For lovers of elegant tableware, Royal Doulton is a household name. This iconic British brand is celebrated for its timeless fine porcelain and bone china, making any meal feel like a special occasion with its sophisticated patterns and masterful craftsmanship.
But when you're looking to expand your collection or find a similar style with a slightly different twist, there are plenty of other incredible brands that share Royal Doulton's passion for quality and design. Whether you want something more modern, wonderfully classic, or playfully unique, here are 18 brands that deliver exceptional elegance for your table.
1. Wedgwood
A true titan of British ceramics, Wedgwood is renowned for its high-quality porcelain and bone china, featuring iconic patterns like the famous blue Jasperware. Their pieces offer a similar level of craftsmanship and tradition as Royal Doulton, often adorned with detailed floral motifs and delicate gold accents that bring a sense of historical grandeur to the table.
While both brands represent heritage luxury, Wedgwood’s style often leans slightly more ornate and decorative. It’s the perfect choice for those who love beautifully detailed, versatile dinnerware that feels both timeless and impressive for formal gatherings.
Shop now at wedgwood.com
2. Spode
Spode is another historic British brand, beloved for its distinctive blue and white patterns like the iconic Blue Italian collection. Like Royal Doulton, Spode creates elegant, high-quality porcelain tableware, but it carves out its niche with uniquely charming and recognizable heritage designs.
What sets Spode apart is its ability to blend tradition with everyday usability. While you can certainly set a formal table with it, many of their patterns, particularly the beloved Christmas Tree collection, bring a more relaxed yet still refined charm to daily meals.
Shop now at spode.co.uk
3. Noritake
As a leading Japanese brand, Noritake excels at blending Eastern craftsmanship with classic Western design. They offer an extensive range of premium porcelain and fine dinnerware, with intricate detailing and incredibly durable finishes that rival Royal Doulton's own quality standards.
Noritake's key differentiator is its incredible versatility and innovative glaze techniques. Whether you're looking for a simple, elegant white set or a more ornate patterned collection, Noritake delivers sophistication that can easily transition from everyday meals to formal dinner parties.
Shop now at noritakechina.com
4. Herend
If you're seeking tableware that is pure art, look no further than Herend. This Hungarian porcelain brand is famous for its exquisitely hand-painted designs, featuring intricate floral and nature motifs often finished with 24k gold. Each piece is a testament to incredible artisanal skill.
While Royal Doulton represents accessible luxury, Herend is decidedly more exclusive and opulent, with many pieces considered collector's items. If you love the craftsmanship of Royal Doulton but are ready for an heirloom piece that truly makes a statement, Herend is the pinnacle of decorative tableware.
Shop now at herend.com
5. Villeroy & Boch
This German brand is a master of versatility, offering everything from classic bone china to durable everyday porcelain. With collections ranging from the rustic charm of French Garden to the modern minimalism of New Wave, they cater to a huge spectrum of tastes, much like Royal Doulton.
Villeroy & Boch's standout feature is its ability to blend beautiful design with practical durability, making it perfect for families who appreciate fine things but need them to withstand daily life. They share Royal Doulton's commitment to quality but offer a wider array of contemporary and casual styles.
Shop now at villeroy-boch.com
6. Mikasa
Mikasa has built a reputation for offering affordable luxury. This American brand specializes in elegant dinnerware, glassware, and flatware that perfectly balances traditional and contemporary influences. They offer high-quality porcelain and bone china that compares to Royal Doulton in style but often at a more accessible price point.
Known for simple yet sophisticated patterns, Mikasa is a fantastic option if you're looking to invest in your first fine dinnerware set or want to elevate your everyday table without a massive financial commitment. It delivers on elegance and quality for modern living.
Shop now at mikasa.com
7. Lenox
A beloved American brand, Lenox is a go-to for fine china that combines classic elegance with fresh, modern touches. Many of their patterns feature platinum or gold accents, making them a popular choice for wedding registries and heirloom collections, similar to Royal Doulton.
Lenox's strength lies in its vast and versatile collections, suiting both formal galas and cozy family dinners. While maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship, it often feels slightly more approachable and contemporary than its British counterparts.
Shop now at lenox.com
8. Hutschenreuther
Hutschenreuther is a German porcelain brand now under the Rosenthal umbrella, renowned for its finely crafted tableware and ornate details. Known for intricate hand-painted designs, particularly famous blue and white onion patterns, their pieces carry an artistic, heirloom quality that is sure to appeal to Royal Doulton collectors.
What makes Hutschenreuther special is its commitment to elaborate, decorative styles that feel straight out of a European fairytale. Their collections are perfect for those who see their tableware not just as functional items, but as pieces of art to be cherished and displayed.
