How to Display Decorative Plates
Whether you've inherited an heirloom plate or simply want to showcase a set of vibrant, eclectic plates that you discovered at a flea market or antique store, choose the best method to display the treasures and keep the tableware safe from falls. Consider the decorating style of the room where you plan to put the spotlight on the plates and the tableware's worth when selecting the stand, rack, cabinet or wall mount to hold the items. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Decorative plates
- Wood, metal or acrylic plate stand
- Plate rack
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Plastic or metal wall anchors
- Screws
- Ruler
- Wall plate hanger
- Shelving unit
- Shadow box or display case
- Foam tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Showcase a single, decorative plate on a wood, metal or acrylic plate stand. Simply situate the plate at a slight angle so it rests along the back of the stand and sits behind the protective "arms" that protrude from the bottom of the stand. Display single stands on a bookshelf, fireplace mantel or kitchen counter or line multiple plate stands along open shelving units.
-
2
Install a plate rack that resembles a shallow bookshelf with thin guardrails to hold and display decorative plates. Use a pencil to mark the location of the unit's nail holes on the wall, and then use a screwdriver to drive wall anchors into the wall at each spot with screws. Hang the storage rack and slip the plates into position behind the guardrails.
-
-
3
Turn decorative plates into wall art by using wall hangers to suspend the tableware. Situate the plate the way you want it to appear on the wall, and then use a ruler to take its vertical measurement. Buy a wall hanger that corresponds with that measurement and stretch the hanger's metal springs slightly to situate the hanger vertically behind the plate so it grasps each corner of the plate with a vinyl-covered prong. Attach the hanger's loop to the wall with a screw housed inside a plastic or metal wall anchor.
-
4
Display decorative plates in a custom-designed shelving unit with narrow grooves carved into the surface of each shelf to grip the edge of the plates. This option is convenient if you plan to use the plates from time to time.
-
5
Affix an heirloom plate inside a decorative shadow box or enclosed display case designed to hold the dimensional object. Secure the plate inside the box or case with double-sided foam tape before exhibiting the decoration on a bookshelf or entryway table, for example.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're concerned about your decorative plates slipping off of plate stands or shelves, place one to three adhesive dots where the plates make contact with the display unit to keep the tableware doubly secure.
Use the safest display method for your treasured decorative plates. Although brass wall hangers hold plates in four spots with protective vinyl tips, for example, avoid hanging heirloom plates or use wall anchors to affix the hangers snugly to the wall in the event of an earthquake.
