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Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your décor. Many
people hang them right on the walls for a unique look. You can hang them up on special holders made just for this or use ribbons to hold them and hang from fancy hooks. Learning how to arrange your plates so that they look best is key to making them a successful part of your wall décor.
Lets say you have a beautiful antique platter that will go
perfect in your kitchen. You run out to the store and get a
hanging bracket, insert the plate and hang it on the wall over
the server. Instant charm!
Pleased with your accomplishment you stand back. You tip your
head to one side and then the other. Squinting, you take
another look at the plate. Something doesn't look right.
If you have ever found yourself dissatisfied with the
appearance of the decorations on your walls you are not alone.
Many people make the same common mistakes that the eye can read
as awkward but the individual does not know how to fix. Here are
some guidelines to keep in mind when arranging your plates as
well decor:
Hanging Large Platters:
Large platters or chargers can be the focus of your décor so
you must make sure you hang them in a spot that is appropriate
for the size and focus. Where do larger pieces look the best?
Try above the server or dry sink, over a couch, behind the
dining set, over a fireplace or on a feature wall. A feature
wall is where the placement of furniture or the layout of the
home naturally guides the eye to a wall - a great place to
feature your antique platters.
Hanging Small Plates:
Grouping smaller plates together in one area can add interest
and keep them from getting "lost". Use a common theme like,
color, pattern or style to pull them together. Hang a single
smaller piece low on the wall and as close to the furniture as
possible, otherwise it will seem to be floating.
Grouping Plates:
The key to grouping pieces together is to space them properly.
Each item should be spaced about 3 inches away from the items
on either side. Try positioning them on the floor or a table to
get a pleasing arrangement before placing the nails and measure
carefully before making any holes.
Height:
Plates should be hung with the center of the plate at eye
level. That means the center should be about 60 to 66 inches
from the floor. If you've visited a gallery you will see that
the frames are not lined up by their top or bottom edges but
that the pictures are all centered at the same height.
If the platter or plates will be viewed from a sitting position
- like from the dining table, you should hang at the eye level
of the sitter.
If you are hanging it behind the dry sink or server, make sure
it is no more than 10" above the back.
Using these tips you can transform your bare kitchen walls into
a designer showcase with a unique focus on antique plates!
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