Fix Art Aus Information Blog

How Do I Design a  Decorative Plate Wall?

So you would like to create a plate wall display, but are not sure how to start? 

There are many ways to position plates on a wall and no hard and fast rules, allowing you to have fun exercising creative freedom. The style and character of the room, as well as it's shape will all influence a successful display, but no matter what the surroundings, there are techniques that can be used to help create an attractive, cohesive display that draws attention.

Whatever the shape and size of the plates, grouping them will have more impact than hanging them singularly around the room or house, just as a bunch of flowers have more impact than just one. Commemorative or large plates that need to draw focus without distraction may be the exception. Rather like a single rose may have a special meaning and say more when it is on its own.

To create a great plate display you need to think about many things when they are grouped. Should they be symmetrically placed, or random? How much space should be between each? How high should they be placed on the wall?

Plates that are the same size will usually look best in a symmetrical pattern. If they are not symmetrical it can appear as if a lack of care has been used when placing the hooks and hangers resulting in an uneven display. If you are using adhesive disk hangers be sure the hook on each plate is the same distance from the rim of the plate when viewed from the back and the wall hooks are positioned in a line and parallel rows. Remember to give the plates breathing room between them and the borders of the wall while still appearing grouped and not scattered. Laying the plates on the floor and eyeballing them will help determine how much space should be allowed between each. When the plates are on the wall, the centre of the display will usually look best if it is at eye level when stood up, similar to how you would position a picture. To mark the hook positions on the wall, start from the middle of the display and work outwards, positioning each hook so the plates will finally be arranged similar to when you laid them in a test pattern on the floor.

If you are making a more random arrangement with different size plates this allows for more creativity along with a lot more laying plates in different test patterns before deciding. After you settle on the final layout and if your patience allows, leave it overnight. Sometimes what looked great yesterday somehow does not look quite right today. Consider placing more of the larger plates at the centre or foot of the arrangement to avoid a top heavy look.

When designing any plate display, think about colour, design and shape. All these are important, Darker colours are likely best at the bottom to remove top heaviness and plate designs with a similar theme will make the plates look like they belong together and add impact. For more inspiration look at the Pinterest Fix Art Aus Plate Wall Decor and see what you think will work best for your plate wall.

What is a group of plates called?

What Size Plate Hanger Do I Need For My Plates?

How do I Hang Plates on a Wall Using an Adhesive Disc Plate Hanger?

Adhesive hangers that are used to display decorative wall plates are also known as "invisible" disc hangers, because they are hidden when hanging. If this is exactly what you need, but are not sure how they are used, follow the simple steps below, or watch the video.