Need inspiration for a space? Gallery walls are all the rage but have you considered hanging decorative plates instead? In recent years, hanging plates on a wall has re-emerged as an exciting new design trend. They add colour, pattern, texture and three-dimensionality to lift spaces and can be arranged however you like, as discreet and tasteful displays or large scale statement installations.
If you’re looking to hang decorative plates and create a unique space for your home then follow this guide on how to hang plates on a wall for all the tips and tricks that you’ll need.
Supplies you’ll need
- Tape measure
- Plastic picture hook
- Hammer
- Plate hangers
- Masking tape
- Printer or phone to refer to reference image (optional)
Step 1: Measure your chosen wall
First it’s important to understand the space you’re working with before you decide on a layout. To best determine how to arrange your plates, measure the space where you want them to hang and use masking tape to mark out these boundaries on a flat surface, such as the floor. Remember to take into account the boundaries of the wall and any other surroundings. For example, when hanging your plates above a table or fireplace make sure you mark these boundaries out with tape too.
Step 2: Decide on your plate layout
Once you’ve mapped out your space you can do the fun bit! Experiment with different plate configurations until you find an arrangement you love. Don’t be afraid to work with different shapes and sizes of plate, or feel like you have to stick to symmetrical configurations, by mixing things up you may find a more exciting composition!
Tip: It can really help to take a photo of your layout at this point to use as a helpful reference later. I printed mine out for convenience.
- Tip: Mix small and large plates, decorative and coupe to avoid a uniform style
Step 3: Hang the middle plate on a picture hanger and measure it’s position
Using your taped boundaries on the floor measure the position of the middle plate in order to find where your picture hook will need to be. You’ll want to begin by measuring down from the tape to the top of the plate, then also take into account the space between the top of the plate and the plate hanger, by turning it over. The point at which your plate will hang from the picture hook, is where that vertical measurement needs to end. This will ensure that your plates fall where you want them to. One you know the position of where your first picture hook needs to be you can move onto your wall and mark it on there.
Step 4: Hammer in your first picture hook and hang your first plate!
Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of your plates are hung!
You may find that once you’ve hung the first plate it can be easier to use measurements between the plates to work out their relative positions to each other. You might also discover as you work that you need to make little adjustments to the layout. A lot can be judged by eye; take a step back every plate to ensure you like how things are going and that the composition works in it’s environment.
Step 6: Voila! Your plates are hung!
Styling tips for hanging decorative plates
1. Mix Plates with other objects
Art, mirrors, jugs and books perfectly complement decorative plates on a feature wall.
2. Use plates of varying sizes
Avoid repetition and create interest by mixing up different sizes and styles
3. Turn into a feature wall. See here for our tips on creating feature walls!
We hope you have enjoyed our guide on how to hang plates on a wall, happy hanging!
See our range of affordable luxury hanging plates here!
Products featured: Plates – Catnap Design London, prices start at £18 (also available as sets), Plate hangers – Catnap Design London, prices start at £2.50