Plate Walls: A Timeless Interior Accent and How to Achieve the Look

As traditional interior design styles make a comeback, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the charm of the plate wall. A staple in cottage, farmhouse, and classic interiors, plates offer vibrant colors and unique patterns, creating a one-of-a-kind statement piece. “It adds another dimension to your wall in a way a regular painting or mirror can’t do,” says Michael Mitchell, principal designer and founder of Michael Mitchell.

Plate Walls: A Timeless Interior Accent and How to Achieve the Look have evolved over time to reflect contemporary influences. The biggest shift has been in how we use them, particularly as people move away from more formal entertaining styles. “People aren’t entertaining as traditionally anymore,” Mitchell explains. “There’s a declined need for these stunning pieces as people opt for modern, dishwasher-safe plates.” However, decorative plate displays are giving cherished heirlooms a new lease on life. “This is a really nice way to use inherited things in a fresh way,” he adds.

In addition to nostalgia, current plate wall trends are also inspired by multicultural influences, according to Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs. “The decorative motifs and color schemes found on many plates from around the world make them an appealing and relatively affordable way to import some international flair into your home,” Freund says.

Freund also notes the growing appeal of ceramic sculptural works in the contemporary art world. “There’s a growing appetite for three-dimensional works, and plates can function similarly,” he adds. The influence of DIY culture is another reason for the plate wall’s resurgence. “If you’re clever and thoughtful about the way you arrange the plates, you’re expressing your creativity as well as the creativity of the artisans who made them,” says Freund.

Choosing Colors and Patterns for a Plate Wall

Establishing the perfect collection of plates for your wall can seem overwhelming, but there are a variety of approaches you can take. “Selecting plates that work well together is really an individual preference,” says Brittany Zimmerman of Bleu Bee Designs. “You can start by just collecting one-off pieces that speak to you as you find them in your adventures.”

Alternatively, a more structured approach, like gathering plates based on a specific color or pattern, can make the process easier. “Parameters can make collecting easier, and a more selective approach may better fit your decorating style,” Zimmerman suggests.

Plate Walls: A Timeless Interior Accent and How to Achieve the Look work well whether you want an eclectic, organic collection or something more cohesive and tailored. Your choice will depend on the overall aesthetic of your home and the pieces you’re starting with.

Don’t Worry About Matching Too Closely

Classic porcelain plates don’t need to match your room’s colors or style. “Treat it like art! It’s there to shock the room; it doesn’t have to be a one-for-one match,” says Mitchell. For example, traditional blue-and-white plates can pair beautifully with other bold hues like purple, pink, or green—even if there’s no other blue or white in the room.

Plate walls also offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce new colors into your decor. “A plate wall is a great way to bring in a new color in a small area and then slowly add it elsewhere in your home,” Zimmerman advises.

Collect Around a Color

“Working with a common color is a no-fail recipe for a cohesive plate wall,” says Zimmerman. Sticking to variations of a single color allows you to experiment with different plate sizes and shapes. For instance, blue-and-white combinations—think of mixing patterns like blue willow, chinoiserie, and transferware—can create a classic and unified display.

Balance Patterns with a Solid Color

If you have a variety of colorful plates, consider balancing them with solid-colored ones to avoid a chaotic look. Zimmerman suggests using a neutral color, like white, for the majority of the collection and adding in a few plates with brighter patterns. For example, a Mottadeh Tobacco Leaf print could provide a striking contrast to more neutral plates.

Mix in Other Elements

Your plate wall doesn’t have to be limited to just plates. You can incorporate platters, serving ware, and even metal pieces like silver or copper for texture and variety. Zimmerman also suggests mixing in other three-dimensional objects such as corbels, sconces, mirrors, or small pieces of canvas art. “The magic is in the mismatch, so embrace the imperfect collection,” she says.

Including plates alongside other items can also help balance traditional decor with more contemporary elements. “More is more, and maximalism is always in!” Zimmerman adds.

Tell a Story

The beauty of a mismatched plate wall is that the collection can tell a story. “The adventure of the hunt is half the story behind your plate wall,” says Zimmerman. Plates collected from travels, thrift stores, or family gatherings can create a narrative that ties the pieces together, even if they don’t match aesthetically.

Focus on a Single Style

If you’ve inherited a set of antique dinnerware, one easy way to approach a plate wall is to stick to that style. Whether it’s by adding more pieces to your collection or hunting down specific patterns on platforms like eBay or Etsy, you can build a cohesive display based on a single style. Iconic plate patterns like Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage, Famille Rose, or Majolica can create a striking collection on their own.

How to Arrange a Plate Wall

“When it comes to plate walls, it’s all about the arrangement,” says Mitchell. The way you organize the plates can often have a bigger impact than the plates themselves. “I’m very methodical in my plate arrangements,” Mitchell explains. “Sporadically adding pieces can make it seem chaotic and cluttered rather than thoughtful and curated.”

Find the Space

Plate walls are often seen in kitchens or dining rooms, but they can be placed in other areas of the home as well. “If you have a frilly, pink heirloom plate, there’s no reason why you can’t display it in a guest room,” Mitchell says. You can also use architectural features to inspire your arrangement. For example, placing plates in the corner where two walls meet can help bring together adjoining spaces.

Anchor the Arrangement

To create a balanced display, start by anchoring the arrangement with two or three larger plates or platters. Zimmerman suggests using a large piece of furniture, such as a server or banquette, to anchor the plate wall. Alternatively, Mitchell recommends flanking the display with a piece of wall art, like a mirror or painting.

Keep It Simple

While plate walls can be whimsical and free-flowing, Zimmerman and Mitchell both suggest maintaining some structure in the arrangement. “I don’t mind mixing sizes, but it’s better to match sizes where possible,” says Mitchell.

You don’t need a massive collection to make an impact. Small walls are the perfect space for a simple, linear arrangement of two or three plates that serve as focal points.

Try Multiple Layouts

Both experts recommend laying out your plates on the floor before committing to the wall. This allows you to experiment with scale and arrangement. “I always recommend using painters tape on the floor to mark out the space you want to fill,” says Zimmerman. By arranging the plates on the floor or tracing their outlines, you can avoid making holes in your wall until you’re certain of your design.

How to Mount Plates to Walls

When you’re ready to mount your plates, Mitchell recommends using invisible English disc adhesives, which attach to the back of the plate and keep it close to the wall. For extra security, a dab of adhesive on the bottom can help prevent the plate from tilting. “There are also adhesives used on yachts that can keep plates in place,” he adds.

With these tips and ideas, you can easily create your own plate wall—whether you’re honoring a collection of heirlooms or simply experimenting with color and pattern to add personality to your space.