Follow this easy step-by-step guide to hang plates on your wall! Get tips on layout, hanging methods, and building a charming, budget-friendly plate wall display.
There’s something about a wall full of plates that feels like home, don’t you think? Whether it’s Grandma’s heirloom china, a few thrifted treasures or some sweet dessert plates in your favorite colors, hanging plates on the wall is a charming, budget-friendly way to add personality to your space.
I recently did this in our home, and let me tell you, it’s WAY easier than it looks. So if you’ve ever worried about plates crashing to the floor (or simply weren’t sure where to start), I’ve got you covered! In my old home I was too nervous to hang plates directly on the wall, so I built my own DIY industrial plate rack. Now I’m here to tell you it’s so easy!
Let’s walk through the easy, real-life way to hang plates as wall decor without any fancy tools.
Why Decorate with Plates on the Wall:
- It’s budget-friendly decor with big impact! You don’t need a big budget to create a beautiful plate wall. Use plates you already own, shop the thrift store, or mix in affordable options from Target or HomeGoods. (I love sourcing plates from the Anthropologie home section!)
- Plates tell a story. Whether it’s your grandma’s china, a souvenir from a favorite trip or that one cute plate you couldn’t leave behind at the flea market, hanging plates is like curating a gallery of memories. It’s a sentimental focal point!
- They add texture and charm. Plates bring a soft, layered look to your walls that feels warm and welcoming, especially when you mix shapes, finishes or patterns.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Plates (any shape and size is welcome!)
- Plate hangers or adhesive disc hangers, my personal favorite
- Picture hanging hooks or nails
- Painter’s tape
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Optional: level or measuring tape (if you’re planning a precise grid)
Hanging Plates on a Wall Tutorial
1. Choose Your Plates
Start by gathering the plates you want to hang. I love mixing sizes, shapes and colors because it feels more collected and cozy. Don’t hesitate to add a fun patterned plate among your solid ones, or mix vintage and modern.
Tip: Lay the plates out on a table or the floor first to play with the arrangement before anything goes on the wall.
2. Plan Your Placement with a Plate Template
Once you’ve settled on a layout you love, trace each plate’s outline onto kraft paper or wrapping paper and cut out the shapes. Then tape those templates to the wall in your arrangement.
This gives you a visual guide without poking unnecessary holes. I skipped this step because I was only hanging 3 plates in a vertical line, but if you do more than that, you’ll want templates!
Real-life tip: Step back and look at the arrangement from different angles, since something that looks good up close can feel “off” from across the room.
3. Pick Your Hanging Method
You have two basic options for hanging plates:
Wire Plate Hangers
These are the classic springy hangers that grip the edge of your plate. They’re very secure and easy to remove later, just be sure to get the right size for each plate. These aren’t my favorite because they can sometimes crack the plates when
Adhesive Disc Hangers
These adhesive disc hangers, which are my favorite plate hangers, stick to the back of the plate for a cleaner, nearly invisible look. I LOVE them and this is what I personally use for hanging plates on a wall. They come in several sizes to match your plate’s size and weight, and they won’t damage the plate or the wall!
You simply dampen the back of the adhesive disc with a little water, then follow the full directions. Be sure to respect the drying time exactly and use the correct weight rating.
I love these because they don’t show at all from the front. If you follow the directions, your plates stay safely in place. Test them before hanging anything, but I’ve never had a problem with mine.
4. Hang Your Plates
With your templates still on the wall, mark where each hook or nail should go (usually just above the center of each template). Then hammer in your nail or hook and peel off the paper.
Carefully hang each plate and adjust as needed!
Optional: Use a level and tape measure to double-check that you’re hanging in a straight line or grid, or just eyeball it if you want that casual, collected look. Since mine were hung vertically on top of one another, I used a level to make sure the screw holes lined up exactly.
Tip for Hanging on Wallpaper: Cut a small piece of the wallpaper and fold it back where you plan to put a nail hole or screw. That way you aren’t putting holes in the wallpaper, and if you ever change your mind, you can fold the piece back over the hole when you take it down!
5. Step Back & Smile
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your favorite dishes on the wall, especially when you made the display yourself! Whether it’s in the dining room, kitchen, hallway or even a bathroom (yes, really!), a plate wall adds instant charm and story to your home.
A Few Extra Tips:
- Try Command picture hanging strips if you’re renting or want a damage-free option. Just make sure the back of the plate is smooth and flat.
- Add texture and layers by overlapping plates slightly or mixing in a small framed quote or piece of art.
- Keep it balanced. If one side of the wall feels “heavy,” swap a plate or shift things around.
- Use what you love. They don’t all have to match, and a little quirkiness is part of the charm!
Final Thoughts
I love walking past our plate wall every day. It tells a little story, makes the room feel more us, and was such a simple, budget-friendly project. If you’ve been thinking about trying this, don’t stress. You can absolutely do it, even if you’ve never picked up a hammer before.
Have you ever hung plates on a wall? Or do you have a favorite thrifted or gifted dish you’d love to display? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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