Isn’t this pic just yummy??
This pic from Southern Living (June 09) makes me want to go out and immediately start a collection of THIS color plate and recreate this! I love this pic. It’s funny how colors just go around and around in a circle and come back into vogue again, since this color was very hot in the 1950’s and now has made a resurgence once again. I used seafoam green back in the 80’s, but this is way better. And I love the subtle differences in color with each of these. I just might have to look for some this color. Anyway, I digress. Today, we’re talking about how to hang plates.
I forget that some of you don’t know anything about hanging plates and how to do it, since I’ve been asked a lot about hanging plates. I take it for granted, since I’ve been doing it in my house for a long time. So, this is Hanging Plates: 101, for those who are new to decorating and don’t know all the tricks.
My dining room wall with all my collected and thrifted creamware. I have always used those wire plate hangers that you can get at any of the craft/hobby stores like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. And they work beautifully and are almost invisible.
You can buy several sizes, to accommodate a regular dinner plate up to platter size, so be sure and get the right size so it will stretch, but not be too tight on there. The nicer ones have plastic things on the ends that wrap around the plate to keep from scratching. You just bend out one of those little V’s on one side and hang it from a long enough nail. Easy! Doesn’t take much of a nail to hang these plates, since they are not too heavy.
And this is what it looks like from the front side.
I have a few really small pieces that the stretchy plate hanger don’t work so well on, so….
I tried out these little discs (from Hobby Lobby) on this one and even had to cut part of it off to keep it from showing. You wet the back and it has glue that holds it in place. Let it dry well and hang it from the ring on a little nail. This one really is invisible.
I’ve even been known to spray paint the tips to blend them in better, as with this black tole tray.
And that’s how to hang plates, in case you didn’t know these tips! Plates have always been in my arsenal of decorating goodies and I enjoy hanging them everywhere, even in my guest bathrooms.
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I love to hang plates, too. Be careful and check your disk hangers every once in a while! I have used them for years with no problems – then last year two of my plates fell off the wall in the middle of the night. I inspected the rest of the hangers and a couple of them were coming “unstuck” so I reglued them and check them every once in a while. It may be the Alabama humidity or the 100 year old house/ghost syndrome!
Trying again:
Quote from your post:
……..”I forget that some of you don’t know anything about hanging plates and how to do it … I take it for granted, since I’ve been doing it in my house for a long time.”……….
Did you mean to sound so arrogant and condescending? Everyone can’t be as perfect as you.
Rhoda – You are always so sweet and thoughtful in thinking about others and sharing your how-tos for those who may not know or who may have a tip of their own that they can add to your post. I know your blog friends appreciate it. I love the colors of the turquoise plates, especially since that’s been my color for about 6 years now. 😀 (I was really “out” for a number of years, but I love the color.) Your creamware collection is just gorgeous. As you know, I’m not into hanging my dinnerware on my walls, but I think your tips are very helpful for those who really enjoy that look. Those adhesive disks are a new one to me, too. Bravo!
Rhoda, I just hung up 4 prints and 8 plates in one big arrangement at my Moms. I used a laser level and paper circles and rectangles the same size as what I was going to hang and hung them on the wall first. When I thought the arrangement was pleasing I hung everything up. My Mom was thrilled and it was so much easier only having to nail once!
I love those disc hangers, they work great. You can buy them at ACMoore and use a coupon.
Thanks for the tips.
Hi Miss sweet Rhoda! You know how we love our plates! Great post~
Lee, no I definitely wasn’t trying to sound condescending at all, so if you took it that way, I think you are in the minority on that and that most took it in the way it was meant to be. And that is simply a tip. I’ve been asked several times about hanging plates, so that tells me that many people don’t know how to do it.
Hi Rhoda !
I have never hung a plate, so appreciate the tutorial. Also you did NOT sound condescending , people who
come read your blog know that. I love your tips/advice !
If and when I know already how to do something, I simply skip it and go on to another subject – there are about a million out there,duh ! I enjoy your website Rhoda, you keep doing what do and how you do it !
Hugs ~
Kammy
a.k.a. never hung a dish girl – now going to try it !
I was so in need of these tips. I have had a few plates fall off the wall and BREAK!! I was obviously not doing something right. You always make it look sooooooo easy. Thanks!
Another tip: if you can’t find those adhesive plate hangers, you can use something similar from the hardware store. See photo here:
http://www.allproducts.com/metal/ucando/15-adhesive_hangers-l.jpg
Just use the grommet ones, wet and apply to back of plate and leave overnight to dry. My plates were from the dollar store (2/$1!!!) so I didn’t need to worry too much about damaging them. They’ve been up for about a month now and so far so good.
I have always loved that blue/green color. I started collecting pieces of it 3 years ago. While it looked great,it is one of those colors that definitely gets old. I took it down,but kept everything. I’m sure in a couple years I will get the blue/green itch again. Now I too am into black and white. Love,love,love it!!! Thanks for the hanging tips!
Hi. How exciting and funny that I stumbled upon your post just now. I went to a seminar/class at Black-eyed Susan’s the other night (besusan.blogspot.com) all about decorating with plates. 🙂
Your first picture here was one of the inspiration pics she shared. And she’s got tons of her own design inspiration.
Thanks for showing the adhesive plate hanger gadget. So cool.
Thanks for the tutorial Rhoda! I didn’t have a clue on how to hang a plate and I’ve been collecting them to do just that. In fact, I never went to a craft store before starting my blog. So, I really appreciate all your wonderful tips and advice. Keep em comin!
if you are having problems finding the disc hangers..check out my site…i ship to all 50 states, and my prices are the best
Just a smiling visitant here to share the love (:
, btw outstanding design and style.