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1. Symmetry creates order in a plate wall
The neat rows of plates in this sprawling Victorian kitchen in south London makes the different sizes less distracting. In fact, the eye roves over all the plates as if looking at one unified whole. The differences in size are only noticeable upon close examination. At that point, the variations in dimension incite interest and curiosity rather than confusion.
The plate wall below achieves a similar sense of calm and order through symmetry. Tiled diagonally in a 2-3-2 pattern from left to right, these decorative plates serve up that timeless blue-and-white charm. Hand-painted in the same cobalt blue, motifs vary without clashing.
2. Asymmetry breaks monotony
Catch the eye is to include an extra-large piece that shifts the balance of the composition toward asymmetry. In the gallery wall below, a large El Carmen Lebrillo Bowl fills the center of the tableau. Smaller ceramic bowls featuring fill the rest of the frame.
3. A themed decorative wall sets the mood
A theme creates a specific atmosphere through imagery. Perhaps you’re partial to designs of lush flora or clean geometric shapes? The lebrillo wall above is a birder's dream display. A prideful peacock, a murmuration of starlings, and a bright-eyed fledging fly up the wall in neat diagonal lines.
4. An element of surprise makes an eclectic display
Interiors, like the rest of life, are dreadfully boring without a dash of novelty. This stunning plate wall in a Connecticut family home is a mix of colorful designs. Set against the neutral tones of the wall and natural materials in this breakfast nook, the decorative plates catch the eye without shouting. Though most of the display consists of blue-and-white earthenware, polychromatic plates like the English transferware and Japanese Imari feature strong reds. The cheerful yellows in the Delfware complement the tiles in the nearby chimney.
And, you needn't stick to just one type of vessel: plate or bowl.
The decorative wall below includes a large Palmilla platter, a Granado Fajalauza Lebrillo, plates, wicker baskets and a straw pannier.
Developed from intuition rather than strict rules, the composition feels organic. Earthy materials like the unglazed terracotta border of the traditional lebrillo are at home next to natural fibers like wicker and straw.
Hand-painted in our traditional green, the gallimaufry of motifs — pomegranate, birds, palm leaves —makes the viewer want to explore the display one item at a time.
5. Contrast excites the senses
Whether your walls are white, painted in the richest Farrow & Ball shade or — dare we say it — wallpapered, you can create an elegant plate wall or lebrillo display. Below, our Florida Fajalauza Lebrillo Bowl stands out against the soft pink wall behind it.
Lush with detail, this decorative bowl becomes especially striking. Hand-pained in green and blue, flowers, foliage and fruit dance over the milk-white surface of the ceramic bowl.
Intricate yet balanced, this design catches the eye and fills you with the promise of plenty ahead.
