose from. Melamine dishware is not only durable and dazzling but, pound for pound, it’s an exceptional bang for your buck—especially considering its longevity.
Lenox supplies top-of-the-line, quality melamine dishes that are a cut above the industry standard. With over 130 years in business, it’s no surprise that customers choose breathtaking pieces from Lenox time and time again.
From the classic to the modern to the ethereally timeless, we have a melamine dish to suit everyone’s individual aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for a modern dish set that’s as refined and breathtaking as the scrumptious meals you place atop it, choose Lenox.
