The 10 Best Teacup and Saucer Sets for Your Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Teacups and saucers have taken shape from stoneware since the earliest teacups came out of China centuries ago. Over time, distinct teacup designs came from India, Japan, and Turkey, while bone china and Limoges porcelain were developed much later in England and France, respectively, and became fashionable.

“There was a time in history when the teacup you served guests reflected your social status,” says Marco Laura, who leads the seasonal tea service at New York City’s Baccarat Hotel as its food and beverage manager. “Teacups can be collectibles or family heirlooms, hence the numbers on the bottom of the cup that identify more about the product, including when it was made, who made it, and potentially how many were created.”

While drinking tea has become more casual, it still deserves a better vessel than a coffee mug. Read on to learn more about the whys and hows and for our full list of the best teacups and saucer sets.

Best Overall: BTaT Floral Teacups and Saucers

Pros: Each cup features a unique design and floral motif. 

Cons: These cannot be placed in the microwave.

Looking for a solid set of teacups and saucers? We recommend this set of eight 8-ounce porcelain teacups and saucers from BTaT that will steal the spotlight at your next afternoon tea. Each cup and saucer is unique, in pastel shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow, and embellished with a floral motif. Gold trim on the rim and base of the cup, plus on the plate, round out the design. Gold-trimmed pieces are not microwave-safe, but you can wash them in the dishwasher.

Price at time of publish: $55

• Capacity: 8 ounces
• Material: Porcelain
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Value: PULCHRITUDIE Fine China White Teacup and Saucer Set

Pros: This classic white set is affordable, versatile, and microwave- and dishwasher-safe. 

Cons: These cups are only available as a set of four.

Your tea doesn’t have to be served in something expensive to be enjoyable. This set of four white teacups and saucers offers excellent value for its quality and price. The scalloped detailing on the saucers and near the base of the cup provides a touch of elegance often found in higher-end sets. If you prefer a floral print over plain white teacups, there are three additional options: multicolor floral, light pink floral, and light green floral, available to choose from. Made of lightweight-yet-durable porcelain, these cups and saucers are safe for microwave to reheat your drink and for the dishwasher to clean thoroughly.

Price at time of publish: $23

• Capacity: 7 ounces
• Material: Porcelain
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Splurge: Wedgwood Renaissance Gold Teacups and Saucers Set

Pros: Wedgwood is known for its quality and intricate designs.

Cons: These teacups are dishwasher-safe, but you must be careful when washing them to protect them from scratches.

Turn your everyday cup of tea into something glamorous with this set of two teacups and saucers from Wedgwood (considered the standard of English porcelain since 1759). Made of fine bone china and a hand-lined 22k gold band, the classic cameo motifs in navy with intricate gold detailing are timeless and perfect for any occasion. Complete the set with the remainder of Wedgwood’s Renaissance Gold Dinnerware collection. These are dishwasher-safe pieces, but we recommend handwashing them to maintain the quality over time and prevent scratches and chips.

Price at time of publish: $186

• Capacity: 7.5 ounces
• Material: Fine bone china
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Porcelain: Pillivuyt Coupe Porcelain Teacups and Saucers

Pros: Pillivuyt is known for its high-quality porcelain.

Cons: The design is simple and does not feature any special touches.

The French-based company, Pillivuyt, has been manufacturing high-quality porcelain pieces for over two centuries, and these coupe teacups and saucers are no exception. The solid white cups and saucers have a coupe design fit for everyday use and special events. The high-fired and commercial-grade porcelain is extremely durable, making the pieces safe for the microwave, dishwasher, and even the oven or freezer. The brand limits waste by reusing heat from the kilns and recycling raw materials and water when possible. Purchase as a set of four, or start with just one cup and saucer. 

Price at time of publish: $108

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: Porcelain
• Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Best Ceramic: Sheskind Ceramic Cup With Saucer

Pros: The cups have a flat top and are stackable for easy storage. 

Cons: These are only available for individual purchase, not sold as a set.

Enjoy a hot of your favorite tea from these aesthetically pleasing ceramic cups. They are lightweight but sturdy, feature a modern design, and are available in four color options: pink, beige, blue, and white. The flat rim on the cups allows for easy stacking in your cabinet, so they won’t take up too much space. Unfortunately, they don’t come as a set, but you can mix and match the colors to create your own collection.

Price at time of publish: $13

• Capacity: 8.5 ounces
• Material: Ceramic
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Glass: Gezzeny Vintage Mugs

Pros: There are two gold spoons are included with your purchase. 

Cons: It’s not microwave- or dishwasher-safe.

This set of two cups and saucers is available in multiple lead-free glass colors, and each set includes two spoons for stirring in cream and sugar. If your tea gets cold before you can fully enjoy it, keep in mind that this is not a microwave-safe option. Cleaning them in the dishwasher is also not recommended, so be prepared to hand-wash them after each use. But don’t limit yourself to just enjoying tea out of these cups: Use them for yogurt, coffee, oatmeal, and even dessert.

Price at time of publish: $33

• Capacity: 14 ounces
• Material: Glass
• Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Modern: Blomus Pilar Ceramic Teacup

Pros: They are stackable in your cabinets if you are short on space.

Cons: These cups only hold 6 ounces.

