Plate It Cool: Dishware Is the New Wall Art

Design by Billy Cotton | Photography by Stephen Johnson

Hanging plates on the wall is having a not-so-quiet comeback—and it’s cooler than you think. Designers are ditching perfection in favor of something more personal: walls that feel eclectic and a little bit offbeat (in the best way). We love this look not just because it’s charming, but because it’s also low-lift and budget-friendly. Whether you lean traditional with symmetry or prefer a wilder, more instinctual mix, there are no rules here. Just trust your gut, grab a hammer (or some adhesive discs), and start playing.

Design & Photography by Helma Bongenaar

Design by Ruth Kramer for Brücke 49, Photography by Martin Kaufmann

Photography by Ambroise Tezenas

Think Beyond the Grid

Symmetry gets a lot of airtime in design, but when it comes to plate walls, you can toss the rulebook. Like a gallery wall, the key is balance and not perfection. A modern plate layout feels looser, livelier, and more organic. Designers are leaning into free-flowing arrangements that play with scale, spacing, and negative space, creating a sense of movement that feels intentional without being too put-together. The result is a wall that gets people talking (in a good way).

Photography by David Tsay Photography

Mix Plates Like You Mix Patterns

We know the power of mixing patterns, and the same logic applies to your plate wall. Contrast is your friend. Pair bold, graphic designs with delicate florals, or layer rustic stoneware with refined porcelain for a more collected feel. If you crave a more cohesive look, choose a color palette up front and stick to it while sourcing. Or, skip that entirely and go full maximalist. To be a collector is to know that there’s beauty in the mix.

Design by Heidi Caillier, Photography by Haris Kenjar

(Left) Design by Sarah Vanrenen, Photography by Mike Garlick

Shop Small (and Often)

Half the fun of a plate wall is the treasure hunt, and the best pieces are often the ones you stumble upon when you’re not actively searching. Vintage and antique shops are great places to start, as are flea markets and estate sales. Don’t sleep on Etsy, eBay, or Chairish either. There are tons of small sellers with one-of-a-kind gems that make a wall feel personal. Pro tip: If you have a specific style in mind, set alerts so you’ll be notified when new pieces pop up online.

(Left) Design by Alex Yeske Interiors, Photography by Jess Isaac

(Right) Design by CM Studio Interiors, Photography by Heather Talbert

Design by Duet

The Art of the Hang

A crooked plate wall is charming, but a shattered one? Not so much. A few smart moves can help you avoid any casualties. First, plan your layout ahead of time, either by laying it out on the floor or taping up paper templates so you can visualize it on the wall. For a clean, hardware-free look, go for adhesive discs that stick directly to the back of your plates. If you want something more traditional, try spring-style plate hangers, which hug the edges with visible metal hooks. A little old-school charm never hurt.

Design by Mark D. Sikes Interiors, Photography by Amy Neunsinger

Photography by Christopher Sturman

Design by Martin Brudnizki, Photography by Henry Bourne