The Shift from the Sixties to the Seventies
While dinner plate sizes had been creeping up since the early 20th century, the 1970s represented a distinct era before the dramatic increase that took hold in later decades. While plates in the 1960s were often around 10 to 10.5 inches, the trend continued with a slight, but noticeable, expansion. A typical 1970s dinner plate settled into the 10.5 to 11-inch range, a far cry from the 12-inch or larger plates that became common in the new millennium. This gradual increase was tied to growing prosperity and evolving culinary trends that favored larger, more elaborate presentations. However, the most significant change from the 1970s to today is the general cultural shift in portion expectations, where a 1970s plate would now feel diminutive.
The Rise of Mid-Century Casual
Beyond size, 1970s tableware was characterized by distinct material and style trends. Earthy, rustic stoneware became immensely popular, reflecting a shift toward a more natural, informal aesthetic. Brands like Midwinter's Stonehenge and various Japanese stoneware manufacturers were common in homes, featuring speckled glazes, organic shapes, and a palette of warm browns, oranges, and greens. Other popular choices included durable, mass-produced glassware like Corelle's 'Crazy Daisy' or 'Butterfly Gold' patterns, known for their flower-power designs and long-lasting nature. Melamine was also a popular, chip-resistant option for casual dining and outdoor use. These materials and patterns perfectly encapsulated the design sensibilities of the decade, moving away from the formal china of the past and embracing a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.
The Delboeuf Illusion: A Psychological Trick
One of the most fascinating aspects of plate size is its effect on our eating habits, a phenomenon explained by the Delboeuf illusion. This visual trick of the eye means that the same portion of food appears smaller when placed on a larger plate compared to a smaller one. For example, a single chicken breast on a 12-inch plate looks less substantial than the exact same portion on a 10-inch plate. In the 1970s, people were not consciously thinking about this illusion, but they were benefiting from it. By filling a smaller plate, they naturally consumed less food while still feeling satisfied because the plate appeared full. Today, this illusion is cited by health professionals to explain rising portion sizes and to encourage the use of smaller plates as a portion control strategy.
The Modern Plate: Bigger Isn't Always Better
As prosperity continued to grow and fast food culture took hold, portion sizes ballooned, and so did our plates. The standard dinner plate expanded to accommodate these larger servings, moving from the 10.5-inch 1970s average to the 11 to 12-inch sizes common today. This shift has had significant implications for public health, with increased plate size being linked to higher calorie consumption. The modern plate has become a symbol of abundance, but also a hidden contributor to overeating. For those seeking a healthier approach, returning to 1970s-sized tableware is a simple, effective tactic. Many people today repurpose vintage or salad plates for their main meals to help manage portion sizes effectively.
A Comparison of Dinner Plate Sizes: 1970s vs. Today
| Feature | Average 1970s Dinner Plate | Average Modern Dinner Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 10.5 to 11 inches (approx. 27cm) | 11 to 12 inches or more (approx. 28-30cm) |
| Portion Perception | Portions appear larger and more filling | Portions appear smaller, encouraging more food |
| Associated Portion Size | Naturally smaller | Significantly larger, contributing to portion distortion |
| Typical Materials | Stoneware, Corelle, Melamine | Porcelain, Bone China, tempered glass |
| Design Trends | Earthy tones, floral patterns, speckled glazes | Often minimalist, sleek, or more formal |
Popular 1970s Dinnerware Brands and Styles
If you're looking to acquire some authentic 1970s-sized dinner plates, you'll likely encounter a few classic names. Here are some of the popular brands and styles of the era:
- Corelle: Famous for its durable, tempered glass dinnerware, patterns like 'Spring Blossom Green' (also known as Crazy Daisy) and 'Butterfly Gold' are quintessentially 70s.
- Stoneware: A variety of manufacturers produced stoneware dinnerware with earthy glazes and rustic, often speckled, finishes. Popular patterns include Midwinter's 'Stonehenge' series and various offerings from Japanese companies.
- Franciscan: Their 'Desert Rose' pattern, originally from the 1940s, was still popular, but new stoneware lines were also introduced.
- Melamine: Brands like Allied Chemical and Heller produced lightweight, colorful, and durable melamine dishes, which were a fixture in many casual dining settings.
- Mikasa: Offering more contemporary and stylized designs, Mikasa produced stoneware and other dinnerware that aligned with 70s design aesthetics.
The Lasting Legacy of Smaller Plates
While the dinner plate has grown in size over the decades, the compact dimensions of 1970s tableware hold an important lesson for modern dining. Health experts and weight management consultants now often recommend using smaller plates to aid in portion control, a practice that was once the default. Sourcing vintage plates from thrift stores or antique shops is a sustainable and stylish way to reduce portion sizes and embrace more mindful eating. The 1970s approach—where smaller portions were the norm and not a conscious effort—provides valuable insight into how our environment subtly influences our eating behavior. For a deeper dive into the science behind plate size and portion control, read this informative article on the topic: Old Plates, New Insights: The Growing Problem of Dinner Plate Size.
Conclusion
In summary, the dinner plates of the 1970s were typically 10.5 to 11 inches in diameter, a stark contrast to the larger 11 to 12-inch or more common today. This shift in size is intertwined with cultural changes surrounding prosperity, portion expectations, and the rise of convenience foods. The smaller plates of that era naturally encouraged smaller portions, a concept now backed by psychological studies like the Delboeuf illusion. Today, embracing the smaller, vintage tableware of the 1970s is a conscious choice for those seeking to practice better portion control and mindful eating. The enduring charm of 1970s stoneware and designs also makes these smaller plates a sought-after item for retro decor enthusiasts, proving that sometimes, smaller truly is better.
