Plate walls have always been a popular way for collectors to display their plates in a unique and decorative way. Hanging on the wall allows you to enjoy your collection every day, create a signature piece, this is not only special to you, but also easily editable, making it changeable with minimal effort. For those looking to start their own board display, I’ve also prepared a list of additional boards that would complement many of the styles.
Collect your plates
Plate collecting can be a fun hobby that can be enjoyed by a wide range of budgets. For me, I find almost all my plates while thrifting, at antique stores or flea markets. Usually the boards only cost a few dollars. I currently find countess options in most shoprift stores, in individual plates and in moderately sized sets. So if you want to start a record collection the options are limitless, the fun really starts when you start perfecting a particular design, color and size to fit your collection.
Find a place for your panel wall
After you have completely collected, or as you continue to collect, keep in mind where you will hang the wall of boards. As you can see, you don’t have to limit panel walls to be displayed only in or near the kitchen. One of my favorite elements about the board wall is how editable it is, meaning you can move boards around within the design or change out boards as your collection deepens or even seasonally.
Plate Wall Layout
There are several ways people prepare and install their wall panels, I’ve done them all here, and I’ll share my favorite way to get the most accurate installation.
Paper cutting method
Using each panel as a template, trace onto the masking paper and cut out the dimensions of each design. Lay them on the floor or even attach/glue them to the wall to get the arrangement you want.
I’ve used this method a few times and it’s been great, but not my favorite when you have a “complete” collection of plates ready to hang on the wall. What I really like about this method is when you have collected most of your plates but still need a few. You can cut out your current plates to get an idea for the layout and visually get an idea of the size and shape of the missing pieces in your collection.
The reason I don’t use this, I find it hard to convey the exact position when you add a plate hanger to the mix. In this blog post I will cover what tools you need however the only thing you need are plate hangers and depending on the size the part of the plate hanger that attaches to the nail on the wall varies depending on the size of the plate hanger and even and the manufacturer.
Computer modeling
If you are computer savvy, this can be most likely the fastest way to get an idea of the layout. Personally, when it comes to designing a space, I take the approach of staying away from the computer. Jose is the other side he’d like to throw everything into CAD before we start, but I personally don’t have the patience for that.
The pros at this are the same as the paper cut method, as it can help you find missing pieces in your collection as you go, and it’s a really quick way to customize a look on the fly.
Cons: Likewise, transferring hanger measurements can be difficult, and not everyone has access to design programs and apps.
Floor strip method
While I’m sure there may be a few more, the third method, which I’ve called the floor strip method, is my favorite when you have a full collection and are ready to install a sheetrock wall. You create a quadrant on the floor of the entire wall space using painter’s tape. Using actual plates with plate hangers in place, you shuffle until you get the arrangement you want. Find and transfer measurements from the hanger hook, leaving no room for error. Let’s go into more detail here…
Placing a slab wall (using the floor strip method)
Identification of wall space
Measure the height and width limits of the wall surface. Keep in mind that you’ll want to go in a few inches from the top and bottom, and if your wall is in a corner, from the side. You’ll want to leave a bit of space on all of them so you can hang your board on the nail, and I think leaving a proper gap around it helps frame the boards and look more intentional.
Put it on the floor
Transfer your measurements to the floor using painter’s tape. Start with the total space box and identify the center vertical and horizontal lines using tape to make 4 quadrants. Finding the visual center is still important even if the board wall is not symmetrical.
Fine-tune the layout and install the plate hangers
Place your plates on the floor (face up) to get the desired look. When you are satisfied, turn all the plates face down and place your plate hangers. Before, during, and after you do this, measure the gaps between the boards frequently to maintain an average gap. You will be able to visually see if one of your boards is out of place, so there will be a bit of shuffling during this process.
Precise measurement
When it comes to placing the desired floor on the wall, I measure from the top edge or bottom edge of the space, and to the left or right of center (ie, the top right corner board would be 4 inches down and 24 inches left of center.) If you are doing a symmetrical wall, it becomes very easy, because regardless of the position of one side, so will the other side.
So, for an accurate transfer from floor strip to wall, I recommend starting with the outer/bottom panels and working your way up and then inward. I recommend this because you will want to keep the center line away from the nails.
Measuring to the center of the picture hanger hook, measure from top to bottom and left/right of the center line. Do the same on the wall and install a nail, screw or hook for a picture hanger.
* Remember to check that your measurement reference points are level and square. Ceilings, trim, and floors may not be perfectly level, so you’ll want to take that into account during this process.
Here is a list of the tools and materials I used:
Picture hangers (come in different sizes, try to keep the same manufacturers)
Measuring tape
Painters Tape
Drill
1/16 inch drill bit
Screws
Level
*You can also use a hammer and nails (or picture hangers)
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xxLizMarie