I have come around on decorating with plates.

For many years, I could not shake the dull and uninspired images of my Grandmother’s generation’s dining rooms: Dark and serious rooms anchored with an oversized hutch stuffed with good china to be used only on special occasions. Then there was usually a family heirloom plate or two on display. And although the plates were gorgeous, they somehow managed to look stodgy and boring in the ubiquitous setting.

A Modern Take on Plates

Fast forward two generations or so, and now I can’t get enough of plates as decoration. What changed? The display location for one. Plates hung outside of the dining room - in an entryway, office, bedroom or a living room - can provide a fabulous fresh layer of unexpected color, shape and texture.

As plates come in a a variety of shapes and sizes, they can also fit into small or oddly configured spaces where a frame or mirror may not look right. Plates are a great way to fill out or add symmetry to other wall decoration such as flanking a picture or an art object.

When executed correctly, plates as decoration are a modern and fresh addition to any room. The plates that seem to work best are vibrant in color and unique like a small piece of art. Check out some fabulous plates as decoration below and maybe you will be inspired to hang some of your favorites in your home. If you don’t own any or want to add to your collection, start hunting estate sales, antique stores or maybe your Grandmother’s hutch.

Enjoy!