You know those moments when you should be setting the table for dinner but instead start imagining a new furniture layout? That happened to me recently. Over the years I’ve put up many plate walls, and most started on a whim when inspiration hit.
We’ve been shifting things around the house a lot lately — it seems there’s always some level of rearranging going on here. With Courtney moving into the lower level and my son unexpectedly home from college, we’re gradually deciding where pieces work best. This “stay home” season has felt like the perfect time to make small changes and cozy things up.
One evening I moved a wood shutter cabinet from the living room into the dining room. We store table linens and wine glasses in it, so the dining room made more sense. I shifted it over just before dinner and immediately loved it in its new spot.
I wasn’t sure what to put on the wall above the cabinet, but I’ve wanted a plate collection in this house for a while, so this felt like the perfect place to create one.
I debated which plates to use. Should I go with plain white like in my old dining room, or mix in a variety of patterns? I have lots of patterned plates, including some quirky pieces, but ultimately chose to keep it simple with my favorite blue-and-white salad plates and shallow bowls. They feel just right for my cottage-inspired style, and seeing them displayed makes me happy. Blue and white is a timeless combination that works well in many rooms.
(I rounded up more plate options at the end of the post.)
For adhesive plate hangers, mix a little water into the glue with your fingers and let it sit until it becomes tacky. Press the hanger firmly onto the plate and let it dry overnight. I use small wall hooks and a bit of putty to secure them once they’re ready.
I asked Courtney to help. Sometimes we just start hammering and see what happens, but this time we took a more methodical approach. We traced the plates and bowls onto paper, cut out the shapes, and taped them to the wall to visualize the layout before making any holes.
We aimed for a gentle upward swoop with the arrangement — slightly imperfect but balanced. A deliberately casual shape gives the display warmth without looking careless.
Here is the finished result.
We love how it turned out. A simple change can really transform how a room feels, and adding the plates has sparked new ideas for decorating adjacent spaces as well. Sometimes the smallest updates make the biggest difference.
I look forward to sharing more updates soon.
Have you ever hung a plate wall?
PS: I previously shared a how-to video on hanging plates, platters, and bowls on a wall — it’s a helpful visual guide if you want more tips on techniques and placement.
Post Sources:
Wood shutter cabinet (similar style) — a handy storage piece for dining linens and glassware.
Adhesive plate hangers — use as described above, allowing glue to set before mounting.
Blue and white plates — classic pieces that provide a cohesive, cottage-inspired look when displayed together.
Wood & glass diffuser — a small decor touch that complements cozy dining spaces.
White animal lamp — a playful accent that pairs well with neutral and cottage decor.
White bowl: Home Goods.
Pretty Plates:
Below are curated plate ideas and styles that work well for creating a plate wall — mix solids, florals, and transferware for a collected look, or stick to a single color palette for a more unified display.
Related Posts:
How to Decorate: The Slow Process to a Style You’ll Love — thoughts on building a home style over time.
How to Hang Plates, Platters, and Bowls on a Wall (Video) — a practical guide if you prefer visual instructions.