How to Create a Vintage Plate Wall with Blue and White Platters

Learn how to create a vintage plate wall with blue and white platters in this step-by-step guide. Get tips on collecting, arranging, and safely hanging vintage dishes to design a stunning gallery wall above the mantle.

Antique Blue and White Platters: Patterns, History, and Decorating Ideas

A vintage blue and white platter is a decorative serving dish that has a nostalgic charm and historical significance. They are often made of fine china, porcelain, ceramic, transferware, ironstone, or glass and come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. A vintage blue and white platter can be used for serving food on special occasions as well as for display purposes in home decor.

One of the most popular styles of vintage platters is the blue and white design, which features intricate patterns in shades of blue on a white background. These platters are often inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain and have a timeless appeal.

Vintage platters can also feature other decorative elements, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, and gold accents. They are often collectible items that hold sentimental value and are passed down through generations.

Displaying vintage plates or platters on walls or shelves can create a stunning visual impact in any room, adding a touch of history and elegance to the decor. Whether used for serving food or as decorative pieces, vintage platters are a beautiful addition to any home.

I’ve collected a vintage blue and white platter or two over the years while out Thrifting with the Gals. The platters are in different shades of blue, various sizes, and designs. A bountiful, eclectic collection that I want to showcase over our vintage mantel in our new breakfast nook area.

Vintage Blue and White Serving Platter Nostalgia

On the back of this largest vintage blue and white platter in the middle someone wrote: “Old Platter belonged to my mother”, which I think is signed, Harriet… This was a precious platter to someone, and I want to take extra good care of it, showcasing its loving memorabilia.

Vintage Blue and White Platter Wall Design

Platter Wall Supplies Needed

Adhesive Plate Hanger Disks

In preparation for creating today’s blue and white platter wall, I ordered these 5 1/2″ adhesive plate hanger discs. One for each blue and white platter. If you haven’t used these disks before, they are fabulous! No need for those old wire plate hangers anymore, the ones that terrified me every time I tried to hang a plate or platter with those tight springs…

The adhesive disks will not harm your vintage blue and white platter, and they can easily be removed by soaking the serving platter in warm water.

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Follow the basic directions on the DISC package by adding water to the disk, and then mounting it to the back of your vintage blue and white platter. Let the disks dry overnight before hanging.

Picture Hangers, Hammer, and Tape Measure

Old fashioned nails, hangers, and a hammer. I used these simple picture hangers that I already had in a drawer. I like using smaller mounts like these as they do less damage to the walls with the smaller nails. And I find them very secure holding 30lb – 100 lbs. a hook, ideal for a vintage blue and white platter.

Your Favorite Blue and White Platter or Plates

And lastly, you’ll need your favorite vintage blue and white platter collection or plates to create your platter wall design.

Lay the vintage serving trays out on a table or on the floor so that you have a full visual of your fabulous beauties.

How do you decorate your dining room with plates?

Decorating your dining room with plates can add a touch of style and personality to the space. Here are some ideas on how to decorate your dining room with plates:

1. Plate Wall Display: Create a striking plate wall display by hanging vintage or decorative plates in a visually appealing arrangement. You can mix and match different sizes, shapes, and designs of plates to create a unique and eye-catching display.
2. Plate Shelves: Install floating shelves or plate racks on the walls of your dining room to showcase your collection of plates. Arrange the plates in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing way to create a cohesive look. You may enjoy the post, A Tale of Two Kitchens full of more ideas.
3. Plate Table Centerpiece: Use plates as a decorative centerpiece on your dining table. Stack plates of different sizes and colors to create a layered effect, and add a vase of fresh flowers or candles for an elegant touch.
4. Plate Display Cabinets: Display your plates in a glass-fronted cabinet or hutch to protect them from dust and damage while stylishly showcasing them. Arrange the plates by color or theme to create a cohesive display. Learn more in the How to Style a Vintage Cabinet Hutch with Wedding China in 7 Simple Steps post.
5. Plate Place Settings: Use decorative plates as part of your table setting for special occasions or dinner parties. Mix and match different plates to create a personalized and eclectic look that complements your dining room decor. See more in the Romantic Antique Table Setting with Thoughtful Design post.
6. Plate Wall Art: Create a unique piece of wall art using plates by arranging them in a creative pattern or design. You can use adhesive plate hangers to easily hang the plates on the wall without damaging them.

Overall, decorating your dining room with plates allows you to showcase your personal style and add a touch of elegance and charm to the space. Experiment with different display options and have fun creating a beautiful and inviting dining room ambiance with plates.

How To Create a Blue and White Vintage Plate Wall Step-by-Step

You will want to start by laying out all of your vintage blue and white platter collections or plates in an open space, such as a table or floor.

I experimented with both of these options!

It’s there that you will decide on the wall’s design and choose if you want to:

*I am not an expert in designing or hanging vintage platters or plate walls, as an FYI. I am simply sharing my process and design with you in hopes that it will inspire you to create your very own platter wall at home, too.

Step 1 / Layout Design

1. Be sure you have enough Vintage blue and white platters and/or plates!

When I reached this point, it was here that I realized I was going to need more vintage blue and white platters, as I wanted to go BIG AND BOLD! So I headed out to do a little more Thrifting with the Gals.

How about this platter for just $18? See more in this A Thrift Here, a Vintage There, and a Valentine post.

2. Measure the wall space vertically and horizontally where you want to hang your blue and white Vintage plate wall.

Arrange your serving trays into your desired design, staying within those same wall measurements.

Once you have your layout, you can begin hanging the vintage blue and white platters.

Step 2 / Hanging the Blue and White Plate Wall

I have seen many people use wrapping paper or large sheets of paper to map out their vintage plate wall designs and then place the paper onto the wall as a map for hanging platters onto walls. But honestly, I am going to wing my plate wall. I’m going for an asymmetrical design after all, and I want the flexibility to change it up as I go.

And I did!

Vintage Blue and White Plate Wall Progression

Looking at my layout on the floor, I started by hanging my largest vintage platter first in the middle of the wall’s measurements.

Second, I hung the platter above it and the two to the sides. Since I’m very visual, I photographed the wall’s progression for you here.

This is about the time I decided to change up my wall design. Adding the two platters I had planned for the bottom to the sides. And now I needed two or three more vintage platters once again.

But I absolutely loved how it was all turning out so far.

Step 3 / Add Your Own Character Designs

I completely winged the rest of my blue and white vintage plate wall by adding a few of my own touches here and there.

With a little crazy glue, I added two tea cups and two small bowls to each of the open-faced platters. I liked the layers and vintage charm it added to each vintage serving tray.

I then filled in one of the small open wall spaces with the mounted teacup saucer and the blue and white bowl’s twin.

In this case, I used Command Strips to hang the smaller dishes.

Vintage Plate Wall Reveal: Blue and white Platter Arrangement

Now, there are still a couple of open spaces left to complete on my vintage plate wall, but I think it’s ready to share with you here today. And not to fret, as the open spaces call for flowers, books, and more until I can fill them in.

I’m confident I will be tweaking my vintage plate wall quite often. And I hope I inspired you to start designing your own platter wall at home today, too.

It is very simple. It just takes a bit of planning and patience! But it’s all so worth it!

What to Do (and Not Do) When Hanging Vintage Platters

Now, I’m off to style more of this new space. It used to be our dining room, but with our recent interior painting project, I have now switched things around…

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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.