How to Hang Decorative Plates

These plates have the classic "Blue Willow" motif.

Displaying decorative plates can instantly improve the look of any room. Used as focal points in specific areas, plates become complementary art objects that are as versatile as their varied colors and patterns. The most popular way of displaying them is by hanging them on walls. Specially crafted hooks and racks can make the project easier. Many of them are available in designs that are meant to accentuate the design of the plate or the decor of the room, while others are practically invisible.

Things You'll Need

• Wall-stud finder
• Pencil
• Hanging plate rack(s) and/or individual plate hangers
• Hammer
• Nails
• Decorative plates
• Carpenter's level (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Use a wall-stud finder to determine where the studs (supporting vertical wooden beams) have been placed beneath the drywall where you will be hanging your plates. Decide how many plate hangers you will be needing.

2. Mark the locations of the wall studs lightly and discreetly in pencil for easy reference. You will need to make sure that the hangers or racks that will be holding your plates are attached to these studs for safety reasons.

3. Hold a plate hanger or a rack in the location desired, making sure that it is directly over a vertical wall stud. Place a dot in pencil in the attached opening (if using a hanger), or openings (if using a rack) designed for the nails from which it will hang.

4. 

   Hammer nails in each location marked with dots. Hang the plate hanger(s) or rack on the nails in the wall.

5. 

   Put the decorative plates on the rack in the spaces designated. If you are using plate hangers, hold a plate in front of a hanger and place the three or four "clips" that are attached to the stretchable coils of the hanger onto the rim of the plate. Step back a few feet to determine if any adjustments are necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• You may use a carpenter's level to make sure that the placement of your plates is even. However, most interior designers agree that unless you are using a rack, it is often better to simply trust your own eyes. In many cases, plates of different sizes in individual plate hangers look best if they are not perfectly even, as in a zigzag pattern. The exception to this is when using the plates in a geometric pattern (e.g., block or circular formation), or when hanging a pair of matching plates.

• When purchasing hangers and/or racks for your decorative plates, keep in mind the dimensions of the plates for your display. If your plate is larger or heavier than most, be sure to select a support that can bear its weight and size. Before actually piercing the drywall with a nail, make certain that you like the placement indicated by your pencil marks and that each mark is over a wall stud. If using a heavy plate rack, have at least one other person assisting you, especially if the rack holds three or more plates. Your assistant can help hold the rack while you mark in pencil where the nails will go. They can also help you hang the rack on the wall.

References

• Wall Plates and Plate Holders"