Comparing The Classic Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Plates To The Hobby Lobby Dupe

Do you have an eye for antiques, or are you simply someone who's drawn to kitschy vintage-inspired dishware? If so, you probably already know to keep your eyes peeled for vintage dishware brands to bring retro charm to your kitchen. But if you need to bring this vibe on a budget, it doesn't hurt to consider dupes. Luckily, if you're a fan of the highly-sought after Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Plates, you don't have to pay a pretty penny to add their fun, vintage flair to your kitchen. The Cabbage Plate at Hobby Lobby is an adorable, visually comparable dupe, and for $11.99, it's perfect for fans of leaf-embossed dishware or just for adding to the whimsical spring season. Of course, there are some key differences, other than the price — the craftsmanship being one.

The manufacturing of Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates goes as far back as the 1800s in Portugal, but it remains popular today — and it's easy to see why. Beloved for its unique, iconic craftsmanship, the vegetable-inspired ceramic dish is well-respected in the antique community for its intricate, handmade, and hand-painted textures, which prove that the popular kitchenware was way ahead of its time. Hobby Lobby's fun dupe definitely understood that the decades-old tableware is making a trendy comeback in kitchens. But how does the dupe compare to the real thing, and is it worth adding to your cart? To decide whether to take home the affordable replica, there are some things to consider.

Obviously, Hobby Lobby's cabbage dupe is quite similar to Bordallo Pinheiro's carefully embossed detailing. Both are made from ceramics, and both items are dishwasher and microwave-safe. However, it appears that when it comes to color, the hues differ in that the Bordallo Pinheiro's cabbage plate is slightly more saturated than Hobby Lobby's, which appears to be a softer hue. Bordallo Pinheiro is much richer in color. Like the Bordallo Pinheiro, the Hobby Lobby dupe also comes in a similar pink shade (though it should be noted that it's not an exact shade match). Hobby Lobby's pink option is a muted, blush pink, whereas Bordallo Pinheiro is also more saturated. 

When it comes to sizes, Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates range from side plates to large dinner plates. On the other hand, the Hobby Lobby dupe comes in two different sizes: salad and dinner. As far as texture goes, Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates have deeper leaf veins that contour the plate. 

Now that you know the differences and similarities between the two products, what are the benefits and potential downsides to the Hobby Lobby dupe? Dupes are not only more accessible, but they're obviously more affordable. It's hard to beat the $11.99 price tag of the Hobby Lobby cabbage plate, and you can even purchase the compatible cabbage bowl and still not have spent what it costs to purchase a single Bordallo Pinheiro plate at Williams-Sonoma. You should know that the Hobby Lobby dupe also comes in pink, just like the Bordallo Pinheiro, so you can mix and match like you would with the vintage glassware.

One downside is that it's not an identical dupe, and the lack of depth in the grooves, as well as differences in color and saturation, are obvious when comparing them side by side. Hobby Lobby's version is plain green and white (or pink and white), whereas the original Bordallo Pinheiro features deeper, more nuanced lines, grooves, and complex hues. 

You should also consider future value when it comes to the real thing. Check with Online vintage marketplaces like eBay that resell vintage Bordallo Pinheiro. Beyond that, these could become a precious family heirloom, but they're also just iconic pieces to collect. On the other hand, the Hobby Lobby plates are low-stakes fun and instantly elevate your kitchen. Plus, they're a sweet detail for hosting outdoors during warm weather or breaking out for special occasions.