Have you looked at decorating
magazines lately? The top interior designers are
hanging plates everywhere! Decorating with plates is
an inexpensive way to make a bold statement.
Exquisite china that is beautifully arranged says
much about the homeowner. Why not make vintage and
antique china an integral part of your home décor?
Here are fifteen savvy styling tips
to get you started:
1. Hang plates horizontally along
the top of a wall as an interesting border.
2. Butter pats as a border make an
exciting visual statement, particularly in the
dining room and kitchen areas. Many collectors enjoy
displaying butter pats along the kitchen soffit.
3. Recently I received word about a
butter collector, who used vintage restaurant ware
butter pats to outline the soaring palladium windows
in her kitchen.
4. Hang large 19th-century
Staffordshire platters next to breakfast table
5. Don’t despair over chips, crazing
or glaze flaws — they will add to the shabby chic
appeal of this easy-on-the-budget decorating scheme.
6. Plain white ironstone plates in a
grouping make a chic statement against exotic
wallpapers or lively paint colors.
7. Try matching same theme plates
and platters such as roses or fruit-motif.
8. An arrangement of vintage plates
representing various states or tourist destinations
is a real conversation piece and a reminder of great
vacations.
9. Plates combined with
Impressionist artwork create a serene environment.
10. Hang your collection of pie
plates
11. Don’t throw out your breakages!
Place those pieces in a clear glass vase.
12. Display plates arranged in an
arch over a buffet or sideboard.
13. Hang a wooden plate-rail shelf
in a dining room, kitchen, or hallway, and use it to
display plates and do change your exhibit
seasonally.
14. In earthquake areas use museum
wax to attach valuable china pieces to shelves. Then
make sure the shelving unit is earthquake-strapped
to the wall as well.
15. Hang a beautiful 19th-century
Limoges plate on your office wall to remind you of
the lovely home that you have to return to each
evening.
Antique and vintage plates can be
found at very reasonable prices and these stunning
pieces with a history are so much more appealing
than contemporary china. Wouldn’t you adore having
your home decorated with quality Limoges or
Staffordshire china?
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