The Affordable Vintage Dinnerware Brand That You Can Find At The Thrift Store

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Spending a weekend on a thrifting expedition can be exciting, never knowing what treasures you may find. And it's easy to get distracted by the dishware aisle, with all those vintage pieces practically jumping in your cart. The problem is thrift stores these days know what they have when it comes to collectibles, and their pricing reflects that (looking at you, Goodwill). Fortunately, there is a vintage dinnerware collection that is still very reasonable in price and extremely collectable — Russel Wright's American Modern dinnerware.

Wright designed these pieces with his wife, Mary, for the average middle-class family by creating something that was not only stylish and modern, but practical and durable. This midcentury dinnerware line was produced from the 1930s to the 1950s and became the most popular dishware in U.S. history. Even though they were popular and stylish, they were also reasonably priced. And even today, they still hold that same balance of beauty and value for your money, making them the perfect collectible for any thrifter.

The American Modern dinnerware collection is known for its simple but modern aesthetic and its muted earthy-colored glazes, from soft grays to pinks, greens, and yellows — matching the color trends of the midcentury modern homes of the time. And unlike porcelain, these dishes were created for everyday use, which means you'll still be able to find them in good shape today. And like when they were first produced, this dinnerware is budget-friendly. So, if you're wandering the secondhand store dishware aisle and wondering what's worth grabbing and what isn't, remember this: Russel Wright dinnerware is one of those thrift store plates you should never pass over.

The biggest thing that sets the American Modern dinnerware collection apart from other vintage dishware lines is practicality. Ohio, the region where Wright created his dinnerware, was a powerhouse of ceramics and glass. But the American Modern collection was a direct response to the fussy, delicate, and even brightly colored dinnerware that others were putting out. Wright created something not many other companies had yet begun to do — a dinnerware set that was for the middle-class. It was family-friendly, perfect for everyday use, and stylish at the same time.

The durability and simplicity of these dishes are what make them still appealing to modern thrifters. And to this day they still have a very wallet-friendly price, making them the perfect collectible for those wanting vintage without breaking the bank. If you don't want to eat off of them you can always turn these vintage thrift store plates into beautiful bespoke decor, using them for wall displays or colorful dining room accents. While there are a lot of overpriced things you should never buy at the thrift store, the American Modern dinnerware line from Wright is not one of them. It's the perfect collectible for the thrifter who likes a good deal but also loves vintage Americana.