Back in 1994 I wrote a book entitled, Instant Decorating. It was a project driven how-to book using the tips and tricks I learned as a display designer. Display designers use simple, unconventional methods to minimize time, expense, and effort. I basically had to rely on ingenuity to get the job done. No curtain rod for a display window – I would have to figure out a way to hang it without purchasing a rod, while still making it look stylish – a wire coat hanger worked well. I learned early in my career that what you can’t see can easily be faked-which leads me to this project.
I love to use plates as wall décor, not only are they decorative, and easy to change, but they are also inexpensive to buy at flea markets and retailers like Home Goods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. This trick works well for hanging desert size or lightweight plates, not heavy plates or platters. It is as simple as hot-gluing a paperclip to the back of a plate.
How To Make a Plate Hanger Using a Paper Clip
Gather:
Hot Glue Gun and Hot glue Paperclip1. Lightly roughen up the area on the back of the plate where you are going to attach the paper clip with sandpaper or an emery board. The best place is usually right under the rim.
2. Make sure the area is clean and dry.
3. Bend the paper clip a little to create the hook.
4. Place a bit of hot glue the size of the paperclip on the back of the plate and holding the bent portion of the paperclip (don’t burn yourself) quickly press the paper clip into the hot glue.
- Add more hot glue onto the top of the paperclip and wait until it is cool before handling the plate.Once cooled, hang the plate.
These decorative saucers have been hanging on this wall with paperclips for approximately 10 years. I have taken them down to clean, paint the wall, and to create different arrangements with them from time to time. The paperclips have never come off.
I am linking this post to:
Infarrantly Creative Beyond the Picket Fence
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Great idea! I honestly don’t care for the regular plate hangers. This method allows the beauty of the plate to show without the typical ‘metal and wires’.
Hi Pat- I came up with the idea because the plates were small and all the plate hangers I found were too big. I agree with you that wire plate hangers with the springs on the back can take away from the plates design. Thanks for the comment.
I think your idea is genius! I detest those wire hangers. Recently I attached some hangers called “D” hangers from the hardware store to the backs of some silverplate trays. I used E-6000 and it worked very well.
What a wonderful idea
Yesterday I purchased some small white saucer size plates for my wall and I am THRILLED to have read this idea~
Thank you for sharing and I am now a follower of your site~ it is AWESOME
Hi Patricia- I am so happy that you found me and that I provided you with an idea that you are going to use. Thanks for the comment and joining my site. Diane
truly genius!! I started a plate collection 2 months ago, and recently purchased 4 more lightweight plates that I wanted to display on the wall! Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much for the idea!
it works… it really works and i am posting about it tomorrow on my blog!!
thank you Diane!!!!
If the plate hangers are too big, you can also get the cloth adhesive disc plate hangers and cut them to a smaller size. They also work really well, but cost a little more.
That is just a fabulous idea!!! I have lots of pretty plates and saucers…Thank you :)
Wow! I’m surprised! When I saw hot glue I thought surely they would fall down! 10 yrs!! Can’t beat that! Good to know! Plate hangers can be so expensive! I’m excited!
Andy
Poppies at Play
So smart. I like free! Thanks for linking up to my first party.
I do the same thing with my plates, I use epoxy and twist ties, it works great and no ugly plate hangers.
Oh YEAH!!! I can’t wait to hang my plates now! I hate traditional plate hangers. And these are perfectly in my budget! :)
Thank you!!! I recently started using plates to decorate (I know, I am late to the party) and often the plate hangers don’t allow the plates to hang flat. This solves the problem.
I’m late to the party also (only 6 months), but I wanted to say that I love this tip and will definitely be using it soon.
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing this!
It really is strong enough? I really love that idea. It is a great idea! I hate those plate hangers that clip onto the plate and I am too cheap to buy dischangers, although I think they are brilliant. Thanks for the tip!
@Infarrantly Creative,
I had no luck with the DISC hangers…I applied them correctly just as the directions said and the plate was not too big or heavy and they came off the plates and caused my plates to fall after a few days. The adhesive is temperature sensitive, the heat in the winter seemed to make it lose its stickyness! So, I’ll definitely be trying the paper clip method!!!!
Oh my goodness! Thanks for posting this! I do not care for the hangers that show the wires and I even tried the DISC adhesive hangers, but they came off the back and the plates fell after a few days!!!!! I am going to try this….if it has worked for you for 10 years hopefully it will work for me!!!! How heavy do you estimate your plates are?
Hi Lori-
I use mostly dessert plates and tea cup saucers, but have a few in my kitchen that are a bit larger. The key is to rough up the back and clean it before applying the hot glue. I hope this helps. I have them all over my house and not once have any of them fallen off.
Awesome quick solution. I run to Dollar Tree often to buy those plate hangers! Now I can just go to my junk drawer or my desk, whichever is closest! Thanks so much! I was a retail merchandiser and paper clips were big lifesavers! lol
Hi Melanie-
Nice to connect with a fellow “display-ette”. I am sure you have plenty of little tricks like this that you do when putting up merchandise displays also.
My best- Diane
Hi Diane! I’m so glad to have found you! I have your book Instant Decorating (bought it in 1994) and love it. I use a method similar to yours to hand plates, etc. only I use the pop top from soda cans, bend them and glue them on. Love everything you do!!!!
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