Collected Charm: Creating a Plate Wall That Feels Intentional
There’s something so timeless about a plate wall. It’s the kind of detail that instantly adds charm to a space—layered, personal, and a little unexpected. Whether it’s a grouping of mismatched vintage finds or a curated collection in a specific palette, a plate wall brings warmth and character without trying too hard.
I created this one in a corner of our home using neutral plates in white and cream, mixing matte and glossy finishes. Most of them came from Pottery Barn, but the beauty of a plate wall is that it doesn’t have to be sourced all at once—or from one place. Thrift stores, antique shops, family hand-me-downs… it’s the kind of project that can grow over time.
The Process
Before anything went on the wall, I started by laying all the plates out on the floor. I played with the arrangement until it felt right—balanced, but not too perfect. Then I traced each plate onto paper, cut them out, and taped them to the wall with painter’s tape. This part takes a little time, but it’s 100% worth it. It lets you adjust spacing, shift things around, and get a sense of the final look without making unnecessary holes.
Once everything was in place, I used plate hangers from Michael’s to hang them. They’re affordable, easy to work with, and give that classic “collected” feel. If you prefer a more seamless look, heavy-duty Velcro stickers are another great and easy option.
The inspiration for this wall actually came from a photo I saw on Instagram—one of those spaces that just stuck with me. It wasn’t overly styled or fussy, but it had soul. That’s the kind of feeling I try to bring into our home.
What’s Next: Going Green
For my next plate wall project, I’m working on two vertical installations that will frame a large window in our dining area. This time, I’m leaning into shades of green—creamy sage, sea glass, and deep olive. I’ve already found a few plates I love, from Zara Home to Maison Flâneur. I like mixing high and low—not everything needs to break the bank to look beautiful. I don’t mind taking my time with this one. That’s part of the fun—letting it come together slowly and intentionally.
A Little Note on Slowing Down
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to live softer—to create a home that reflects how you want to feel. A place that allows you to exhale, move at your own pace, and tune out the noise of what others expect or assume.
This plate wall had nothing to do with trends and everything to do with intention—a small, hands-on project that gave me a moment to breathe and create something just for the sake of beauty.
Being creative is one of the ways I relax. Whether it’s decorating a guest room, trying a new recipe, or arranging plates on a wall, the act of creating helps me feel more grounded. It’s a way to quiet my mind, drown out negativity, and come back to myself.
Whether you’re styling a wall, rearranging a shelf, or lighting a candle after a long day—it all matters. It’s not about doing more, it’s about being more intentional with what you choose to bring into your space and your life.
That’s what The Soft Life looks like for me right now.
Tips if You’re Creating Your Own Plate Wall:
Mix textures and finishes. Matte, glossy, smooth, beaded edges—it adds depth.
Trace before you hang. It saves time and makes the layout process easier.
Start with what you have. It doesn’t have to be a full set to look complete.
Let it evolve. The best walls come together slowly.
Trust your eye. You don’t need to overthink it.
Your home is yours. It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else. The way you decorate, the pace you move at, the boundaries you set—it’s all valid. If something brings you peace, even in a small way, lean into that. It all adds up.
