The tradition of decorating with plates on the wall has a long history, dating back centuries! The practice of displaying decorative plates on the wall originated in Europe, particularly in countries like England, France, and the Netherlands. In the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy households would showcase their fine china and porcelain plates as a sign of status and affluence.
One of the earliest and most well-known plate wall displays came from the Netherlands, where Delftware pottery was hugely popular. Delft blue-and-white ceramic plates were arranged artfully on the walls, creating beautiful decorative displays.
In England during the 19th century, the rise of transferware ceramics made plate collecting and display more accessible. Transferware plates with intricate patterns and scenes became a common decorative element in Victorian-era homes.
Plate walls became especially popular in farmhouse, country, and cottage-style decor in the 20th century. Vintage and antique plates, often with rustic or floral motifs, were used to add warmth and character to these design aesthetics.
Here are some ways to decorate with plates on the wall:
- Plate Wall Gallery: Arrange a collection of decorative plates, platters, or chargers in a gallery-style wall display. Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and patterns for visual interest.
- Plate Groupings: Cluster plates together in small, asymmetrical groupings rather than lining them up in a grid. This creates a more casual, collected look.
- Plate Ledges: Install floating shelves or ledges to display plates stacked or arranged in a row. This allows you to change up the display easily.
- Plate Racks: Use a decorative plate rack or plate holder to neatly display a few special plates on the wall.
- Plate Hangers: Hang individual plates using plate hangers or plate clips that attach directly to the wall.
- Themed Plate Wall: Group plates around a specific theme, color, or pattern for a cohesive look, such as all-white plates or vintage floral designs.
- Plate Wall Arrangements: Experiment with different plate wall arrangements, like staggered rows, overlapping plates, or plates arranged in geometric shapes.
- Incorporate Other Decor: Mix in other wall decor like artwork, mirrors, or shelves to create a layered, eclectic plate wall display.
The key is to have fun and get creative when displaying plates on your walls. Start with a few favorite pieces and build out the arrangement from there.
Today, the plate wall trend has experienced a resurgence, with people using both antique and modern plates to create dynamic, personalized displays in their homes. Plate walls work well in many interior design styles, from traditional to eclectic.
