When I created our dinning room space a few weeks ago, one of the things I wanted to include was a hanging plate wall. I always love seeing plate walls and I am pretty satisfied with how this one turned out.
My overall dinning room decor is simple, with just a few touches of summer. But I love walking into it and savoring the simplicity. My family loves it just as much as I do. Adding the plate wall is definitely one my favorite DIY wall projects of this space (aka the only DIY of the space).
I know there are so many fabulous plate walls out there with all kinds of fancy plates and antiques. While I love seeing those, I decided to stick with the simple to see how it would turn out before trying anything else. I think this was the best decision for this project. And did I tell you how easy this was to create? You would not believe it! Seriously, this took me about 20 minutes or less.
How to Create a Simple No Nail Hanging Plate Wall
First, I picked up some simple Porcelain plates of two different shapes and in various sizes. I went with plain white to contrast the colors of the orange wall.
I did not want to put too many holes in the walls so I searched around on Pinterest to see what others were using to hang their plates. I found some options but then my husband came across these damage-free hanging command strips for hanging pictures. When I saw that these could hold up to 4 lbs (and they come in various sizes depending on the weight of your items), I figured they probably would work well for some light weight plates. And they sure did! It has been almost a month since I made the wall and not one plate has fallen down.
The command strips are two sided with tape on one side and Velcro on the other. The Velcro is pretty sturdy which really works well to keep the plates.
Note: According to the package, it says “damage-free hanging” so I am hoping for the best. I did try removing one strip after a few weeks to see if the paint would peel off. A tiny bit did chip off indeed. Could it be that I removed it too fast? Not sure.
I did not get very clear images, but here is a shot of the back of the strips (if you have not worked with command before). The backs are sticky once the tapes are removed.
To use this for hanging pictures (or plates), I placed two strips together on the Velcro side and pressed them until they clicked (per the instructions on the package). The clicking sound means it is now safe for hanging.
Then I removed the tape on the back of one piece of strip to reveal the sticky part. I then pressed the sticky back firmly on the back of a plate. Once it is firm, remove the opposite sticky back that is facing upward (as shown in the picture) and press it firmly on the wall.
Note: Once the strips were attached to the plates, I started to let them wait a while before hanging for fear that they might come off. But there was no need for to wait as these command strips are pretty firm.
The wall was so easy to create and I actually did not plan out where I would put the plates. If I get motivated, I may rearrange them for an even more un-even look and maybe add in a few fancy plates. We’ll see.
Overall, I love the addition of the plates to the room and the pop they add to the orange wall. Even more so, I am happy to have something separate for dinning away from the breakfast nook every now and again.
What do you think of this simple plate wall? Do you have one somewhere in your home? How long did it take you to create? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
I LOVE the plate wall and white dishes are my favorite. I want to do this in my kitchen but have only hung a few and did it with plate hangers. Your technique is so much better. Great tip
Use the command strips – they are super fast and easy to work with!
I love plate walls and hate that I don’t have a space for them. I also love Command Strips and buy them when I don’t even need them so I’ll have them when I do. Please tell me I’m not the only one who does that!
I don’t think I could make it in life without command hooks – seriously! I use them when I’m throwing parties and I don’t want to damage the walls. I’m loving your plate wall! I like the simple lines – not too busy – and the white color – looks great against the wall color.
I think I will keep a stack of these command strips around. Sounds like a great idea to use for parties and such.
What a cute idea — the plate gallery. ๐ Command hooks are so awesome!
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Thank you Loreali. Command strips are truly awesome!
I love the colour of your wall! Here in the uk all houses come with this magnolia colour and although I really wanted to add something bold I was always a bit like, what if it looks too strong and might not like it so just did a dark brown :)) big step haha. The white of the plates looks very nice in contrast with the wall. I’m always impressed how nice you decorate your house. xx
Thank you for the sweet comment my friend!! I don’t really like the orange but this is renting so I am trying to embrace it.
I’m so amazed that these hold plates! Looks great! I was thinking of doing a plate wall awhile ago and purchased some special plate holders that stick to the plate back, but you have to mount with nails to the wall. Totally keeping this in mind for future reference!
At first, I did not know another way to hang them except by using the plate holders you mentioned. But then after some research and some shopping at Walmart, I discovered that I should just use these. Definitely keep in mind for when you are ready to create:)
I love that it’s such a simple DIY but is completely customizable based on your own personal taste. I personally love the simple white plates and it definitely stands out against the wall color. I hang alllllll of my wall art with command strips, they’re amazing!
I love the contrast between the plates and the wall. You did a great job arranging them.
The contrast is the best. That is why I chose white!
Great tip for renters especially! This is a great budget friendly DIY. When you remove the conman strips just make sure you pull that tab slowly and that should help in not removing paint or drywall…not that I’ve ever done that ๐
Ha, yes, I did that with one of them and quickly put it back. Did not solve the problem but thanks for the tip!!
I love your plate wall! I’ve always wanted to make one… maybe that can be a project for my next home! Plus — it’s awesome that you did it all with command strips.
I am sure it will be fun. You have a lot of vintage pieces that would look nice.