There’s something so comforting about vintage plates. Maybe it’s the soft crazing in the glaze, the florals that feel slightly off-center, or the sense that they’ve lived a life before finding their way to you. Once made for everyday meals, these pieces now tell quieter stories—ones that deserve to be seen. I love the time spent foraging local vintage stores looking for just the right plates.
Decorating with vintage plates isn’t about perfection or matching sets. It’s about layering history, charm, and a touch of romance into your home.
Image: Viatomaszstarzewski. This stylish china dinning room is designed by Mats Freidenfelt @gustavianu in his former home Hoby-Kulle and is featured in the book Swedish Antique Dealers.
Why Vintage Plates Work So Well in Interiors
Vintage plates sit at the intersection of function and art. They’re familiar, approachable, and full of character. Unlike framed prints or mass-produced décor, each plate carries its own subtle differences and patterns and colours that fade. They bring softness to hard surfaces and a sense of nostalgia to modern spaces. A white wall suddenly feels warmer. A kitchen feels more lived-in. A dining room feels like it’s waiting for conversation.
Styling Vintage Plates on the Wall
A wall of vintage plates can feel curated rather than cluttered if you let instinct lead.
Start by collecting plates you genuinely love, with florals, pastoral scenes, blue and white transfers, or even a few unexpected patterns mixed in. Lay them out on the floor first, playing with spacing and balance. Aim for an arrangement that feels loose and organic, not overly symmetrical.
Another option is to place a circle cut out on paper on your wall, this will give you an idea of placement and what it will look like.
Use simple plate hangers so the plates remain the hero. Whether above a sideboard, along a hallway, or climbing a kitchen wall, the result should feel like a collection that grew over time.
Using Vintage Plates Beyond the Wall
Vintage plates don’t need to be mounted to make an impact.
Stack them casually on open shelves or in a glass-front cabinet, mixing sizes and patterns. Lean a larger plate against a tiled splashback or layer a few on a coffee table beneath books and candles. In the dining room, use them as chargers for special occasions—or even everyday meals if you’re feeling indulgent. I always choose a favourite stack of my side plates for a pretty display on the kitchen bench, placed in a tray, and regularly swap them around.
Mixing Old with New
I love mixing old plates with new ones. One of the most beautiful things about vintage plates is how effortlessly they soften modern spaces, on a simple white plate. Pair them with clean lines, neutral palettes, and natural materials like linen, timber, and stone.
A contemporary kitchen with vintage plates on display feels warmer. A minimalist dining space becomes more personal. The contrast keeps things feeling intentional rather than themed.
Collecting with Heart
You don’t need a full matching set or rare finds. The best collections are built slowly—one op-shop visit, flea market morning, or inherited piece at a time, and its so much fun too.
Look for plates that stop you mid-browse. Chips and wear aren’t flaws, they’re part of the story. If a plate gives you joy, it belongs in your home.
Decorating with vintage plates is about honouring the beauty of everyday objects. These pieces were made to be used, loved, and seen. When you give them a place on your walls or shelves, you’re continuing their story, one quiet, beautiful moment at a time. Happy collecting.