Shop now at rosenthal.de/en/hutschenreuther
9. Lladró
While best known for its iconic porcelain figurines, the Spanish brand Lladró also crafts elegant and artistic dinnerware. Their collections embody the same delicate, romantic aesthetic as their sculptures, featuring soft motifs and a luxurious, handcrafted feel.
Compared to Royal Doulton's more traditional tableware, Lladró's offerings feel more like functional art. If you appreciate fine porcelain for its aesthetic beauty and want pieces that serve as conversation starters, Lladró offers a unique and high-end alternative.
Shop now at lladro.com
10. Denby
For those who love British craftsmanship but need something more suitable for the rigors of daily use, Denby is the perfect fit. This brand specializes in beautiful and exceptionally durable stoneware, with beloved collections like Imperial Blue and Halo that are designed to last a lifetime.
While Royal Doulton is the choice for fine china, Denby is the champion of stylish everyday resilience. It’s ideal for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on beauty but values chip-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe practicality.
Shop now at denbypottery.com
11. Emma Bridgewater
If Royal Doulton is classic elegance, Emma Bridgewater is its cheerful, whimsical cousin. This British pottery brand is famous for its handcrafted earthenware adorned with bold, cozy patterns like polka dots, hearts, and florals, evoking a charming, 'cottagecore' vibe.
Each piece is designed to bring joy to the kitchen table. While it's a dramatic departure from Royal Doulton's formality, it's a perfect choice for those who love British-made quality and want to inject a dose of personality and playfulness into their daily meals.
Shop now at emmabridgewater.co.uk
12. Royal Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen carries the same level of prestige as Royal Doulton but with a distinctively Danish sensibility. This historic brand is renowned for its crisp, hand-painted blue and white patterns, bringing Scandinavian minimalism and meticulous craftsmanship to every piece.
Where Royal Doulton often leans into classic English design, Royal Copenhagen offers a more understated, clean elegance. It is the ideal brand for minimalists who appreciate heritage, artistry, and the timeless appeal of blue-and-white porcelain.
Shop now at royalcopenhagen.com
13. Portmeirion
Another treasured name in British pottery, Portmeirion is most famous for its iconic Botanic Garden collection, featuring detailed botanical illustrations that bring a touch of the English countryside to the table. Their tableware is celebrated for its blend of beauty and durability.
Portmeirion shares a commitment to quality with Royal Doulton but offers a more nature-inspired, slightly rustic elegance. It’s perfect for those who want their table to feel classic, enchanting, and connected to the outdoors.
Shop now at portmeirion.com
14. Churchill China
Originally focused on the hospitality industry, Churchill China is lauded for producing incredibly durable and functional dinnerware. While built to withstand the demands of a professional kitchen, their elegant home collections offer excellent quality at an affordable price.
If you're looking for the refined aesthetic of fine English china but prioritize practicality and resilience above all else, Churchill is an unbeatable choice. It's the go-to for building a beautiful yet super-sturdy tableware collection for your home.
Shop now at churchillchina.com
15. Mason Cash
Known for its iconic cane-colored mixing bowls, Mason Cash also produces charming stoneware tableware with a wonderful sense of rustic, homespun style. Their pieces evoke a feeling of country-chic and casual comfort that is both timeless and inviting.
While Royal Doulton represents formal tradition, Mason Cash crafts the kind of unfussy, beautifully made tableware that feels perfect for a cozy Sunday brunch or afternoon tea. If you appreciate classic British brands with a more relaxed, heritage-kitchen feel, this is your brand.
Shop now at masoncash.co.uk
16. Gien
This French company is celebrated for its exquisite faience (tin-glazed earthenware), hand-finished with vibrant and intricately painted designs. Gien’s collections often feature floral, animal, and scenic motifs that blend artistry and function beautifully.
Compared to the fine bone china of Royal Doulton, Gien offers a more artistic and distinctly French countryside aesthetic. It's a fantastic alternative for those who love color, detailed patterns, and tableware that tells a story.
Shop now at gien.com
17. Rosenthal
Rosenthal is a premier German porcelain brand that pushes the boundaries between tradition and modernity. It shares Royal Doulton's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship but is known for its collaborations with world-renowned designers and artists, resulting in more contemporary, fashion-forward pieces.
If you appreciate the luxury of fine porcelain but your personal style leans more towards avant-garde and modern design, Rosenthal is the perfect brand to explore. Look for their collections with Versace for an exceptionally bold statement.
Shop now at rosenthal.de/en/
18. Kate Spade New York
Bringing its signature playful chic from handbags to the dining table, Kate Spade New York offers whimsical and stylish dinnerware. The collections are filled with polka dots, charming illustrations, and pops of color for a distinctly fun and modern feel.
This brand is the style opposite of Royal Doulton's traditional aesthetic. It's the perfect choice for hosts who want their table settings to feel bright, fashionable, and full of personality for everyday brunches and lively dinner parties.
Shop now at katespade.com/collections/dining
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