Wondering how to hang a plate wall without all the guesswork and dozen unnecessary holes in your wall? You're in the right place.
Whether you're displaying a few vintage plates above a sideboard or creating a large gallery wall, the process is much easier than most people think—especially when you have the right templates and hardware, which come standard with the plates in our custom vintage plate wall kits.
Not using one of our kits? I offer easy alternatives you can use instead.
Before we get started, here's a list of materials you'll need:
Materials Needed:
- Plates
- Plate wall hangers with picture hooks
- Paper plate templates OR kraft/contractor paper + scissors
- Hammer
- Painter's tape or other low-tack tape
- Marker or pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Level (optional)
- Ladder/Stepstool (optional)
Ready? Let's do this:
Step 1: Plan Your Plate Wall Layout
Step 2: Attach Your Plate Hangers
Step 3: Arrange Your Plate Selection
Step 4: Flip Plates Face Down
Step 5: Prepare Your Plate Wall Templates
Don’t have our templates?
It's easy to make your own!
Using a wide role of contractor paper or wrapping paper, layout your plates and trace each one. Then proceed to cut each one out and proceed with the rest of the instructions.
Step 6: Transfer Your Templates to the Wall
Step 7: Install Plate Wall Hooks
Step 8: Hang Your Wall Plates & Remove Templates
Final Step:
Take a step back and admire your work!
Some people see old plates. You saw their possibility.
We hope your one-of-a-kind plate wall brings you joy and inspiration for years to come.
If you share on social, tag @thebrooklynteacup in your plate wall photos—
We'd love to see what you created.
A few friendly tips:
-
Your phone camera is surprisingly good at revealing uneven spacing your eyes might miss. Don’t skip snapping a photo of your layout before you pick up a hammer.
-
Don't be afraid to make small adjustments. A little shuffling can make all the difference.
-
Aim for approximately 2–3 inches between plates for a balanced, collected look.
-
Trust your eye. If something looks off, it probably is.
One last thing:
Tiny nail holes are easy to patch.
It’s living with a blank wall because you were afraid to start that’s harder to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should wall plates be?
We recommend about 2–3 inches between plates for a balanced, collected look, though you can adjust this depending on the scale of your wall and the effect you're after.
How do you hang decorative plates without damaging them?
Use properly sized plate hangers and picture hooks designed to support the weight of the plate. Our custom plate wall kits include both, along with custom parchment templates that eliminate guesswork during installation.
Can I rearrange my plate wall after I start?
Absolutely. That's exactly why we include parchment templates. Experiment with spacing and placement before installing any hooks.