The Classic Plate Wall
You may not know this yet, but everybody needs a plate wall in their home. You don’t have one? Allow me to inspire you!
What makes the plate wall “classic”? Around here, we are unabashed advocates for classic design. By definition, classic is something that serves as a standard of excellence, something that is traditional and enduring. Enduring is the keyword for interior design. Has it stood the test of time—throughout eras, across styles—does it remain as a standard, as a go-to, a tried and true? And as far as plate walls are concerned, the answer is a resounding, “Yes”!
Historically, displaying one’s china was a way to express status and wealth. Often inherited, passed down from family to family, displaying china shared a story of one’s lineage, one’s family history. China or porcelain was often collected during travel and showcased as a way to remember and share with others. And last but not least, very practically, hanging china plates was a way to “store” one’s (often extensive) collections.
Photo: Alexandre Bailhache, Interior design by Susan Bednar Long for Le Mas des Poiriers, Provence, France, Featured in Veranda magazine (March/April 2019)
Fast forward to today, and many of the same reasons still apply. Let’s dig in a bit:
Inherited and Family Heirloom Pieces
Many of us have sets of china passed down to us from grandparents, and even great-grandparents. I do. I have a set from my husband’s great-grandparents, passed down from his mom; I also have a set from my paternal grandma that I inherited from my aunt. I treasure these items, and I also use them several times each year. But what about enjoying them daily, as art tastefully displayed and honored in our homes?
Items Collected While Traveling
I love to hunt for treasures while traveling. My favorite things to collect are useful things, items that I can use regularly, and remind me often of each trip. China plates are naturally one of the items that I gravitate towards. Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they are enduringly useful, not to mention fairly simple to sneak into an already full suitcase. I have one such piece hanging above my kitchen sink today. It brings me joy every time I notice it. It is incredibly beautiful, and best of all, it reminds me of the birthday trip to England with my best friend, where we spent days and days shopping and hunting for treasures!
My best friend and me treasure hunting at Portobello Market in London, UK!
Practical Storage
Displaying plates is a simple approach to making more room in one’s cabinets, and who doesn’t need more cabinet space? Can’t seem to find a good place for those large platters? Display them! They are within easy reach when needed, and beautiful all year round.
A few other reasons that I love a good plate wall (in case you need a bit more convincing):
There are endless opportunities to express ourselves creatively, our unique tastes and artistic styles, and our individual family heritages, through the plate wall. The colors and patterns are innumerable, and the combinations equally so. For example, check out this shop display of Cabbageware plates. Inspired by climbing vines, it is an incredibly impactful moment.
Cabbageware Plates - Displayed in Clemontin shop in Birmingham, Alabama, Photo by Dustin Adams, Courtesy of Stephanie Lynton https://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/design-trends/g63001872/how-to-create-a-plate-wall/
It is such an inexpensive way to add impact, color, and beauty to an otherwise empty space—be it an intimidatingly large wall, or a small sliver above a window.
Finally, and this is my favorite, plates are a symbol of home and of hospitality—a powerful simplicity. I love this quote by Louisa May Alcott:
“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”
She reminds us that finding beauty in humble, simple, everyday items (and tasks) adds joy to our lives and to our daily work at home.
My antique ironstone plate collection
Are you inspired yet? How about a rummage through your cabinets, your attics, or your local thrift shop? Find some beautiful china and create your own unique version of the classic plate wall!