Kitchen design
Hanging Plates on the Wall: A Kitchen Display Guide
How to hang decorative plates safely, plan a pleasing arrangement, and choose plates that suit a traditional kitchen.
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A group of plates on the wall is a cheap, traditional way to bring colour and pattern to a kitchen, especially where there is no room for a dresser. Odd plates from charity shops and markets work as well as a matching set.
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How to hang them
| Hanger | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring wire plate hanger | Clips grip the plate edge | Most plates; sized to the plate diameter |
| Adhesive disc hanger | A disc sticks to the back; hang from its loop | Plates with rims too fragile for clips |
| Plate rail or shelf with a groove | Plates stand on edge | Changing the display often |
Plan the arrangement
- Lay the plates out on the floor first and move them around until you like the shape.
- Trace each plate onto paper, cut out the shapes and tape them to the wall to check the layout.
- Keep gaps between plates even, about 5–8 cm.
- Start with the largest plate in the centre and build outwards.
Practical points
- Away from the hob and kettle: steam and grease dull glazes.
- Use the right wall fixing for your wall and the weight of each plate.
- Mix sizes and patterns but repeat a colour, so the group looks collected rather than random.
For china on shelves, see Welsh dresser styling, plate racks or glass-fronted cabinets.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you hang a plate on the wall?
With a spring wire plate hanger sized to the plate, or an adhesive disc hanger on the back for delicate plates, hung from a picture hook or a fixing suitable for your wall.
How far apart should wall plates be?
About 5–8 cm apart usually looks best. Keep the gaps even across the group.
Can I hang valuable plates?
Use hangers that do not grip the rim, such as adhesive discs, check the fixing, and keep them away from the hob and steam.