---
title: "What's the difference between ceramics and porcelain?\n – dims studio"
description: "In short Porcelain is a type of ceramic. The difference lies in the clay and the firing: porcelain is fired at a high temperature and becomes dense, thin and often slightly translucent. Stoneware (also ceramic) is robust and dense, while earthenware is fired at a lower temperature and is more porous. If you want the re"
url: "https://dimsstudio.dk/blogs/inspiration/what-s-the-difference-between-ceramics-and-porcelain"
source: "https://dimsstudio.dk/en/blogs/inspiration/what-s-the-difference-between-ceramics-and-porcelain"
---
# What's the difference between ceramics and porcelain?

![Mops-vase i stentøj fra Quail ved siden af en hvid porcelænsskål på hørdug](//dimsstudio.dk/cdn/shop/articles/hf_20260609_095858_9b2a0a6b-4b1a-49cf-b21f-5a1f21d6dc0e.jpg?crop=center&height=195&v=1780999689&width=375)

In short

**Porcelain is a type of ceramic.** The difference lies in the clay and the firing: porcelain is fired at a high temperature and becomes dense, thin and often slightly translucent. Stoneware (also ceramic) is robust and dense, while earthenware is fired at a lower temperature and is more porous. If you want the refined look, choose porcelain; if you want the rustic, handmade look, stoneware is the way to go.

Ceramic, porcelain, stoneware, earthenware – the words are used interchangeably, but they don't mean the same thing. The difference is about which clay is used and how hard it's been fired. Here's a clear overview so you know what you're buying and what suits your home.

## Ceramic is the umbrella term

“Ceramic” covers *all* fired clay – including earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. So porcelain **is** ceramic, but not all ceramic is porcelain. When people talk about “ceramic” in everyday speech, though, they usually mean the rustic, handmade stoneware.

## Porcelain

Porcelain is fired at a very high temperature (typically 1,200–1,400 °C) from a fine, white clay. The result is a **dense, hard and often slightly translucent** material. It can be made thin and elegant and used for anything from fine dinnerware to delicate vases. If you hold a piece of porcelain up to the light, you can often see the light shining through.

## Stoneware

Stoneware is also fired at a high temperature and becomes dense and robust, but it's thicker and more opaque than porcelain. It has a rustic, earthy look and holds up well to everyday use – which is why it's popular for handmade vases, cups and dishes.

## Earthenware

Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature and is more porous and soft. It's glazed to become dense and is often used for decorative, colourful dinnerware. Earthenware chips more easily than stoneware and porcelain.

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**Tip:** Want to test whether something is porcelain? Hold it up to the light. If it's thin and slightly translucent, it's porcelain; if it's dense and opaque, it's stoneware or earthenware.

## Comparison

| Type        | Firing                | Look                    | Best for                        |
|-------------|-----------------------|-------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Porcelain   | High (1,200–1,400 °C) | Thin, fine, translucent | Fine dinnerware, elegant vases  |
| Stoneware   | High                  | Robust, rustic, dense   | Everyday dinnerware, handmade   |
| Earthenware | Lower                 | Porous, decorative      | Colourful decorative dinnerware |

## Frequently asked questions

### What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

Ceramic is the umbrella term for all fired clay. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that's fired at a high temperature and becomes dense, thin and translucent.

### Is porcelain stronger than stoneware?

Porcelain is hard and dense, but also thinner and more fragile at the edges. Stoneware is thicker and holds up well to everyday knocks.

### How do I tell porcelain from stoneware?

Hold it up to the light. Porcelain is often slightly translucent; stoneware is dense and opaque.

### What is earthenware?

Earthenware is ceramic fired at a lower temperature. It's more porous and is often used for decorative, colourful dinnerware.

### What should I choose?

If you want the fine and elegant look, choose porcelain. If you want the rustic and handmade look for everyday use, stoneware is a good choice.

## Summary

Porcelain is a type of ceramic – fired at high temperature, dense, thin and elegant. Stoneware is also ceramic, but sturdy and rustic, while earthenware is fired at a lower temperature and is more porous and decorative. The choice depends on whether you want the fine look or the handmade, everyday-friendly look.

## Read also

- [What is ceramic? Everything you need to know about the material](/en/blogs/inspiration/hvad-er-keramik-alt-du-skal-vide-om-materialet)
- [Ceramics in the home: why handmade is better](/en/blogs/inspiration/keramik-i-boligen-hvorfor-handlavet-er-bedre)
- [Can glass and ceramic go in the microwave and dishwasher?](/en/blogs/inspiration/taaler-glas-og-keramik-mikroovn-og-opvaskemaskine)

Take a look at our handmade [ceramic vases](/en/collections/keramik-vaser) and [ceramic cups](/en/collections/keramik-kopper).