I’ve been wanting to create a plate wall for a while, and I’m so happy with how it turned out. The process was a bit of a journey, from choosing the right plates to finding a display solution that worked for me.
How I Hung the Plates
To hang the plates, I used two different types of hangers: spring-style plate hangers and adhesive disc hangers. The spring-style hangers were great because they’re adjustable, secure, and easy to use. They came with everything I needed and made the process a breeze. I’m very confident they’ll keep the plates securely on the wall.
On the other hand, the disc hangers, which are little yellow discs you adhere to the back of the plate, make you wait 24 hours for the adhesive to set before you can hang them. I don’t have the patience for that, and the spring hangers worked out just fine.
Designing the Layout
With a plate wall, you can go in so many directions with the layout. When plates are all different sizes, an organic, free-form arrangement works best. But since my plates are all the same size, I opted for a more composed, structured grid.
I got some DMs that the plates should be closer together and that I should take out the two plates on the bottom. While a traditional grid may call for that, I wanted to introduce some whimsy and imperfection into the design. To me, the beauty of a plate wall is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it! The two plates on the bottom break up the rigid grid and create a more relaxed feel.
Finding the Right Plates (for Me)
Picture Light | Plates (vintage) | Plate Hangers
I really wanted to collect some vintage plates as a memento of our travels in Italy, but when we were there, I realized that most “traditional” Italian plates are really bright colors and not my vibe—they would really stand out in my house too much. (I think I like the English-style plates more.) But I was searching “Italian vintage plates” on Marketplace, and someone had one of these scenes in Italy. So I went on Google and searched “Italian vintage plate collection.” And a few came up on Etsy, and I bought one of those (it’s the vintage Wedgwood Piranesi Series and finding a full set requires some digging, but I did some of the hard work for you here). I think it was $140 for 11 plates— not terribly expensive. These aren’t one of a kind or anything. But it is fun that they’re more meaningful than these blue and white plates (which I really, really love).
I can always change it, and I’m sure I will at some point. It felt like this is the year that we should have these Italian landmarks up on our wall!
The Plate Rack That was—Then Wasn’T
If you saw the dining room evolution post, you might be asking, “What happened to the plate rack you bought?” I wanted this plate rack so bad, and I don’t even know why. (Has that ever happened to anyone else?!) Now, looking back on it, everything is exactly where it’s supposed to be. I really needed a mirror on the first floor, and I wanted to put our extra plates in a credenza in the dining room. I wanted to display plates somewhere.
I have everything I wanted now, and with all new perspectives. I thought I wanted a plate rack, but I really just wanted a place to display plates. I’m so happy about how everything happened, and my mom is really excited to have the plate rack!
Hi,
i love a plate wall, i have had one in my dining room for years, and i do switch plates, sometimes according to the season. for instance, i have some old turkey platters (not too large) that i love to hang for november, and of course, by christmas, i have to take them down! but, that’s the fun part of a plate wall.
your wall looks nice, and i’m betting sooner than later we’ll see different plates!
Love the idea of a seasonal plate wall!
Love it, especially the plates themselves.
I love the way your dining room looks now, seems to “fit” into your home better than before. I was curious why you didn’t use wallpaper of your own designs?
Keep up the inspirational posts!
We’ve had this dining room wallpaper up for years, we love it, and it’s still in great shape! Would love to use our new traditional wallpaper in another space soon.
I love the layout you chose. I think it’s mildly reminiscent of your dentil trim and the slight extension on your door trim. It’s perfect and I am inspired!
P.S. The view into the dining and living rooms in that last photo is stunning.