Hanging

• Plates can be hung on walls like other pieces of art. Spring-operated hangers are available to easily hang plates. Home and garden diva Martha Stewart warns against using spring-loaded hangers for antique or delicate plates, as they can damage the plate itself. Use a more forgiving V-shaped hanger. Some plates come with decorative holes in the rim. Use decorative ribbon and hooks to hang these on the wall, or simply wind satin ribbon through the holes for a Victorian look.
  
  Keep the scale of the room and furniture in mind when decorating with plates. A single large platter or grouping of smaller plates would look best in a large space. The plates can also be hung as decorative accents to other pieces, such as a large mirror. For a large wall, group plates close together and paint a contrasting color border around them to mimic a picture frame.
  
  Plate racks are also available that usually hold two to four plates. They are generally made of wrought iron and are available in different colors and designs. Use a plate rack if you will be changing the plates throughout the year to reflect various holidays.
  
  For a traditional or formal room, hang groups of plates in a vertical or horizontal row. Hang plates free-form in a group for a casual space. In a modern setting, go geometrical. Consider arranging nine plates in three rows of three for an up-to-date look. They can also be hung in an arch, diamond or rectangular shape.
  
  

Standing

• Small, unobtrusive plate easels can be purchased to display plates on tables, buffets or in curio cabinets. The easels come in light, medium or dark woods or clear plastic. They can be painted to match the room décor or the colors of the plate. There are many other types of plate stands that are decorations in and of themselves. Group a single plate with other objects, such as an antique pitcher, a pillar candle, fresh flowers, a small plant or a group of candle holders.
  
  Scale is also important when standing plates for decoration. A small saucer alone with a potted plant is fine for an end table. A large buffet or fireplace mantel is perfect for a large platter or group of large plates. Consider setting a number of similar plates across a large bank of cabinets to add interest and color.
  
  Specially designed shelves are available for plates. They have a groove in them to keep the plates standing up without slipping. The shelves come in a variety of colors, finishes, designs and sizes that will accommodate just about any room décor.