15 Plate Display Ideas That Turn Dishes into Decor

Take advantage of open kitchen shelving to organize plates in a pretty and practical display. Arrange everyday dishes in neat stacks, and stand a few decorative plates and platters up against the wall to put their designs in view. A collection of antique and floral-patterned plates bring color and texture to open shelves in this farmhouse-style kitchen.

Store dishes at-the-ready with a classic plate rack. Built into an open cabinet directly above the dishwasher, this storage solution simplifies after-dinner cleanup. Vertical slots keep plates organized, while open shelves above provide space for mugs, bowls, and other large pieces.

Built-in plate racks add a display area for dishware to this kitchen island. The shallow shelves turn a blank space into handy storage for decorative and special-occasion plates. The island's contrasting gray shelves make the blue-and-white dishes pop.

Take advantage of glass-front cabinets to display treasured pieces of china. This built-in hutch showcases plates, glassware, and accessories behind multi-pane glass doors. The lowest shelf serves as a bar and cocktail serving area.

Get creative with plate display ideas to make up for a lack of cabinet space. A set of open shelves installed across a blank stretch of wall can boost storage space while adding character to your kitchen. These bracketed shelves hold a set of blue-patterned china, which serves as a pretty decorative accent against the beaded-board walls.

A high shelf can provide out-of-the-way storage for dishware. This plate display idea takes advantage of the empty wall space above a corner banquette. The open shelf stores a collection of plates and serving pieces that adds character to the small breakfast nook.

Look to plate display ideas that will complement your collection's color scheme. For brightly-hued dishes, try presenting them against a neutral background that doesn't compete with the colors. Painted in a muted gray, this open cabinet provides a subtle backdrop for a cheerful rainbow of dishware.

Have leftover wallpaper or fabric? Use it to cover the interior walls of a cupboard to highlight plates and other dishware with a fun pattern. For extra impact, remove doors to convert basic cabinets to open shelves and keep the pattern in view.

An open plate rack provides a charming way to showcase favorite dishes while maintaining easy access. Designed to look like a freestanding hutch, this blue cabinet displays a collection of simple white plates. Drawers below can stash flatware, table linens, and other essentials.

Turn dinnerware into wall decor by hanging plates with similar colors and designs in a cohesive display. Plate hangers ($3, Michaels) are inexpensive and readily available in hardware or craft stores. Clip the hooks onto collectible plates and platters to hang them up in an attractive vignette.

Use plates to complement other decorative accents on open shelving. In this recessed niche, plates, platters, and cutting boards bring depth and scale to an arrangement of ironstone and small kitchen accessories. The back wall is coated in a dark hue to make the light-colored pieces stand out.

Within cabinetry, employ plate display ideas that maximize organization. Simple risers can add another level to shelves, allowing you to more easily stack dishes of different shapes and sizes. This helps eliminate wasted space without creating a towering stack of plates that's too heavy to access.

Gather a collection of similar styles for a plate display with maximum impact. Here, rich wood sets off the lustrous green of these plates. The repeating colors and nature-inspired motifs create a striking display.

Plates are an eye-catching and inexpensive way to add color to an otherwise neutral room. Try grouping brilliantly colored plates together for a bold statement. Think outside the kitchen and apply this plate idea in a bedroom, living room, or dining space.

A wall-mounted plate rack becomes a work of art when filled with color-coordinated pieces of simple china. Place dishes you use often on the rack to make it as practical as it is beautiful. A simple design keeps the focus on the plates.