How to Display Plates on a Wall

Decide where you'll display the plates. This seems elementary, but it is worth considering, because decorative plates don't necessarily have to be displayed in the kitchen. They bring the brightness of artwork to a space regardless. For example, you can use plates to enhance a feature in the architecture like a doorway arch.

Decide if you want to feature plates that have only a few colors, mix and match colors, or feature plates by a certain artist. For example, the artwork of American artist Thomas Kinkade comes on a series of collector plates. For fans of an artist, decorative plates may be a way to have an artist's work in their home without the expense of buying a print.

Use the plates to create a focal point. Designate a wall that you'd like to function as the visual center of the room. This can be above the fireplace, on the wall facing the couch, or surrounding a window seat if you'd like to emphasize that window.

Paint the walls a color that contrasts with the colors on the plates to make them really stand out.

Look at the other pieces you have in the room where you will make your plate display. It will help you plan your display better and help you decide on the kinds of plates you should purchase as part of your collection.

Mix and match the plates with other wall artwork if you want a more traditional look. Position the plates in between clusters of paintings or photographs on your wall.

Ignore patterns in your display if you want a more random pattern in your arrangement.

Locate fancy plate stands for plates that you'd like to display on the fireplace mantel or on the coffee or sides tables. Working in tiers really complements this type of plate display. For example, you can display plates on the area above the fireplace mantel, on the mantel itself and on built-in shelves next to the fireplace.

Echo the look of the plates by featuring curtains with similar patterns or colors.