A really good plate wall can make a space. Here’s proof:
I like them because you can cover a large amount of wall space without the investment in a huge piece of art or an oversized mirror. And, you can build upon it as you collect more plates.
Start small and grow your collection. You don’t have to have a huge amount before you start hanging your plates. The shape can grow and evolve over time.
Use different plate sizes and shapes. Don’t worry about them all being exactly the same. It’ll give your arrangement more visual interest.
Thrift stores are a great resource for inexpensive white plates. My Goodwill always has them. For larger platters, I look at HomeGoods or TJMaxx.
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Mix in a pattern or two to add color. In the first photo, I really like how they strategically placed color around the center.
Group them in a tight arrangement (approximately one to two inches apart—or less) for bigger impact. This will give the effect that it’s one big piece instead of individual plates “floating” on the wall.
Go for contrast. All white plates against a dark wall makes a dramatic statement.
Create a unique shape starting at center. Before you start hanging, lay out your arrangement on the floor first and measure the overall height and width of the area you want to cover.
Ellen says
February 18, 2015 at 10:53 amThis looks beautiful. Do you mind sharing the technique you use to hang plates and where you get your hanging resources? Thanks for always being inspiring, Emily!
Emily Clark says
February 18, 2015 at 11:16 amWhen I’ve hung plates in the past, I’ve always just used the traditional hangers with springs. I think these look interesting though:
http://www.dischangers.com
Julianne says
February 18, 2015 at 12:50 pmThank you for posting this. I have been slowly collecting plates but have yet to put them up. I think I will use your tips and starting putting up my collection this weekend. Also Anthropologie has great plates, a little more in price than TJ max but still very reasonable. I have found many of their current selection in the sale bin if they have a small chip on the back.
MK says
February 18, 2015 at 2:43 pmThat was supposed to say “family room” :)
MK says
February 18, 2015 at 2:42 pmAll Southern girls know you cannot have too many monograms and you cannot have too many plates on the wall. I’ve hung them not only in dining room, kitchen, foyer, & family, but also in bedrooms and bathrooms—some groupings of all plates, and sometimes a plate above a framed picture or surrounding a mirror. You cannot go wrong with plates :)
Rowe Spurling Paint Company says
February 18, 2015 at 5:45 pmLove this look. It’s a great way to take those beautiful plates out of the cupboard and put them on display, especially if a couple have broken over the years and the set is no longer complete enough for a setting.
PJ NEWMAN says
February 19, 2015 at 8:54 amI think every element in the room is beautiful, but an asymmetrical arrangement would have been somewhat more interesting and edgy
. That way the plates would sort of “frame” the gorgeous chandelier rather than be hidden behind it.
Claire Brody says
February 19, 2015 at 11:51 amGreat tips! I love me a good plate wall!
Agustina says
February 19, 2015 at 2:06 pmThis post came at a perfect time as we’re moving in a couple months and there’s a perfect little wall where I want to make a plate wall! I’m going to use your tips – thank you! :)
emily says
February 20, 2015 at 6:40 pmi have a growing stack of plates waiting to be hung…i’ve been a bit afraid to tackle it though…just the tips i needed!