The Plate Wall: My Top Tips for Adding Instant Character (On a Budget!)

Right, let’s talk about plate walls. Honestly, they are a brilliant and affordable way to inject serious charm and character into your home without committing to a massive (and often costly) piece of art. It’s accessible decorating at its best! If you’ve been nervous about starting one, read on because I’m sharing all my secrets, from where I source my absolute gems to the trusty hanging methods I swear by.

Emily Hadley Kitchen Plate Wall

The Eclectic Mix: That Cohesive Vibe

When it comes to plate a plate wall, I adore an eclectic mash-up of styles, sizes and ages. The mix is what makes it interesting! But here’s the key: it can’t be totally random. You need a little thread running through your choices to make it feel intentional and harmonious.

• My Go-To Thread: Colour! For my own plate wall, I stick to a soft, gentle colour palette with little pops of colour dotted about here and there. But your thread could be anything! You could go all-out bold, stick strictly to classic blue and white or curate a wall of nothing but vintage botanical prints. There is no right or wrong, just make sure it makes you smile.

Placement: Ignore the Rulebook!

In my humble opinion, a plate wall works anywhere. Seriously! Around doors, in a cosy little downstairs loo, above the bed, brightening up the kitchen or lending some personality over a tired old sofa. You name it, a plate wall can transform it.

• Spacing Matters (But Not That Much): It's completely up to you how you arrange them. Do you want them packed in tightly, in a neat-and-tidy straight line, or with lots of space between them? I personally love them close together, but always leave enough room for each plate to breathe and be appreciated.

• Ditch the Ruler! Now, I’m not going to lie—you won’t find me faffing about with rulers or meticulously cut-out paper templates. I’m an ‘it looks right, so it is right’ kind of chap. If you’re a bit more nervous though, by all means, draw around your plates and use those paper circles to map it out. But remember, the joy is that you can add to it over time...

Brassica Dorset, Plate Wall

Sourcing Plates: The Best Bits of the Hunt

Like all brilliant collections, take your time! Don't rush it. I look for plates that have a bit of meaning or humour, alongside being lovely to look at. Not all plates are created equal so keep those eyes peeled!

• The Maker Magic: I've found some absolutely stunning plates from ceramic artists, often discovered on Instagram. Look out for the work of people like Meredith Adams, Laura Winstone, and Lesley Boerio for beautiful, handmade pieces. Also keep an eye on places like Glassette online, they're brilliant for finding new talent.

  
  

• High Street Heroes: For a quick fix, you can’t beat the high street! Places like Anthropologie, Rockett St George, and Dunelm always have whimsical and fun plates that are perfect for adding personality. You can even grab a decent piece during the weekly supermarket shop these days!

  
  

• The Vintage Haul: This is where the real fun begins! I’ve picked up some amazing finds for next to nothing from charity shops and bric-a-brac stalls. Don't forget car boot sales, vintage fairs and online spots like Vinted or eBay. Even if they don’t quite fit your wall, a small vintage plate makes the perfect little trinket tray for jewellery or matches.

Laura Winstone - Handmade Delftware Inspired Plates

Hanging Plate Walls: No Need to Panic!

People often get nervous about hanging plates for plate walls, especially if they were a special or expensive purchase. But honestly, it’s straightforward. I use one of two trusty options:

1. Plate Discs (The Invisible Option)

These are sticky adhesive hooks that you attach to the back of the plate.

• How to: Select the right size to hold your plate's weight, wet the disc, stick it onto the back of your plate, and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Then hang away!

• Pros: Totally invisible once it’s up.

• Cons: Takes a whole day to dry, and they are notoriously difficult to remove once stuck!

Buy Plate Discs here

2. Plate Holders (The Reusable Option)

These are simple metal brackets with springs that hook around the plate's edge.

• How to: Again, choose the correct size. Hook the springs around the plate, and hang it on your wall immediately.

• Pros: Plate can be hung instantly, and you can easily switch the holder between different plates.

• Cons: The bracket can be slightly seen from the front of the plate, and if left for years, the pressure could potentially cause tiny chips around the edge.

Buy Plate Holders here

So, there you have it! Your ultimate guide to getting started with plate walls. Have a bit of fun with it, don't take it too seriously and you’ll end up with a collection that is uniquely you!