The Ultimate Guide To Decorating With Plates On the Wall

Hi Guys! Hope y’all are enjoying the respite from the bitter cold.

No Dear Laurel today.

This idea just popped into my head.

I have no idea why, but I love to mix things around and I believe that some of you have requested this topic.

 

Today’s post focuses on decorating with plates on the wall.

 

Now, I have to make a confession which may come as a huge surprise.

I know bupkis about decorating with plates. lol

I mean, I have NEVER specified a plate for a wall, nor recommended it to a client.

And, most of my plates came from Pottery Barn.

However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t think that decorating with plates on the wall is a bad idea. I don’t.

 

If it’s done right.

But, if it’s done wrong, it’s pretty icky poo.

Well, what’s the wrong way to hang the plates, Laurel?

 

You know, it depends.

Oh, stop rolling your eyes at me! It does depend! And, one reason is that what would be glorious for some of you, would feel busy (aka: cluttered) and crazy-making for others.

 

For instance. This asymmetrical design, IMO, is not working in this traditional Tudor style home. They look like they’re trying to escape. Could be. ;]

 

In fact, I have never seen an asymmetrical pattern with plates that I thought looked terrific.

 

The exception might be if incorporated with a somewhat asymmetrical art wall. But even there, I prefer things to be more balanced.

I’m a classical girl.

 

Next specimen.

While the basic idea of this is fine, I think it’s too crowded. Plus, there are too many elements on the table. I love the oyster plates, just not on this wall.

I’m not going to put in any more don’ts because I live in fear these days that I’m going to insult someone I know like I did in this post.

The photo came down shortly after the post went up. I was mortified!

However I came across this article on Remodelista and surprisingly almost every one is a don’t. Please know that I am not dissing this blog. As a matter of fact, I link to it at least once or twice a month. I love it, normally, but this is an old post and it might explain why this one is not up to snuff. It is not nearly up to the high level they currently share. But then, many of my old posts aren’t either.

 

So, let’s get into some great ideas for decorating with plates.

 

I am trying to include something for everyone. So, even for the folks who break out in hives if there’s too much going on, I think that you’ll find some images you’ll like.

Okay, just a little warning: The clutterphobes might need to look away for a spell.

However, if you’re into a little Boho/funky, chic, cooler than cool when it comes to decorating with plates, well there’s no better example than John Derian.

 

Yes, yes I know, I know! Now, please settle back into your seats. We have a lot to cover.

 

John Derian and Astier De Villatte at his New York shop

 

Well, one of his shops. I really should make a field trip one of these days

More Astier De Villatte from John Derian’s instagram

 

For more of John Derian, click here.

 

One more fun composition by John Derian. Some of you may recall that I went to Provincetown on Cape Cod last summer. And damn. I had no idea that John has a shop there. Oh well. Next time, for sure!

Greg Irvine found via the Style Files, found on Design Sponge

haha! I definitely do my research!

Greg Irvine is an Aussie chap and you must check out his instagram.

BUT FIRST

Please check out this short video about him.

I insist.

Don’t worry. I won’t move on until you come back. :]

Wasn’t that fun?

 

“If I lived in ugly surroundings, I’d just curl up and die.” ~ Greg Irvine

 

Switching gears completely. And clutter haters, it’s safe to stop wincing now. At least, for the time being.

 

Above is the lovely, lovely work of one of my favorite designers James Farmer. These are via his instagram

I’ve not met James, but I sure do hope to one day. Not only is he incredibly talented, but I daresay that he’s THE happiest human being on the planet.

 

 

James has written a highly acclaimed book – A Place to Call Home

 

This is not to be confused with a book with the same title by another favorite designer and architect, Gil Schafer

In case you don’t know, titles of any kind are not copyrightable. Both are terrific books!  If you are interested in more terrific design books, click here.

 

The next three images are by James Farmer and each represents a beautiful use of decorating with plates

All photos by Emily Followill

Love the composition and colors mixed in with the artwork. Perfect

 

And this kitchen! Sublime!

 

A formal, but not stuffy dining room.

 

Traditional Home – photo Emily Followill

 

Maggie Griffin via Ballard Designs

Love these Majolica oyster dishes. And I do spy Barbara Barry’s Indo Day fabric that is also on my kitchen Roman Shade.

 

This is the work of the late Charles Faudree whose work seems to have taken on an almost cult following. And for good reason. It’s beautiful.

 

Some of my favorite walls that use plates for decorating also include artwork, corbels and sometimes lighting.

 

And no one combines all of that together better than Furlow Gatewood. Every room of Furlow’s is like a master class of decorating.

For more of Furlow Gatewood’s beautiful work, click here.

 

Another wall designed by Furlow Gatewood. Image from the Peak of Chic

 

Little Augury

 

An amazing dining room by Anouska Hempel

 

Lauren DeLoach Interiors – via Instagram

I love this tone on tone with creamware and Majolica plates, it looks like

 

Vibeke Design

 

Another tone on tone beauty!

 

Laurel. Where are all of the blue and white plates?

 

You want blue and white plates?

 

Here ya go!

 

Victoria mag

The only thing bugging me a little (aside from the freckled countertops) is that the shelf is off-center and then the symmetry is broken on the right, but since I can’t see the entire room, I will reserve [too much] judgment. The rest is lovely, I think. Love those Staffordshire Dogs. If you love them too, you can see some that are available for sale.

 stunning room by Rodolphe Beduchaud on instagram

If interested, I believe he has more images of this amazing room on his insta linked above.

 

Kathryn Greeley Designs

 

Lovely display of lovely blue and white plates with a giant turkey platter!

 

Mark D. Sikes from the Greystone Showhouse a few years ago.

 

If you’d like to get look of Mark D Sikes for less money, click here.

 

Otherwise, if you’d like to get Mark, click the top link. :]

Well, there it is. I hope that you enjoyed all of these fine examples of decorating with plates.

 

Oh, and if you’re interested in learning how to put the plates up, please check out this fabulous post in Driven By Decor.

 

You can also do a wall elevation with your graph paper and map out your arrangement of wall plates ahead of time.

xo,

 

PS: Please check out the updated hot sales pages.