Displaying Plates with Elegance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Standing Plates in Your China Cabinet
Displaying your treasured china collection in a china cabinet is a wonderful way to showcase its beauty and add a touch of elegance to your dining room or living space. While stacking plates is a common method, standing them upright allows for better visibility and prevents them from being hidden. This guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to stand plates in a china cabinet effectively and safely, ensuring your collection looks its best.
## Why Stand Plates in a China Cabinet?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s consider the advantages of standing plates in a china cabinet:
* **Enhanced Visibility:** Standing plates allows you to see the entire design and artistry of each piece. No longer will the beautiful patterns on your plates be hidden from view. This maximizes the visual impact of your collection.
* **Space Efficiency:** Standing plates can, in some cases, optimize the use of space within your china cabinet. By using plate stands, you can utilize vertical space more effectively, especially for larger or oddly shaped pieces.
* **Reduced Risk of Damage:** While seemingly counterintuitive, proper plate stands provide stability and prevent plates from rubbing against each other, reducing the risk of scratches, chips, and other damage. When plates are stacked improperly, the weight and friction can cause significant wear and tear.
* **Aesthetic Appeal:** Standing plates creates a more visually appealing and organized display. It adds depth and dimension to your china cabinet, transforming it from simple storage to a curated exhibition.
## Materials You’ll Need:
* **Plate Stands:** These are the essential tools for standing plates. They come in various sizes, materials, and styles. Choose stands that are appropriate for the size and weight of your plates and complement the overall aesthetic of your china cabinet.
* **Soft Cloth or Microfiber Duster:** For cleaning the plates and the interior of the china cabinet.
* **Gloves (Optional):** To prevent fingerprints on your delicate china.
* **Measuring Tape (Optional):** To ensure accurate placement and spacing of the plates.
* **Level (Optional):** To ensure the shelves are level before arranging the plates.
* **Museum Putty or Wax (Optional):** For added security, especially in areas prone to vibrations or earthquakes. Museum putty will help to keep the plates in place, especially if you use acrylic or metal stands, which could be slippery on a shelf. A small amount goes a long way.
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preparation is Key:**
* **Empty the China Cabinet:** Remove all the plates and other items from the china cabinet. This will give you a clear workspace and allow you to assess the available space.
* **Clean the Cabinet:** Thoroughly clean the interior of the china cabinet with a soft cloth or microfiber duster. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
* **Clean the Plates:** Gently clean each plate with a soft cloth and a mild detergent if necessary. Ensure the plates are completely dry before placing them in the cabinet. Use gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on your delicate china.
* **Inspect the Plates:** Take this opportunity to inspect each plate for any chips, cracks, or other damage. Note any imperfections so you can make informed decisions about which plates to display and where to place them. It’s always better to display china that is in the best condition and keep any damaged pieces carefully wrapped elsewhere. You may want to also take some photos for insurance purposes.
* **Assess Your Collection:** Determine the number of plates you want to display and their sizes. This will help you choose the appropriate plate stands and plan the layout.
2. **Choosing the Right Plate Stands:**
* **Consider the Size and Weight:** Select plate stands that are sturdy enough to support the weight of your plates and tall enough to display them at the desired angle. Smaller, lightweight stands are suitable for delicate plates, while larger, heavier stands are needed for larger or more substantial pieces. Make sure the depth of the stand’s cradle matches the depth of the plate’s rim.
* **Material and Style:** Plate stands are available in various materials, including wire, wood, acrylic, and metal. Choose a material and style that complements the aesthetic of your china cabinet and your china collection. Clear acrylic stands are often a good choice as they are unobtrusive and allow the plates to take center stage. Wooden stands can add a touch of warmth and tradition, while metal stands offer a more modern and industrial look.
* **Adjustable Stands:** Adjustable plate stands are a versatile option, allowing you to customize the display angle and height of your plates. This is particularly useful if you have plates of varying sizes or shapes.
* **Test the Stands:** Before placing your plates in the cabinet, test the stands with each plate to ensure they are stable and secure. Make any necessary adjustments to prevent the plates from tipping over.
3. **Planning the Layout:**
* **Determine the Focal Point:** Decide which plate you want to be the focal point of your display. This could be the largest, most ornate, or most valuable plate in your collection. Place this plate in a prominent position, such as the center of the shelf.
* **Arrange by Size and Color:** Arrange the plates by size and color to create a visually balanced and harmonious display. Group similar colors or patterns together to create a cohesive look. You might want to start with the largest plates and then place the smaller ones around them.
* **Consider Symmetry and Asymmetry:** Decide whether you want a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement. Symmetrical arrangements create a sense of order and formality, while asymmetrical arrangements are more dynamic and visually interesting. Experiment with different layouts to find the one that you like best.
