Decorating with Thrifted Vintage Plates... Can I Get an Amen?


Hi there, Friends! A few weeks ago, when I shared tips for creating a beautiful home on a budget, I illustrated just how much of my decor has been upcycled from estate sale, thrift store and yard sale finds. Today, I want to show you several different ways I use thrifted vintage plates as wall art. It's an inexpensive way to add classic charm to any room...


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


Remember the huge frame I scored for 75% off at Find's warehouse sale? Honestly when Cecilia B. pointed it out to me, I wasn't sure exactly how I would use it. I just knew for the size and price, it would be a piece I would regret not getting. I considered adding it to the mantel or on the gallery wall in the dining room, but as is often the case, it wasn't until I got it home that another idea dawned on me. It was an absolute perfect fit to frame my A-M-E-N vignette. Cecilia B. was still here visiting, when I held the frame up for size. She loved it too, and when she held the frame up for me as I stepped back to check it out, I knew my $2 frame had found its home! Over the weekend, I mixed one part water to 2 parts chalk paint, to whitewash the frame, then lightly distressed it. Below, you can see a photo I took a few weeks ago, before I framed the vignette. Though it hadn't occurred to me before, framing it added that little something extra. 


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


I found the corrugated metal letters several years ago, half price at Hobby Lobby. To get this look, I painted them and used fishing line to hang them on various thrifted ironstone plates. {The fishing line is tied and double knotted to the plate hangers.} 


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


Across the room on the dining room wall, hangs my vintage transferware plate gallery. It's been visible in many of my tablescape posts and is a readers' favorite.


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


Though it started out with just several thrifted plates,, over time it's evolved and now covers most of the wall. 


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


However, that doesn't mean you need a large collection to display your vintage plates. One single plate can make a big impact.


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


repurposed this vintage shutter as a plate rack. It hangs over the entry to the hallway which tends to photograph as a black hole, so it hasn't been photographed often. Here's a close up with the ceiling above. {The dining room plate gallery wall is to the left and the A-M-E-N vignette, to the right.} 


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


I found these delicate rosebud plates at a yard sale, not long after moving into my home. They were one of the first things I hung on on the gallery wall in my bedroom and I still treasure them.  


decorating with thrifted vintage plates
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My Thrift Store Addiction


decorating with thrifted vintage plates


I hope you've been inspired and next time you're at the thrift store, you'll check out the stacks of vintage plates. I'd love to hear how you use yours! 


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  1. Love the frame around the arrow and amen plates! Also your mirror is beautiful.

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  2. That frame was meant for framing your AMEN wall vignette. Your wall of plates is very interesting too. Reminds me of my Mom and her "wall of plates" over the dining table. My favorite ... "grateful" on the white plate and that beautiful frame.
    Hugs,
    Audrey Z.

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  3. I have a weakness for pretty plates!

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  4. Love the way you are using the frame. It looks great whitewashed. Your plates displayed on the walls of your home are lovely.

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  5. Cecilia, love your plate displays & I'm liking how the frame "frames" your vignette too. Very pretty and eye-catching! You really have a way with creating charming decor!

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  6. What a lovely, inviting home you have. Love the plates and the vignette.
    Amalia
    xo

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  7. So pretty!! I just love all of your plate ideas. I LOVE vintage plates -- it's one of the first things I look at when I go to GW or any estate sale!

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  8. Love your plate gallery, and of course, the ones with pink roses. My good dishes are the Royal Mail in blue. I am gonna use my daughter's old room (pale pink with teal rug) for my pink roses (eventually!). I just love seeing pictures of your home. After a week with no electricity, I was just itching to get back to my favorite bloggers! Heat and running water are good things!

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  9. You did a great job decorating with thrifted plates. Thanks for sharing at C&C with J&J!

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  10. These are some really great ideas! I especially love the 'grateful' plate in the frame. Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!

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  11. I have been collecting pretty plates for years and have ALWAYS wanted to do a plate wall in my dining room. However, I'm such a wuss about actually doing it....something about putting all those plate hangars onto the wall. And now I'm even more hesitant after having the room totally redone and painted in a oolor that I love! Stupid, right? Well, all your plates look fabulous and I love that frame, too! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

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  12. Oh yay! You got the frame painted and hung! It looks great just like we thought it would. I love putting a frame around a pretty plate. Plates are perfect for hanging on the wall...I have several I need to hang somewhere. You've inspired me to think about it more!

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