Whether you're serving a triple-layer cake or miniature cupcakes, a cake stand makes even the most plain-looking creations shine. They give your bakes the height needed for a sense of grandness, and make any get-together feel like a special occasion.

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Cake stands are usually a standard size of 25cm in diameter, to match a standard cake tin size (20cm). This leaves some room for easy slicing and neat presentation – you could even add fruit, such as cherries, or decorative flowers around this edge for a more professional look.

We've chosen the best cake stands, from a bold stand with a whimsical feel, to more minimalist designs that let your cake do the talking. Choose your favourite for an at-home afternoon tea, birthday celebrations or to bring to street parties or gatherings.

Check out our round-up of the best showstopping cakes for any occasion, or our layer cake recipes for big celebrations. Plus, we have our classic sponge cake recipes for a simple afternoon treat.

For more unbiased expert buyer’s guides, visit our reviews section to find 400+ round-ups of everything from the best stand mixers and best cake tins to the best cake storage tins, or even the best coronation afternoon teas to visit in London.

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Best cake stands at a glance

  • Best marble cake stand: Dunelm marble hexagonal cake stand, £42
  • Best coloured glass cake stand: Anthropologie medium Ramona cake stand, £30
  • Best patterned cake stand: Eleanor Bowmer palm fine china cake stand, £39.95
  • Best wooden cake stand: H&M wooden cake stand, £19.99
  • Best investment cake stand: The White Company glass cake stand, £60
  • Best budget cake stand: Habitat x Kew ceramic cake stand, £18
  • Best melamine cake stand: Berylune melamine cake stand, from £36.95
  • Best metal cake stand: H&M metal cake stand, £22.99
  • Best cake stand with dome: Wayfair Harshman cake stand, £39.30
  • Best large cake stand: Nisbets pedestal cake stand, £35.86
  • Best for cupcakes: Slate three-tier cupcake stand, £12.99

Best cake stands to buy 2023

Dunelm Kitchen Pantry marble hexagonal cake stand

Kitchen Pantry Marble Hexagonal Cake Stand copy

Best marble cake stand

Make a chic statement with this marble cake stand. The unusual hexagonal shape leaves space for slicing cakes, and the flat edge makes it easy to slide bakes onto the stand. We love the contrast between the glossy marble and rustic wooden base (hand-wash only to protect the wood).

Available from:
Dunelm (£42)

Anthropologie medium Ramona cake stand

Anthropologie Ramona Cake Stand

Best coloured glass cake stand

This pretty, two-toned cake stand adds a subtle hint of colour to your table. There are three sizes to choose from, each in different glass colourways, and there are impressive matching glass domes you can buy separately to protect your bakes.

Available from:
Anthropologie (£30)

Eleanor Bowmer palm fine china cake stand

Eleanor Bowmer cake stand

Best patterned cake stand

This bold cake stand has plenty going on: a colourful base, deep fluted edge and bold palm-print design. It's pretty enough to leave on a shelf when not in use, and is delivered in a gift box – a great housewarming gift for a keen baker.

Available from:
John Lewis & Partners (£39.95)
Next (£40)

H&M mango wood cake stand

Mango wooden cake stand

Best wooden cake stand

This simple wooden cake stand is a generous 29cm, but we think it would also be great for serving cheese or fruit and crackers to accompany a cheeseboard.

Available from:
H&M (£19.99)

The White Company glass cake stand

White Company glass cake stand

Best investment glass cake stand

This simple cake stand is one of our pricier picks, but it's also a timeless piece that won't go out of style if you are looking to invest. The glass is mouth-blown by artisans in Poland, and an impressive matching large glass cloche is also available to buy separately.

Available from:
The White Company (£60)

Habitat x Kew ceramic cake stand

Kew Gardens cake stand

Best budget cake stand

Head to Argos for this pretty collaboration between Habitat and Kew Gardens. The leafy illustrations on the stoneware stem are inspired by the Palm House in Kew Gardens, and provide a subtle pop of colour to the simply designed cake stand.

Available from:
Argos (£18)

Berylune melamine cake stand

Melamine cake stand

Best melamine cake stand

If delicate glass and china cake stands make you nervous, this melamine cake stand is the answer. Available in a range of pretty pastel colours, with or without a fluted edge, it's safe to use in the garden and around children without the fear of it smashing. Plus, the stem unscrews for compact storage, while the top is dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up afterwards.

Available from:
Not on the High Street (from £36.95)

H&M metal cake stand

H&M metal cake stand

Best metal cake stand

Make a shiny statement with this glossy gold metal cake stand. Perfect if you're looking for something more modern than many cake stand options – opt for the matching gold cake slice too to complete the look.

Available from:
H&M (£22.99)

Harshman cake stand

white cake stand with four pink cupcakes and dome

Best cake stand with dome

Fitted with a dome to keep your cakes fresh, this cake stand has a frilled edge creating a pretty boarder for a round cake. This porcelain stand would fit right into an afternoon tea spread with a white table cloth and colourful plates. It is also dishwasher-safe and not overly large for more petite bakes.

Pedestal cake stand

cream cake stand

Best large cake stand

Bring your cake the attention it deserves with this large cream-coloured cake stand. It has a subtle shade to not distract from your creation and is made from a durable porcelain. It is also dishwasher-safe for when you want an easy end to festivities.

Available from:
Nisbets (£35.86)

Slate three-tier cupcake stand

three tier dark grey cake stand

Best cupcake stand

Bring the tea salon home with this three-tier cupcake stand. This plain slate cupcake tier has a dark grey, sleek look that makes cupcakes and patisseries appear brighter and bolder, plus it is simple to assemble and disassemble for space-saving purposes.

Available from:
Amazon (£14.99)

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This review was last updated in April 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

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