I’ve shared two fun posts on collectibles – Hostess Plates and Salt Cellars. A traditional and classic trend in decorating is creating a wall of art with plates. Lately, I’ve been seeing Oyster Plate collections on Instagram. You can find some beautiful, and pricey, ones on ebay or just be on the lookout at estate sales and resale shops. Several years ago, I started a Pinterest board called Decorating your Walls with Plates. Be sure to check it out for inspiration. If oyster plates aren’t your thing, you can use your family china or mismatched plates that make you happy. I have a stack of blue and white vintage plates and some lovely cream and gold Haviland china I’ve been meaning to display on the walls in my guest room to give the space a freshening up. Stay tuned for that little project. The main thing to remember is to just start with one plate that makes your heart sing. Take a photo of it and start an album on your phone. In the notes of your phone jot down the measurements. When you are out hunting for more plates to add to your collection, you will know what you already have. I suggest aiming for a collection of five to seven plates which make for a nice display. You want varying sizes to add interest.
In the meantime, I thought I would just give you some eye candy of all the different kinds of wall plate displays out there. In my opinion, there is no right or wrong way to display your collection. However, I would say, it’s best to group them rather than spread them out all over your home so people get the idea it’s a collection. Here is a great post from Driven by Decor on how to plan your plate design and display, including the hangers to use.
I like how this pin features beautiful majolica pottery plates around a platter with an oyster plate on top.
Photo credit: Pinterest
This photo has always been a favorite of mine of the plates in the entryway. They’re all different but they somehow go together. I like the arch design. It adds interest. Notice how they started with a smaller plate at the top with larger plates in the middle?
Photo credit: Aimless Flannel
I adore this creamy display of oyster plates flanking either side of an archway in Atlanta Homes magazine.
Photo credit: Atlanta Homes magazine
Look how designer Liz Godwin displayed her oyster plates on built-in shelves. That’s what I mean by displaying your collection together in one space so you can take in the full beauty of the intricate design of the plates.
Photo credit: Liz Godwin Designs
Lastly, if dishes are not in your future and you have a stack of silver serving trays, then by all means put those beauties out for display like this photo from Pinterest.
Photo credit: Pinterest.
Happy collecting!
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
