Design Tips for an Asymmetrical Plate Wall

An asymmetrical plate wall adds the unexpected to any room. Use a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes to bring a blank wall to life!

For me, anticipating spring brings thoughts of ways to refresh and renew the look of our living spaces. Some years it’s simply a matter of switching out some pillows, but this year, I wanted something more. I didn’t want anything drastic, but I wanted a completely different view, without starting from scratch. A good way to accomplish this in your own home is to change your wall art, and add a new accessory or two.  

The image below is what the plate arrangement in our living room has looked like for several years. As my tastes and preferences have changed and evolved, so has this plate wall. This look was very simple and symmetrical…and I liked it for a long time. It was, however, time for a change. 

Like the previous plate wall, I liked the set of tall buffet lamps for years…and I actually still like them. But they have been in the same place in this room for almost 10 years, and I decided it was time for something different. Instead of another set of lamps, I chose a single, stout, farmhouse-inspired lamp that totally changes the look and feel of the space. 

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Planning Ahead…or Not

I wish I could tell you that I meticulously planned out my plate wall…but the honest truth is that I didn’t. I hung the large platter first, so it was centered above the dresser. After that, I eye-balled the placement of the remaining plates. I had two goals in mind for the finished design. 

First, I tried very hard to cover the existing nail holes from the previous design. I hate the process of filling in holes, sanding, and painting. In the end, I had just two holes to repair. 

My second goal was to hang a plate wall that was very different from the design I had before. I am an extremely symmetrical person, and very much need symmetry in our home. However, as I said before, I really wanted a new view. I was determined to make that big wall in our living room look fresh and updated. In the end, I compromised, and chose to mirror my design coming out from the vertical middle row of plates. This allowed for the less rigid feel I was going for, but still gave me a bit of symmetry. 

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Tips for Hanging a Plate Wall

• Hangers are important, but the type of hangers you choose is a personal decision. Over the years, I have found that the wire hangers that attach to the back of a plate are the easiest choice. There are many DIY options that require very strong glue, but that method ruins your plates, and makes them unusable. There are yellow pre-glued discs that also adhere to the back of a plate, but again, they limit the functionality of the plate. Wire hangers don’t take away from the beauty of the plates, and they are removable. 
• If you are unsure about placement, the best thing to do is lay out your design on the floor. Roughly measure your wall space, and outline it on the floor with blue tape. Gather your plates together, more than you think you will need, and begin. Move the plates around on the floor until your design is close to your vision. 
• Plan ahead so you have all the materials and tools you will need.
  • wire plate hangers
    • small
    • medium
    • large
  • nails
  • hammer
  • measuring tape or yardstick
  • hole filler, sandpaper, paint, brush (if needed to fill in holes)
• If you make a mistake, just remove the nail and try again. There is an excellent chance that both holes will be covered by the plate!

Best Tip for Planning an Asymmetrical Plate Wall

Asymmetrical plate walls are super easy to hang because the need to measure is removed from the process. I chose to mirror my design, but this is totally not necessary. It’s perfectly fine to start on the left, and travel to the right, randomly hanging your plates until the design has filled the space. The spaces between the plates can vary, and there is no right or wrong. For much more asymmetrical plate wall inspiration, click {HERE.}

Plate Wall Sources

• Large center platter
• Set of blue & green plates
• Small Courtney Ceramic Lamp Base
• Lamp shade
• Vintage ironstone plates on eBay
• Vintage ironstone plates on Etsy

You may have noticed that there is a bit of green in a few of the plates on this new wall. I am going to add that green here and there, throughout our home, for the spring and summer months. I have a tentative plan, as pictured below, but that could change if things don’t work out! It’s a color that I’ve never used before, and I hope it will give our spaces the breath of fresh air that they need. 

Stay tuned for more spring decor ideas and inspiration coming soon. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your friendship. Until next time…