I've been there. You're perusing an estate sale or clearance sale and you spot a mis-matched plate or two. Drawn to the pattern, you just don't know what you'd do with that one plate, that intriguing-shaped platter that you love but know you won't use. Consider showing it off! If the idea of a plate arrangement on your wall elicits an inward groan, inspired by memories of your grandmother’s stuffy dining room, you should take a look at some fresh ideas.
An arch of decorative botanical plates and bronze sconces over a formal mantel arrangement is one of many ideas from Denise in Bloom
We also like this eclectic scatter of fun and funky plates suggested by Running in Stilettos.
Symmetry, surrounding a kitchen window makes quite an impression in this design by Country Living.
A group of black-and-white patterned plates make a nice seasonal display when grouped with iron accessories and pumpkins on a sideboard suggested by My Sweet Savannah:
Now, imagine switching a plate or two to solid red plates, and changing a few accessories for Christmas.
Getting the look you want is easier than you think. Mapping out the arrangement beforehand is always a good idea. You'll need to choose a plate hanger and have your plate, kraft paper, a hammer, scissors, a pencil, ruler, blue painter’s tape, and a picture hook.
HOW TO:
- Turn each plate over onto kraft paper, trace with a pencil, and cut the shape out. Repeat with each plate or item.
- Tape templates to the wall in the desired arrangement. Change your mind as often as you like.
- Carefully attach a hanger to each plate. Make sure metal hangers are not scratching the finish.
- Place the plate over its template, and mark where the hook will go. Put down the plate, pick up the hammer, and hammer the hook right through the template. Remove the paper and hang the plate.
The good news is that once you have your plates hung, you can add more to it without rearranging or having to fill in nail holes. Your collection can expand as large as your wall space like French Quarters has done here:
Or you can just keep layering them like in this second example from Denise in Bloom:
Note that there’s a theme to these; the travel collector plates are mixed with one solid green plate so that it’s not too overwhelming.
If you're skeptical about mixing and matching, start slow at first. Try finding plates that have one color in common (blue and white plates are a common theme, as are botanical plates), then expand by adding more variety or solid colors.
Inspired? Visit the decorative wall plates section of our store to get started!
