Dishes as decor is by no means a new concept, but placing plates or bowls on a wall is just the right amount of unexpected to zhuzh up a space.
Take Drew Barrymore's living room: the talk show host and former actor's space is decked out with full bookshelves (as seen on her Instagram page), but our eyes were instantly drawn to the delicate, ceramic plates that adorn one of her walls. It's a fantastic way to decorate with art.
Not only do bowls and plates add dimension to a wall, but they are a gorgeous twist on typical, framed wall art, creating a focal point in a space while displaying items that otherwise might be stored away.
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Reminiscent of Majolica, this painted plate is the perfect piece to hang proudly on a wall. Pair with smaller green plates for a cohesive yet interesting display that provides your wall with color and pattern.
Reminiscent of vintage styles, this Anthropologie spring botanical plate is delicate and whimsical. It's an easy one to style too as almost any style of vintage ceramic would make this piece look even more vintage and charming.
This seashell salad plate would make a welcome addition to a bathroom wall, nodding to the seaside and all its serenity and remind you of fond memories spent lounging on a beach.
According to experts, placing dishes on the wall is a styling move that is more versatile than you might think.
'Decorating a wall with plates or bowls is a charming design move that blends functionality with artistry,' explains designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'This technique, once reserved for traditional dining rooms, has seen a modern revival, popping up in kitchens, hallways, and even bedrooms, where texture, color, and character are welcome on any blank surface. Whether you’re working with heirloom porcelain or handmade ceramics, wall-mounted dishes offer a layered, collected look that instantly draws the eye.'
Arrangement is crucial to wall plates and bowls looking orderly and aesthetically pleasing, and Nina has some tips on how to get it right.
'The key to decorating with bowls and plates is composition,' she states. 'Instead of a rigid grid, opt for an organic arrangement that mimics the flow of nature. A loose cluster with varying distances and gentle curves can feel both intentional and effortless. Start with a central anchor piece and build outward, varying sizes and depths as you go. If you’re working with all white or neutral ceramics, play with layout and height for interest. If your dishes are colorful, try grouping similar tones together to create subtle ombre effects or alternating warm and cool hues for contrast.'
When it comes to the technicalities of hanging these art pieces, Nina recommends specific tools to keep plates and bowls safe.
'Use plate hangers or adhesive disc mounts designed for ceramic surfaces to keep the display clean and hardware-free,' she suggests. 'For deeper bowls or sculptural pieces, consider invisible shelf brackets or even slim floating ledges for a dimensional gallery effect.'
Whether you're looking to spruce up an empty wall or want a unique way to display cherished dishware, Drew Barrymore's method is the move.
