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Tips for styling a wall plate rack that are easy and very quick. Suggestions for mixing textures, how to use color, and spacing ideas. 

wall plate rack in hallway

Are you looking to add a touch of charm and functionality to your home? A DIY wall plate rack might be just the project you need! Whether you’re a fan of farmhouse style, vintage decor, or just want an attractive way to display your favorite plates, adding a wall rack can transform your space. With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful and practical storage solution that showcases your unique style while keeping your dishes within easy reach.

wall plate rack at end of hallway

Here is the story behind this wall plate rack…and it began several years ago when I saw the idea on Pinterest. For some reason, I instantly fell in love. I always wanted something at the end of our entry hall at the Sutton Place house, and I thought a tall plate rack would be the perfect solution. Occasionally, I would look on Etsy or eBay to see if I could find one to fit the space. Nothing was ever just right.

wall plate rack

A month or so before my birthday this year, my daughter asked me what I wanted. As I’ve said before, many times I ask for things for birthdays or Christmas that I would never buy myself. It’s a good way to collect those special items that fall outside the “need” category.

back hallway with wall plate rack

My daughter just happens to have the handiest boyfriend ever…so I decided to ask him to make me a plate rack. He not only delivered a beautiful plate rack, but he came and installed it on our wall! When it was finished, it only took a few minutes to gather my platters and cheese boards, and place them on the rack. After a bit of moving around and repositioning, I was satisfied.

summer flowers in pitcher

Plate Rack Tips

  • Mix up the materials and textures. Use ironstone, wood, wicker, silver, or silverplate.
  • Stick to a limited color scheme. I knew I was going to use only blue and white, so each shelf, although different, looks cohesive.
  • Use plain plates and platters, along with ones that have a design.
  • Fill the space. Layer and place all the items so there are no gaps.
  • Position the plates and platters both vertically and horizontally.
stairway banister and plate rack at end of hall

The best thing about the location of this wall plate rack was that every time I walked down the hall, it was there to make me smile…and I walked down that hallway at least 20 times every day!

plates and cutting board

I’m at the point in my life where I only want to bring new things into my home that I truly love. I am finished with buying trendy items that eventually end up at Goodwill. This wall plate rack definitely qualifies as something I love…and it will be treasured always.

wall plate rack in kitchen blue and white plates

When we moved to the Sugar Maple house, the plate rack came with me. As fate would have it, the perfect spot awaited.

floral element reduced

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17 Comments

  1. Ann, I am asking a question not pertaining to this post rather something you had posted long ago. You used to have a Etsy shop, I think you don’t have it any longer. I have always wished that I had purchased some of your wide fabric similar to what you covered your dining room chair seats with. Do you know what I should search for to possibly find that type of fabric online OR do you know of a company or person that I could order from? Thanks so much in advance

  2. So classy!! Love this!!

  3. Deanna Rabe says:

    That is a perfect plate rack!

  4. What a lovely gift. I have several bookcases that were built to fit a particular space–for my paperbacks–just deep enough for the books so less dust collects! Wish I had a wall that a plate rack would fit; I love my blue and white plates and ones with pink roses,

  5. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says:

    Your plate rack is beautiful, Ann. So happy that you have one to decorate for the seasons! Enjoy!

  6. I love the plate rack. My uncle made my aunt two of them similar to yours. He was very talented at making the things she needed. It’s great to have a handy man in the family! ;)

  7. Cecilia from Georgia says:

    What a wonderful gift! He sounds like a keeper! I love how you put the wooden cutting boards and blue dishes together. The textures are perfect together. Have a great week!

  8. I love your plate rack . It is perfect for that spot . I would treasure the gift also. Very talented man . I am sure you will have so much fun changing things out for the seasons. It makes me want one. Haha .

  9. Shirley Graham says:

    Love your pitcher & the plate rack! I have a plate rack that I have enjoyed so much since I moved. My husband had always put it up for me & now my oldest son does. He is so handy too!! I have plates & favorites that I fill usually a couple times a year as I have blue & white now & around the holidays I change to my brown & white in the fall & Christmas plates later. I always enjoy your blog. Thanks so much!!!

  10. Joyce L. Ferguson says:

    Hi Ann,
    I LOVE your wall plate rack and it is styled just beautifully!!! I have a small wall in my kitchen and saw a cute, much smaller, plate rack at Ikea several visits ago, that I really liked, but didn’t buy….hmmm, maybe!!! BTW, I made your diy weed killer from vinegar, salt, and dawn dishsoap and it worked faster and better than any “commerical” toxic grade weed killer I have ever used!!! I have a sloping property easement behind my back yard that grew tons of weeds this spring, but they are “dead as a door nail” now! THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING THAT!!! I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your blog and all the love and hard work you put into it!
    Blessing to you and your home,
    Joyce

  11. I love the plate rack.He did a beautiful job and it fits the space perfectly.The plates and cutting boards look great on it,I can see how it makes you smile every time you walk by.

  12. Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says:

    It’s beautiful, Ann. I just pinned it. I’ve got to find a spot for one. Tell your daughter’s boyfriend that he did a great job!

  13. Love the plate rack! I currently do not have room…but thinking how about recessing into that dead space inside our wall. Gotta think about this. Like you only if I love it does anything make it inside our home. Wish I would have adopted this philosophy years ago.

  14. Ever since I saw KariAnne’s wall plate rack, I have wanted a similar one. Yours is perfect. I have a wall in my kitchen awaiting a rack. Sooner or later, I hope.

  15. Ann,
    The plate rack is so beautiful!!
    Went right to etsy and purchased a platter already this morning!
    Anxiously awaiting the new bathroom reveals too!!!
    Carol

  16. Love it! How wonderful that it was made just for you. Looks beautiful with your blue platters. Some gifts just can’t be bought.