1960s White Plates With Green Leaf Pattern Worth Almost $1,000, Say Collectors

They have that subtle retro vibe that calls to mind 1960s kitchens, with wooden furniture, buffets filled with dinnerware, and colorful patterns. White plates decorated with green leaves, at first glance quite simple, are capturing the attention of today’s enthusiasts of Scandinavian design. Their distinction? They belong to an iconic collection, with certain sets reaching surprising sums at auctions.

Before you part with an old dinner service or pass by a stack of plates at a flea market, it’s worth taking a closer look. A 30-piece set sold for $1,003, nearly €1,000, in a sale in April 2026. Hidden behind these botanical motifs is actually a creation by the renowned Swedish designer Stig Lindberg. And a detail often tucked away under the plates helps identify the most interesting pieces.

These green-leafed plates from the 1960s have become collectible items

Your unfamiliar name may not ring a bell, but the pattern is instantly recognizable. The Berså plates, conceived within the world of Swedish designer Stig Lindberg, stand out for their white ground and stylized green leaves outlined in black. The design, both graphic and vegetal, perfectly embodies the mid-20th-century Scandinavian aesthetic. Produced by the Swedish manufacturer Gustavsberg between 1960 and 1974, this collection includes flat plates, dessert plates, cups, bowls, teapots, and various serving pieces. It marked an entire generation with its modern look and nature-inspired decoration.

Although the service is associated with Stig Lindberg, its story hides a little surprise. The leaf design is said to have been created by Krister Karlmark, then an assistant to the designer, at his request. The result became one of Gustavsberg’s best-known motifs. Unlike traditional services adorned with delicate flowers or gold rims, Berså relies on the repetition of a very simple botanical motif. It is precisely this simplicity that explains its current charm. More than six decades after its creation, this dinnerware still fits just as well in a vintage kitchen as on a contemporary table.

Nearly €1,000 at auction: how much are these vintage plates really worth?

On April 30, 2026, a Berså 30-piece service was sold for $1,003 on the auction platform Auctionet, in a sale organized by the Swedish house Stockholms Auktionsverk Magasin 5. The set notably included seven large plates, five small plates, several bowls, serving dishes, and a teapot. It also came with a metal coffee canister and a cutting board. The initial estimate was $528, but the bidding ultimately exceeded that amount. A pleasant surprise for this service that nonetheless showed some signs of use and slight wear to the pattern.

However, be careful: this price does not mean that a single Berså plate is worth €1,000. Value depends on the number of pieces, their condition, their age, and the demand at the time of sale. Results can vary considerably. In August 2026, another 29-piece Berså set was sold for $314 on Auctionet, despite a similar piece count. Some pieces showed cracks and signs of wear. Conversely, larger and well-preserved sets can fetch higher sums. For collectors, having multiple matching pieces and the quality of the decoration are important factors in valuation.

The detail to check beneath the plates to recognize a genuine Berså service

If you own white plates decorated with green leaves, start by turning them over. Older Berså pieces typically bear a mark on the underside referring to the Gustavsberg factory and the designer Stig Lindberg. Depending on the period and the specific piece, you may find inscriptions such as “Gustavsberg”, “Berså”, “Stig Lindberg” or “Sweden”. Some sets also carry the mention “Bohus.” This marking provides a valuable first clue for identifying the collection. The pattern itself should display stylized green leaves arranged evenly on a white background, with fine black details.

Nevertheless, it’s wise to be cautious before concluding that you own a rare piece. The Berså service has also been reissued, meaning not all plates bearing this pattern are necessarily from the 1960s. To distinguish old production from a newer model, it’s best to examine the exact mark, the dimensions, the material, and the manufacturing characteristics. Condition also plays a major role: chips, cracks, discoloration, and wear to the motif can reduce value. If you find several pieces in a family hutch, avoid discarding or selling them too quickly. T photograph the undersides of the plates and compare them with models already sold at auctions, or request an appraisal from a professional specializing in ceramics and Scandinavian design. A simple stack of forgotten dinnerware could hold a nice surprise.