Small Space Solutions: Curating a Versatile Dish Collection for Modern Living
Most people feel that they don’t have enough space at home based on recent surveys. While this issue can spread to any room, the kitchen seems to be many people’s main problem area. They just don’t have enough square footage in their kitchen to hold all the items they use for cooking, serving, and entertaining. That leaves them with kitchen essentials and accessories spilling out of their cabinets, cluttering up their countertops, and even taking up space in their floors.
Making the Best Use of Limited Space
Making the best use of the space you have is the key to having a neat, organized, user-friendly kitchen. That’s the case whether you’ve amassed a broader selection of gadgets and tools than you planned, you have an unusually small kitchen, or you simply don’t have enough storage space to meet your needs. Certain measures can help you minimize clutter, free up counter space, and keep your kitchen from getting out of hand.
For some people, the first and most effective step here is to get rid of non-essential items and all the gadgets they barely use. For others, simply finding better ways to stack and store their kitchen accessories is a better alternative. Of course, if space is extremely limited, you may feel that you’re already working with the bare minimum as it is. For you, having a more versatile collection of dishes may solve your small space woes, and melamine dinnerware may be just the answer you’re looking for.
What Are the Advantages of Melamine Dinnerware?
At this point, you may be wondering why melamine dishes may be the best option. What makes them so special? Melamine dinnerware offers several advantages over other types of dishes.
Versatility
One of the main benefits of melamine dishes is their versatility. They come in several varieties, patterns, and colors, so you can easily find versions that meet your needs whether you want basic plates and bowls, divided dishes, or serveware. You’ll also be able to find sets that meld with your style and kitchen decor.
Quality and Aesthetic Appeal
Another fantastic feature of melamine is its quality as long as you get it from the right supplier. High-quality melamine is beautiful, and it’ll maintain its appearance no matter how often you use it. Unlike plastic, it’s not cheap and flimsy. It’s as hardy and aesthetically appealing as glass, ceramic, and stoneware but much lighter and more durable.
Easy Cleanup
Melamine dinnerware is also easy to clean. It’s dishwasher safe, so you won’t have to worry about setting it aside and washing it by hand after every meal. It won’t fade or warp from being exposed to the detergent, heat, and pressure of the dishwasher the way some dishes can, either. At the same time, it’s non-porous, so foods like spaghetti sauce, mustard, turmeric, blueberries, and beets won’t leave behind unsightly stains on it.
Strong and Long-Lasting
Additionally, melamine dishes are strong and long-lasting. They won’t chip if they’re handled a bit too roughly or shatter if they’re dropped. They can handle both heat and cold and come out none the worse for wear. They can last for decades even through constant use. That means you won’t have to replace them every few months or even every few years.
How Melamine Can Help You Maximize Your Kitchen Space
Considering all those advantages, melamine dinnerware can be a wonderful addition to any kitchen. How do those benefits tie into maximizing space in your kitchen, though? They actually have numerous connections.
Consolidating Your Dishes
For one, the quality and beauty of melamine dishes make them suitable for all occasions. You can use them for everyday meals as well as holiday gatherings, dinner parties, and other events. Many people have one set of dishes for everyday use and another for special occasions. Some even have multiple sets of dinnerware for various holidays and celebrations.
With the right collection of melamine dishes, you won’t need a different set for every affair. Since they’re virtually unbreakable, you can even use them outdoors for picnics or dinners on your balcony. Having a single set of dinnerware that works for practically any occasion can save a great deal of space in your kitchen in its own right.
Multi-Purpose Pieces
Beyond the variety of dishes, colors, and patterns that’s available, many melamine pieces can serve multiple purposes. For example, larger plates can be used as serving platters. You can turn bowls upside down and use them as pedestals for other dishes to elevate your dinner presentations in both the physical and metaphorical sense.
Divided plates and bowls can be used for both eating and serving. Those are only a few of the possibilities. By adding multi-purpose pieces to your dinnerware collection and finding different uses for basic pieces, you won’t need many of the extras that ultimately do little more than take up space until a special occasion rolls around.
Stackability and Simple Storage
Furthermore, melamine dishes are extremely lightweight, especially when compared to other high-quality alternatives, like glass and stoneware. That makes storing them simple. If you have little space in your cabinets, you can add a couple of shelves to an unused area of your kitchen wall for storing your dinnerware without worrying about the weight of the dishes pulling them down. You can even store melamine dishes on top of your microwave or another small appliance.
Being sure to choose stackable dishes will save even more space. Most sets are designed for nesting, so they stack easily and securely. If you’re curating your own set, consider choosing rimless or low-rim plates. Stack smaller bowls inside larger ones. Place divided plates and bowls on top of stacks of flat ones if possible. Keep in mind that if you have a hutch or china cabinet, melamine dinnerware is attractive enough to put on display in it, so you may not need to put it in your kitchen cabinets or install extra shelving for it.
Curating the Perfect Set of Melamine Dinnerware
If you’re hoping to curate a collection of melamine dishes that dovetails with your decor and works for both everyday use and special occasions, consider muted patterns and neutral colors like black and white. You can mix and match colors and patterns for more variety as well. Another option would be to choose an elegant pattern like Indigo Floral and pair it with solid blue or black pieces.
Overall, creating the perfect set of melamine dinnerware entails having the right basic components, including dinner plates, side plates, and bowls. Those standard pieces can be used in multiple ways, which may eliminate the need for space-consuming extras. Of course, there’s no harm in venturing beyond the basics and adding serveware and other pieces to your collection.
Saving Space Without Making Sacrifices
High-quality melamine dinnerware is a perfect solution for people who have limited space. It’s beautiful and versatile. It’s durable enough for everyday use and attractive enough for special occasions. With the right pieces, you won’t need multiple sets of dishes and accessories. A single set can serve all your needs while taking up minimal space in your kitchen.
