How to Hang Plates and Platters

Learn how to use plate hangers for walls to create a beautiful and functional art display of fabulous plates in your home. These simple techniques for hanging platters and plates will create a charming look for your walls!

Learn how an inexpensive wall plate holder can transform your walls in an inexpensive design where form meets function!

We’re guiding you through it – learn where to buy plates and hangers, how to plan them out for your walls, and the ins and outs of the process.

Creating a cozy, welcoming home does not have to be stressful or cost a fortune. You certainly don’t have to buy out your home decor store to be “finished” in a day! Rather, creating a home takes place over time, as you cultivate your style.

In our guide to 21 DIY Wall Decor Ideas, we’ve shared so many fun and inexpensive ideas to help you get creative!

One of my favorite wall treatments is the decorative platter display hanging in our breakfast nook. I wanted it to add a little interest to the room, so I used vintage platters to give it a collected-over-time feel.

We also added the sweetest little blue and white plate to our mud room, and it gives me a little bit of joy every time we exit into the garage. It’s the little things in life, isn’t it?

Plates on Walls

I’ve used this trick several times over the years, from the dining room of our former colonial home in Kansas, to the breakfast nook in our St. Louis tudor.

I am in love with the results! Plus I love that it puts them within easy reach if I need an extra serving piece.

A few years ago at our previous home, I created a platter wall display over our piano. I absolutely loved the texture and dimension it added to the space.

Decorative dishes would look beautiful in the kitchen, living room, and even bedrooms! Of course, they’re right at home in the dining room, too. After I fell in love with my first display, I created a miniature version over the bar cart in just 5 minutes!

Designing a Plate Wall

Once you have a collection of plates or platters to work with, start by spreading them out in front of you so you can get a good look. Decide which ones you want to use for your wall.

• If possible, mark off an area the same dimensions as the wall you’ll be filling – you can use painter’s tape for easy removal. Rearrange the dishes into different layouts within the area you’ve marked.
• It may be easiest to start with the largest pieces first, then fill in with smaller plates. However, there are no rules here, so feel free to play with the layout until you find one you love!
• Try a symmetrical layout that is the same on both sides. Or go asymmetrical for a more laid back and free flowing design. Either way works and looks stunning!
• Once you have a layout you like, do something to help you remember it. You can snap a photo on your phone for easy reference. Or, you can transfer it onto graph paper or trace it onto a large piece of paper.
• It may save you time – and a lot of extra holes in your wall – to trace the shapes of your dishes onto paper. Cut them out and hang them on the wall in your desired design using painter’s tape.
• This lets you make small adjustments as needed, without nailing putting any holes in the wall. Stand back and look at the paper cutouts. Make any changes that are needed.

Choose the Right Type of Plate Hanger

Now that you’ve chosen your dishes and laid them out like you envision, you’ll be able to decide which type of plate hangers you’ll need.

There are a couple popular options, each with pros and cons.

Disc Plate Hanger

• A popular option is to use a disc plate hanger. These are adhesive discs that you attach to the back of your plates and then hang on the wall. They come with a ring that you can easily hang from a nail or wall hook.
• The main advantage of the disc plate hanger is that it is invisible once hung. Since it sticks to the back of the plate, it can’t be seen once you’re all finished. It gives this project a clean, simple look.
• They are perfect for dishes with flat surfaces on the back, such as large bowls, platters, and plates. They don’t work as well if the dishes have a rim or feet that stick out, since the disc has to be able to lay flat against the wall.
• A single 5 1/2″ disc plate hanger can hold up to 7 pounds, but you should check your specific hanger for weight limits, just to be sure. Another plus about this type of wall plate holder is that you can use more than one on large dishes, if necessary.
• This type isn’t quite as conducive when it comes to taking the dishes off the wall for use. There will still be a disc attached to the back. You can still use the dishes for serving, but you’ll need to carefully clean them by hand afterward, to keep from getting water on the disc.

Wire Plate Wall Hanger

• Another type of plate hanger is a 4-pronged wire hanger. This design has springs that can stretch to fit the size of your plate or dish, and hooks that fit around the edge.
• This type of wall plate holder is slightly visible, with the four hooks showing from the front. They’re not overpowering, however, and they can even contribute to a more vintage feel.
• The hooks come in metal finishes, such as brass or stainless steel. You can also buy them with a vinyl coating. This also prevents any potential scratches.
• Since the dishes are held in place by hooks on springs, there is nothing actually attached to the dishes themselves.
• Note that this type of wall plate holder often runs small, so you may want to purchase the next size up.

How to Hang a DIY Plate Wall

You’ve already chosen your plates, designed your layout and decided which type of plate wall hanger to use. Now it’s time to move it to your wall!

With a Disc Plate Hanger

1. Choose plates, platters, and bowls and arrange them on a table or the floor. Purchase the appropriate plate hangers for your project.
2. Trace and cut out template for each dish on paper. Then tape to wall in your arrangement using painter’s tape.
3. Clean dishes and dry thoroughly.
4. For disc hangers, start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the back of each dish. This step is crucial to the hangers adhering properly, so don’t skip it!
5. Follow the instructions on your disc plate hanger. It requires using your fingers to spread a small amount of water onto the adhesive. After a few minutes, the glue should be tacky and ready for hanging.
6. Apply the disc to the back of your plate or dish. Pay attention to its orientation. It has a small ring for hanging, so if your plate has a design that needs to face up, make sure you hang the ring on that side.
7. Press firmly to secure the disc to the back of the dish, working any air bubbles out and to the side. Let dry overnight.
8. Once dry, test for proper adhesion by pulling firmly on the disc plate hanger’s ring. You want it to feel secure before use!

With Wire Plate Hangers

1. Choose plates, platters, and bowls and arrange them on a table or the floor. Purchase the appropriate plate hangers for your project.
2. Trace and cut out template for each dish on paper. Then tape to wall in your arrangement using painter’s tape.
3. Clean dishes and dry thoroughly.
4. Now it’s as easy as selecting the right size, and stretching it to fit around your dish. Turn the plate onto its face to check the fit of the hanger. It should be snug with no wiggle room.
5. Adjust the hooks as needed so they are evenly spaced on the dish. You’ll want the top two hooks centered around the top center of the plate, so the hook will be able to hang level.
6. Find top center on each paper template. For each dish, measure how far from the top the hanger will be and mark this measurement on each paper template.
7. Nail directly through paper at mark using a hammer and nail. Hang dish on nail using the plate wall hanger, and if happy with the placement, remove paper template.

Frequently Asked Questions

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