Nail the look with these expert tips for selecting and arranging a plate wall.
Although a well-established decor element, todays plate walls have many contemporary influences.
One of the biggest factors is simply a shift in lifestyle.
Credit:Brie Williams
People arent entertaining as traditionally anymore, says Mitchell.
Instead,decorative plate displaysare one way that beloved heirlooms are finding new life.
This is a really nice way to use inherited things in a fresh way, says Mitchell.
Credit: Heather Anne Thomas
Freund also notes a growing appetite for ceramic sculptural pieces and three-dimensional works within the contemporary art world."
Selecting plates that work well together is really an individual preference, says Brittany Zimmerman ofBleu Bee Designs.
Parameters can make collecting easier, and a more selective approach may better fit yourdecorating style.
Credit:Werner Straube
Ultimately, your collection may be eclectic, varied, and organic, or something more consistent and tailored.
The rule of thumb is to treat it like its art!
Its there to shock the room; it doesnt have to be a one-for-one match.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Mitchell uses the example of the many timeless blue-and-white plate patterns that have been decorating walls for decades.
Plate walls are also an opportunity tointroduce colorinto your decor, even when it isnt already there.
Multiple shades of a single color still allow you to play with sizes and shapes.
Limiting your scheme to a single color can help with successful pattern mixing, too.
A classic plate combination is blue and white.
You could use all ironstone ware and pop in plates with a variety of colors, says Zimmerman.
For example, aMottadeh Tobacco Leaf printwould be a great pop of color against solid plates.
Mix in Other Elements
A plate wall doesnt have to solely incorporate traditional china.
Zimmerman also recommends expanding beyond plate and plate-adjacent pieces.
The magic is in the mismatch, so embrace the imperfect collection!
More is more, and maximalism is always in!
Tell a Story
For help with a mismatched approach, try using the collecting process as inspiration.
Im a firm believer thatslowly collectingas you find pieces you love is the best approach, says Zimmerman.
The adventure of the hunt is half the story behind your plate wall!
Some plate styles are so traditional or well-known, they can easily make a collection on their own.
For example, Zimmerman highlights iconic styles like Bordallo Pinhero cabbage and the Famille Rose pattern.
The arrangement you choose will help reinforce the effect.
In other words: dont hang them as you find them.
Im very methodical in my plate arrangements, says Mitchell.
Sporadically adding pieces can make it seem more chaotic and cluttered rather than thoughtful and curated."
Another option is to use architectural features to inspire the arrangement.
Keep It Simple
Arrangements can be whimsical and free-flowing, or they can be straight and geometric.
I tend to lean towards a more structured look for my arrangements, says Mitchell.
I dont mind mixing sizes, but if were pairing things its better to try and match sizes.
Plate walls dont even have to include many plates to be impactful.
Dont overlook small walls, says Zimmerman.
These are the perfect opportunity to showcase a linear plate wall of two or three showstoppers.
This helps to get a sense of the scale and gives a better idea of how it will look.
“you’re free to arrange ‘til your hearts contentbefore you start making holes in the wall!
These are better than the old metal spring mechanisms, as these hold the plate closer to the wall.
