I have always wanted a plate display wall in my home. The problem is, I can’t ever find decorative plates pretty enough to display. Or the plates are too expensive for my liking. So what’s a person to do? Make a DIY Plate Wall With Fabric Decoupage Plates, of course! I am so excited to share this inexpensive, easy project with you today. Come along as I show you how to affordably customize plates to fit your home’s décor by using decorative plates for wall display.
In this tutorial, I will show you how to decoupage glass plates with fabric to create your own plate display wall.
I love this technique because not only does it use inexpensive materials, but it also allows you to customize the look of the plate based on your home’s décor. Alternatively, you can make these plates seasonal by choosing appropriate fabric to coordinate with any holiday.
Fabric Decoupage Plate Supplies:
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Clear glass plates. Pick any size plate to your liking, just make sure they are clear glass. Keep in mind how these plates will function in your overall decorative wall display.
The Dollar Tree or Walmart carry clear glass plates for $1 or less.
Fabric. Pick what looks best to you. The fabric can be color coordinated to your home, holiday themed or seasonal. Be creative and use your imagination!
Mod Podge. Because you don’t want a shine to your fabric, make sure you get the matte finish Mod Podge.
Sharp scissors. I cannot stress enough how important using sharp scissors is. Sharp scissors are the difference between a clean cut decoupage plate and a jagged edge. And sanity.
Flat, wide paint brush. A crafter’s paint brush works best for this project.
How to Make DIY Decorative Plates for Wall Display
Step One
First, if there is a sticker, gently remove it. Remove any sticky residue as well. Rub one drop of lemon essential oil over the residue until it is completely removed.
Now, using dish detergent, wash, rinse and thoroughly dry your plate. Finally, wipe clean to remove any potential water spots.
Step Two
First, lay your fabric flat. Then, place your plate on top of the fabric. Using your scissors, cut around the fabric, leaving a 2-inch overhang allowance. You will need this overhang if your plate is at all curved. But don’t worry, the excess will be cut off later.
Don’t worry about getting a perfect circle. A rough circle will do.
Step Three
First, take note if your fabric is one sided. Meaning, some fabric only has print on one side. Take note that the good side of the fabric is what will be showing outward on the plate.
Set your fabric to the side. Now, using the Mod Podge and a paint brush, apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the entire back of the plate- not the side you would traditionally eat on. Work quickly as you do not want the Mod Podge to dry.
Still working quickly, apply the good side of the fabric face down- so it shows through on the front of the plate. Do not worry about the draping allowance. Then, using your paint brush, firmly apply sweeping pressure over the entire plate to secure the fabric to the glass.
Step Four
Now that the fabric is tacked down, you will apply more Mod Podge to seal the fabric. Using the same paint brush, apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the fabric on the back of the plate.
Allow the plate to dry completely. This can take 1 to 3 hours, or more.
Step Five
Now that your plate is completely dry, you will trim the excess fabric that is overhanging the plate. Using your sharp scissors, follow the curve of the plate. Trim as close to the plate as possible, avoiding trimming on a severe angle.
Trimming on an angle will cut into the fabric that is meant to cover the plate. You do not want this!
Step Six
Now that your plate is trimmed, you will need to apply one last coat of Mod Podge. This will help to seal the freshly trimmed edges of the fabric. Additionally, it will provide a lasting seal.
Using your paint brush, apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the fabric. Pay close attention to the edges where the fabric was trimmed.
Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely; overnight is best.
How To Use Decorative Plates for Wall Display
A plate display wall can be as simple, or complicated as you like.
A simple plate display wall could consist of one large plate hung with two smaller plates flanking either side. This would look especially lovely when hung over a low window or doorway.
A complicated plate display wall will consist of plates in varying size, texture, color and pattern. Typically, this will take up a great deal of wall space and planning.
When making my DIY Plate Wall With Fabric Decoupage Plates, I chose the complicated plate display wall. I admit, I got a bit carried away when I started looking around my house for other complimentary plates.
I not only used plates of differing sizes, but color and materials, such as porcelain and stoneware.
How To Hang Fabric Decoupage Plates
Several methods can be used for hanging your DIY Fabric Decoupage Plates. All of these methods will help to give you a seamless looking plate display wall.
Spring loaded wall hangers. Purchasing a cheap wall hanger can result in chipped plates and a lot of swearing. I recommend these ones. Not only are they high quality, but the tips are protected. Because the tips are protected, it will prevent chipping and wear marks on your plate.
Invisible adhesive plate hangers. I hate cleaning up glass. Especially when it’s from something falling off my wall in the middle of the night. That’s why I recommend this brand of invisible adhesive plate hangers. Not only will you have peace of mind that your plates are secure, but they allow the plate to sit flat on the wall. No wires or hooks to hide.
Command Strips. Not only can you customize the size and holding power of the Command Strip, but it, too, gives a seamless look for display.
DIY hangers. A paperclip or pop can tab can be used to make a hanger. Then, using superglue or epoxy, glue the paperclip or tab to the back of your plate. Allow to dry completely before hanging.
I would not recommend this method for valuable or sentimental plates. 
Alternatives To Hanging Decoupage Fabric Plates
Perhaps decorative plates for wall display is not your thing. I get it! Let me share some alternatives to hanging decoupage fabric plates.
Tabletop display. By purchasing a plate holder display stand, like this one that features anti-slip, you can very quickly display your decoupage fabric plates on a table or mantle.
Floating shelves. If you have the ever popular floating shelf in your home, this is perfect for propping plates up on.
Use as a charger. Instead of displaying the plate, why not use it? Use a 9-inch dinner plate as a charger to set the backdrop for a special lunch or dinner.
To clean, the front of the plate should only be wiped with a damp cloth. Never submerge the plate in water.
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