Why Cobalt Blue Tableware Will Always Be in Style

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This rich shade has been a staple in porcelain and dinnerware for centuries.

Blue has always held a noble place on the table in the form of porcelain, glassware, and tabletop accessories—but its importance and history have long been overlooked. Blue tableware can be traced all the way back to the Tang dynasty in China, where cobalt imported from Persia would be ground and used to make a vibrant blue pigment for pottery and porcelain. The rich cobalt color that decorates these ceramics in the forms of landscapes, floral patterns, and mystical creatures became a mainstay in the craft. While the techniques and types of cobalt ore changed over time, the allure of these dishes, vases, and other ceramics only grew in popularity and eventually made its way to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Julie Robbins, product specialist at Replacements, notes that blue and white porcelain remains just as popular today, saying, "It simultaneously feels both historic and fresh." She further adds, "Cobalt is cool and soothing, but the contrast of intense blue and crisp white is exhilarating."

Not to mention, VERANDA's 2025 Color of the Year is Cosmic Cobalt, a celestial shade that sparkles with dramatic elegance. We predict this rich and storied hue will only gain popularity in the coming years. Though the pairing of blue and white will always be in style, there's still a plethora of fresh ways to work Cosmic Cobalt into your tablescape that turn dinner into an electrifying experience. You can take a note from Martyn Lawerence Bullard, who often incorporates cobalt blue glasses to add a striking moment to the table. He says, "They pair so well with so many of my dinner sets and always add instant glamour to whatever setting I design."

Looking to take more of a risk at your next dinner party? Robbins suggests pairing your Cosmic Cobalt dinnerware with juicy orange accents. She says, "Orange sits directly across the color wheel from blue, so you get maximum contrast and drama. This is especially great in the fall, when you can incorporate seasonal elements like autumn leaves and pumpkins."

For further inspiration, we gathered a list of the most stunning blue tableware that embraces both the color and personality of Cosmic Cobalt. These picks from design experts and editors prove why cobalt is the ultimate investment color.

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You can never go wrong by investing in a timeless blue and white china pattern. Robbins notes that many popular patterns today, "still show motifs from the Chinese originals that inspired them." This earthenware from the Johnson Brothers is an interpretation the iconic Blue Willow pattern that pulls inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs. The traditional dinnerware can be used to elevate more laid-back affairs or as the star of a formal tablescape.

Designer Noz Nozawa says she absolutely adores dinnerware with cobalt patterns, like these Maison Madison stunners on her wishlist. She believes that cobalt can make different types of food stand out more.

She explains, "I suspect that because so many foods are in warm tones or greens, from tomato reds to beet purples to brown proteins, the contrast of cobalt on the dinner plate is quite beautiful!"

Cosmic Cobalt accents, such as bud vases and candleholders, also make a major impact when scattered around the table. New York-based decorator Nick Olsen can see a dinner party where he'd "love to use lots of cobalt bud vases with acid green spider mums scattered down a long table."

These bulb vases handmade by a Vermont glassblower brighten up the entire room with their dark cobalt and striking shape.

The hand-painted lily of the valley details on these charming placemats bring cobalt to the table without overpowering it. Pair them with light yellow dishes and golden ranunculus for a playful summer brunch.

Designer Joy Moyler always reaches for Saint Louis glasses during dinner parties as they "add sparkle" to the table setting. These old-fashioned glasses feel refreshingly contemporary thanks to the vibrancy of the cobalt glass and shape.

Play up the daring blue and orange pairing in a subtle way with these printed linens from La Double J. Each napkin is made in collaboration with Mascioni with a soft linen that's not prone to wrinkling. Mix with antique silverware and china for the ultimate layered and sophisticated look.

This hand-painted serving bowl brings a painterly touch to the table with its washes of cobalt. Each bowl is handmade in Egypt from clay found on the banks of the Nile River. It's then fired in a kiln and hand-painted with Matisse-inspired motifs.

Designer Garrow Kedigian believes that cobalt is the perfect color for stemware because it stands out in both minimal and maximalist settings. He says, "I have a set of cut crystal cobalt blue wine glasses that make an appearance on special occasions, and they are always a conversation starter!” These vintage goblets are not only beautiful, but they also enhance the taste of the wine with their pristine cut crystal design.

Dessert has never been sweeter than when it's served on Estelle Colored Glass' Cosmic Cobalt stand. When it's not holding cake, this stand can also be used for displaying a vibrant citrus arrangement or a flowering vine centerpiece.

Tiny bowls can play a big role in making a table look beautiful by holding various items and adding a pop of color or pattern. These hand-blown bowls from Nason Moretti stand out with their unique hot-engraved weave, achieved using a complex balloton technique.

Cosmic Cobalt takes a dip into the deep sea with this breathtaking antique oyster plate. The rare French Sarreguemines plate makes hors d'oeuvres hour more lively with its unique dark blue glaze.

Inspired by the classic pinched designs of Winslow Anderson, this Blenko pitcher lends an organic touch to the table setting. Each pitcher is handmade by artisans in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, meaning no two pieces look exactly the same.

Evoke the ethereal nature of Cosmic Cobalt by bringing the night sky onto your table in the form of gorgeous linens. Bright white stars look as though they are twinkling against the blue linen background of this Summerill & Bishop's tablecloth. There are even matching napkins for those ready to host a zodiac-themed party.

You should always include an element of surprise in a tablescape to add humor and whimsy to the event. Dallas-based decorator Jan Shower achieves this with cobalt Murano glass, like this one from Chairish. She explains, "I have some amazing cobalt Murano cockatoos and use them alongside a grouping of Murano parrots surrounded by flowers."

Everything looks better in a glow—especially when the glow comes from cobalt tapers and candle holders. The two-toned holder from Bacche di Ginepro provides just the right amount of a cobalt accent without overpowering elements around it.

Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, where she manages the brand's social media and video strategy. She also writes and edits stories each month, covering topics such as design, architecture, art, gardens, travel, trends, wine, and spirits. Prior to joining VERANDA, she earned her Master's Degree in Magazine, Newspaper, and Online Journalism at Syracuse University. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, jewelry making, and volunteering at the Desert Island Supply Co.

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