Blomus manufactures high-quality stoneware pieces from quartz, clay, and minerals like calcite. The matte exterior finish is modern yet understated, and the glazed interior makes handwashing a breeze. The low, wide diameter of the cups will cool your hot drink down quicker than a cup with a narrow opening. But since these cups only hold 6 ounces each, be prepared to refill from your kettle as needed. Choose from four neutral colors, including cream and dark gray. 

Price at time of publish: $43

• Capacity: 6 ounces
• Material: Stoneware
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Japanese-Style: LOVE LOVE JAPAN Japanese Teacup With Bamboo Coaster

Pros: The unique design sets this tea set apart from others.

Cons: These do not have handles, so you might need to wait for your drink to cool down.

Traditional Japanese yunomi cups are tall teacups with no handles and are designed to be held by both hands. The ribbed texture on the outside makes these comfortable to grip, even when enjoying a hot cup of tea. Yunomi cups are best used for daily tea drinking, while chawan tea bowls are used during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

These are available as a set of two, with each 10-ounce cup featuring a unique black-and-white design. Instead of a matching saucer, they come with bamboo coasters. They are microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy heating and cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $25

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: Porcelain
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Vintage: Vintage Afternoon Tea Sets

Pros: These patterns and designs are more unique than what you might find in a store.

Cons: It may be harder to put together a large matching set.

Don’t have the time to search at the antique store for something vintage? Look no further than Etsy, which has plenty of available listings for vintage teacup and saucer sets. This option features a selection of matching (or mismatched) cups and saucers made of bone china from England. Available brands include Royal Albert, Delphine, Windsor, Melba, Royal Vale, and more. If you have a special request for your cup shape, design, or color, send the seller a message to see if they are able to accommodate your wants. Otherwise, the capacity of each cup and dishwasher- and microwave-safe status may not be known until your cup arrives.

Price at time of publish: $28

• Capacity: Varies by item
• Material: Bone china
• Dishwasher Safe: Varies by item
  

Best Set: PUKKA Home Porcelain British Royal Tea Set

Pros: This set comes with everything you need for an elegant tea. 

Cons: The display stand in the photo is not included in your purchase.  

This set is available in seven colors and includes six teacups, six saucers, six teaspoons, a teapot, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, and a stainless steel tea strainer. No matter which color you choose, each piece has a fine gold trim that looks high-end for less than $80. Not only is this set functional, but it also serves as a decor piece that will look beautiful in your dining room. Made of durable porcelain, the entire set is dishwasher-safe but should not be placed in the microwave.

Price at time of publish: $76

• Capacity: 8 ounces
• Material: Porcelain
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Our Favorite 

Our favorite teacups and saucers, the BTaTFloral Teacups and Saucers, are a unique and colorful set of eight with a floral motif. The Blomus Pilar Ceramic Teacup, our best modern pick, is a sleek and matte option.

Factors to Consider

Material

Bone china and other delicate porcelains are relatively durable under the right circumstances.  Extreme temperature changes or liquids heated above boiling can be harmful. The best way to ensure your set doesn’t crack is by filling the cup with warm water as the tea steeps in the kettle. That way, when you pour the tea into the cup, it’s already at a warm temperature and won’t be shocked by the hot liquid. Thicker ceramic teacups are less likely to crack, but you’ll still want to be gentle with them whenever possible. Any teacup or saucer with gold trim should never go in the microwave.

Storing

While bone china plates and tea sets are glazed and fired to resist damage, try not to store them stacked. They may grate against each other, causing tiny scratches in the glaze. Delicate cups or mugs should be allowed to dry completely before storing and not be hung from a cup hook, which may weaken the handle.

Care and Cleaning

To ensure the longevity of a tea set, rinse soon after use to remove any residue, and never use abrasive detergents or sponges. Most bone china or porcelain dishes are dishwasher-safe but stick to the gentle cycle and a lower water temperature. Be sure to place them far away from any metal cutlery, as they can cause scratches or chips.

Q+A

How do I remove tea stains from teacups?

“The best way to remove stains at home is to use baking soda and a soft sponge and gently scrub inside and around the edges of the teacup,” says Laura.

How do I display teacups?

For tabletop use, display teacups “on a matching saucer with the handle at a three o’clock position, and a small teaspoon resting on the saucer,” says Laura. When not in use, consider displaying teacups in a china cabinet, on open shelves, in a hutch, or on a floating shelf (even dedicating a shelf to showing off your collection). 

How should I choose a tea set?

“This is completely a matter of personal preference,” says Laura. “I recommend considering the preferred material for the cup, be it bone china, porcelain, glass, clay, etc. Of course, price is often a factor when deciding which type of set to buy, as they can range in price from $20 to thousands of dollars.”

What sort of tea is best for which pot or cup style?

“For white, herbal, and green, it's best to use thinner-walled glass or a porcelain pot to not burn the leaves,” Laura says. “Also, you may want to consider a teapot with a wide opening to observe the expansion and color of the leaves, and therefore adjust the steeping time according to your preference. For black teas and oolongs, you can use unglazed ceramic, and depending on the size of the leaves, an infuser basket or sachet might be needed to catch the smaller pieces.”

Our Expertise

Alissa Fitzgerald is a chef, recipe developer, and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the food industry. For this piece, she interviewed Marco Laura, Food & Beverage Manager of the Baccarat Hotel, to find out what the pros look for in teacups and saucers. She then used their insights, market research, and her own expertise to curate this list.

Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. She updated this article based on current market research.