Mixing Dessertschalen: URBINO, URANIA, BERLIN
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin - KPM Berlin | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to mix and match KPM Berlin dessert bowls from the URBINO, URANIA, and BERLIN collections for a cohesive yet dynamic table setting.
Quick answer
Mix URBINO, URANIA, and BERLIN dessert bowls by pairing their distinct shapes—URBINO's gentle curve, URANIA's minimalist hand-painted platinum, and BERLIN's classic modern rim—while keeping the color palette neutral or monochrome for a cohesive look.
Why mixing collections works
Each KPM Berlin dessert bowl series has a distinct personality. The URBINO Dessertschale (14.5 cm) features a softly rounded form that works as a versatile small bowl for desserts, fruit, or sides. The URANIA Dessertschale, klein brings a minimalist, hand-painted platinum rim (Dekor 11) that adds subtle luxury. The BERLIN Dessertschale (15 cm) offers a clean, contemporary silhouette with a slightly larger diameter, ideal for salads or cereal. Mixing them creates visual interest without clashing—provided you respect the shared porcelain quality and avoid overcrowding the table.
Trade-off: uniformity vs. variety
A fully matching set looks orderly and formal. A mixed set feels curated and personal. The risk is that mismatched rim widths or colors can look chaotic. To avoid this, limit your mix to two or three collections and keep the color scheme consistent (white or off-white with metallic accents). The URBINO and BERLIN bowls are both white-glazed, while URANIA adds a platinum line—this contrast is intentional and elegant when used sparingly.
How to mix and match your dessert bowls
- Choose a base collection: Select one collection as the majority (e.g., three URBINO bowls) and add one or two accent bowls from another series (e.g., one URANIA or BERLIN). This prevents visual noise. Common mistake: using equal numbers of each collection can feel disjointed. Let one series dominate.
- Balance rim styles: Pair plain rims (URBINO, BERLIN) with one decorated rim (URANIA platinum). Avoid mixing multiple decorated rims unless they share the same metal tone. Checkpoint: hold the bowls side by side under daylight—if the rims compete, remove one.
- Control portion sizes: Use the larger BERLIN bowl (15 cm) for main desserts or salads, and the smaller URBINO (14.5 cm) for sides or fruit. The URANIA bowl works best for single-portion desserts where the platinum rim can shine. Common mistake: serving a large dessert in a small bowl can make it look cramped. Match bowl size to serving size.
- Arrange on the table: Place bowls of the same collection on the same side of the table, or alternate them in a repeating pattern (e.g., URBINO, URANIA, URBINO, BERLIN). Keep spacing even. Checkpoint: step back and check that no two bowls of the same collection are directly adjacent unless it's a deliberate pair.
- Test with your tableware: Set the mixed bowls next to your dinner plates and flatware. The white porcelain of all three collections complements most tableware, but the URANIA platinum rim may clash with gold or copper accents. Common mistake: assuming all metallics match. Platinum has a cool tone—avoid warm-toned metals nearby.
Product details at a glance
- URBINO Dessertschale: The URBINO Dessertschale has a 14.5 cm diameter and a softly curved shape that suits desserts, fruit, or small appetizers. Its versatile size and gentle curve make it the most flexible bowl for mixing with other series—use it as a neutral base.
URBINO Dessertschale - URANIA Dessertschale, klein: The URANIA Dessertschale, klein features a minimalist hand-painted platinum rim (Dekor 11) that elevates the dessert presentation. The platinum rim adds a refined accent that pairs well with plain white bowls like URBINO or BERLIN, creating a focal point.
URANIA Dessertschale, klein - BERLIN Dessertschale: The BERLIN Dessertschale has a 15 cm diameter and combines classic form with modern accents, suitable for salads or cereal. Its slightly larger size and clean lines make it the structural anchor for a mixed set, especially for heartier servings.
