If you’ve got precious plates that you don’t want to use on the table, but you still want to see them, displaying them on the wall is a great way to go. It might be your Grandma’s dishes or the Christmas plates you put up to celebrate the holiday season.
Plate Hanging Hardware
Depending on your situation, you’ve got some choices about how to hang your plates safely and easily. There are two components required to hang a plate:
Plate Hanger
A plate hanger is a backing on the plate to attach it to the wall. This could be a loop, hook, or one side of an adhesive pad. You need something that will hold the plate securely that will also allow the plate to hang correctly.
You can choose an option that won’t damage the finish on the back of the plate, or you can choose to add a permanent fixture.
Wall Anchor Device
A wall anchor device is a hook, screw, or the receiving side of a removable adhesive pad on the wall, which supports the weight of the plate and its hanger.
What you use will depend on the weight of the plate and the wall surface you’re using. You’ll also need to consider the effect on your wall. You might be perfectly happy with a hook as a homeowner, but as a renter, you’ll need to use something that can be removed without damaging the wall.
The most important thing is to make sure that whatever you’re using can support the weight of the plate. A heavy plate on a hook might look great, but if it falls and shatters, you’ll have a hole in your wall, plus a hundred little shards to clean up.
How To Hang Plates On The Wall Without Nails
If you’re a renter or you would prefer not to stick nails or screws to hang your plates, the main choice you have is removable adhesive hooks that won’t damage your wall.
We’ve got two detailed posts about these types of wall anchor devices. They each have very exact instructions to be followed to keep your lovely plates safe.
Both of these methods require the plate to have a hanger attached.
Command Picture Hanging Strips are a great option for hanging plates on the wall without nails. They come in a variety of sizes and can hold up to 4, 6, 16, or even 20 pounds each. They have a strong adhesive that adheres well to smooth, non-porous surfaces, but can be easily removed without leaving any residue when you’re ready to take them down.
Disc Adhesive Wall Plate Hangers are also a very handy option and are designed specifically for this task. There are lots of sizes to choose from, depending on the weight and width of your plate. When the holiday season is over or you’re moving house, they are very easy to remove with no damage to the wall.
Hanging Plates On The Wall With Hooks Or Nails
Jinshunfa Wall Hooks are the perfect way to hang plates without the worry of them slipping or falling. These waterproof hooks are perfect for any room in your home - from the mudroom to the kitchen to the bathroom - and can hold up to 13 pounds each.
They are also reusable. And, because they are transparent, they won't detract from the look of your walls. Plus, the hook rotates 90 degrees to allow for vertical hanging, so you can maximize space in your kitchen.
To hang:
- Clean the wall surface.
- Peel off the cover of the hook.
- Place the hook on the wall.
- Rub the hook surrounds to expel air.
- Wait 24 hours before using the hook.
If you have pre-existing hooks or nails, you have a choice of plate hangers.
How To Hang Plates With Spring-Loaded Plate Hangers
Spring-loaded plate hangers are an easy and convenient way to display your plates. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for those on a budget.
How Do Plate Hangers Work?
A spring-loaded plate hanger is a device that is used to hold a plate in place. The hanger has a spring that allows it to grip the plate securely at four points. The stem of the hanger is then suspended from a wall hook.
Pros And Cons Of Using a Spring-Loaded Plate Hanger
The advantage of using a spring-loaded hanger is that it can be easily removed and replaced. This is handy if you want to change the decor of your room or if you need to clean the plate.
One of the disadvantages is that a hook is required to hang the plate. However, if your wall already has hooks, or you don’t mind installing hooks, this may not be a problem.
Another consideration is that the grips of the hooks show around the plate. If your plates are going to be viewed close-up, this may not be the look that you want. On the other hand, if your display is to be viewed from a distance, the grips may not be noticeable.
How To Hang A Plate With A Spring-Loaded Plate Hanger
- Place two of the grips on top of the back of the plate allowing the rest of the device to hang down.
- Holding the horizontal strut, pull downwards. The springs will allow you to hook the other two grips on the bottom of the plate.
- Hang the plate by suspending the horizontal strut on your wall hook.
How To Hang Plates On The Wall Without Plate Hangers
A lot of people don’t like using the spring-loaded hangers because the hooks are visible on the plate. You might like to make your own plate hangers.
You can make a hidden metal hanger out of wire or a paper clip. Or you could make a ribbon hanger, which could be hidden or could be a feature.
Ideas For Displaying Plates On Your Wall
Plates are one of those things that we all have, but often don’t think about when it comes to home decor. You can even make your own plates to display or to give as gifts.
Planning Your Plate Display
Have you got plates that you absolutely love, but you only see them at a dinner party once a year? Put them on display! A wall display of plates is a great way to add some personality to your home. Whether you go for a rustic, shabby chic look or something more modern, there are endless possibilities.
A plate display will make your dining room that much more special when your guests can see how much you love those plates. As your collection grows, you can change up the display to keep things fresh. Your guests will be studying the wall each time they visit to see what’s new.
Or maybe you’ve got a collection of plates that you inherited from your great-grandmother. They might not be your style for serving, but they’re too special to get rid of. Displaying pretty plates from another era is a great way to keep them safe and show them off.
Size And Shape
The first thing you need to think about is the size and shape of your plates. Are they all the same size? Do they have different shapes? You’ll want to group plates together that are similar in size and shape for a cohesive look.
Number Of Plates
The second thing to think about is how many plates you want to display. This will be determined by the size of your wall and the size of the plates. Make sure not to overcrowd the wall or it will look cluttered.
Layout
Once you’ve decided on the number of plates, it’s time to start planning your layout.
- Gather up all the plates you want to use and sort them according to size.
- Play around with different layouts on the floor or a table until you find something you like. Or you could sketch out a few different options on paper before settling on one.
If you’re not sure where to start, the best way to do this is by putting the largest plate in the center and working your way out from there. You can also create a symmetrical design by arranging the plates in a circle or square around the center plate.
Here are some plate arrangement ideas to get you started:
Grid: This is probably the most simple and common way to display plates.
Random: This is a great way to display plates that are different sizes or shapes. Hang them at different heights and angles for a fun and unique look.
Line: This is the perfect way to display plates that are all the same size. Hang them in a straight line or create a curved line for a more interesting look.
Cluster: This is a great way to display plates that are the same theme, but they’re all different sizes. Hang them close together or farther apart, depending on the look you’re going for.
If you’re not sure how to get started, here are some ideas to get you inspired:
Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to get your plates out of the cupboard and onto your walls! So get creative and have fun with it. There are no rules when it comes to the art of home decor!
Conclusion
Hanging Christmas plates for the holiday season or maybe even Halloween plates for the scary season is a cool way to celebrate the time of year and your beautiful plates. Or your plates can be a wall of fame for your family, using plates that you create yourself. Have fun with it!