* **Leave Enough Space:** Leave enough space between the plates to prevent them from rubbing against each other and to allow for easy viewing. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least an inch or two of space between each plate. Also consider the space between the back of the plate and the back of the cabinet to allow enough light to show the piece properly.
* **Use Different Shelf Heights:** If your china cabinet has adjustable shelves, experiment with different shelf heights to create visual interest. Place larger plates on lower shelves and smaller plates on higher shelves. This will help to balance the display and prevent it from looking too cluttered.
4. **Placing the Plates:**
* **Start with the Focal Point:** Place the focal point plate in its designated position. Ensure it is securely supported by the plate stand and that it is facing the viewer.
* **Arrange the Surrounding Plates:** Arrange the surrounding plates around the focal point, following your planned layout. Use plate stands to support each plate and ensure they are stable and secure. When using a clear acrylic or metal stand, add a small amount of museum putty to the cradle on the plate to prevent it from slipping.
* **Adjust as Needed:** As you place the plates, step back and assess the overall look of the display. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the arrangement is visually appealing and balanced. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find one that you are happy with.
* **Secure with Museum Putty (Optional):** For added security, especially if you live in an area prone to vibrations or earthquakes, apply a small amount of museum putty to the base of each plate stand. This will help to prevent the plates from tipping over.
5. **Adding Decorative Accents (Optional):**
* **Incorporate Other Items:** Consider adding other decorative items to your china cabinet to complement your plate collection. This could include figurines, vases, teacups, or other collectibles. Arrange these items around the plates to create a visually interesting and balanced display. When adding additional items, make sure that the eye goes to the plates first. The accent items should complement your collection but should not be competing for attention.
* **Use Lighting:** Proper lighting can enhance the beauty of your china collection. Consider adding LED strip lights or spotlights to the china cabinet to highlight the plates and create a warm and inviting glow. Be aware of bulbs that can cause fading to your china.
* **Add a Backing:** Adding a decorative backing to your china cabinet can add depth and visual interest to your display. Consider using wallpaper, fabric, or painted wood to create a backdrop that complements your china collection. A backing can help to highlight the colors and patterns of your plates.
6. **Final Touches and Maintenance:**
* **Step Back and Evaluate:** Once you have finished arranging the plates and adding any decorative accents, step back and evaluate the overall look of the display. Make any final adjustments to ensure you are happy with the arrangement.
* **Dust Regularly:** Dust the plates and the interior of the china cabinet regularly to keep them clean and free of dust. Use a soft cloth or microfiber duster to avoid scratching the plates.
* **Rearrange Periodically:** Rearrange the plates periodically to keep the display fresh and interesting. This is a great way to showcase different plates in your collection and to prevent the display from becoming stale. If you have seasonal china, consider rearranging the collection to reflect the current season or holiday.
## Tips for a Stunning Plate Display:
* **Less is More:** Don’t overcrowd the china cabinet. A well-curated display is more visually appealing than a cluttered one. Select your best pieces and leave enough space between them to allow each plate to shine.
* **Create a Theme:** Consider creating a theme for your display. This could be based on a particular color, pattern, or style. A themed display will create a cohesive and visually appealing look. For example, you could have a theme based on a particular country, such as England or France.
* **Use Mirrors:** Mirrors can add depth and dimension to your china cabinet. Place a mirror behind the plates to create the illusion of more space and to reflect the light. This is especially effective in smaller china cabinets.
* **Consider the Background:** Pay attention to the background of your china cabinet. A plain background will allow the plates to stand out, while a patterned background can add visual interest. Choose a background that complements your china collection and the overall aesthetic of your dining room.
* **Protect Your Investment:** Consider insuring your china collection against damage or loss. This will provide peace of mind knowing that your valuable pieces are protected. Keep an updated record of your collection, including photographs and appraisals.
* **Rotate Your Collection:** If you have a large china collection, rotate the plates on display periodically to prevent them from fading or becoming damaged by exposure to light. Store the plates that are not on display in a safe and dry place.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues:
* **Plates Tipping Over:** If your plates are tipping over, make sure you are using the correct size and type of plate stands. You may also need to add museum putty to the base of the stands to provide extra stability. Ensure the shelves are level.
* **Dust Accumulation:** Dust accumulation is a common problem with china cabinets. To minimize dust, clean the plates and the interior of the cabinet regularly. You can also use a dust cover to protect the plates from dust.
* **Fading:** Exposure to light can cause china to fade over time. To prevent fading, avoid placing the china cabinet in direct sunlight. You can also use UV-resistant glass to protect the plates from harmful rays.
* **Scratches:** Scratches can occur if plates are not handled carefully. To prevent scratches, use gloves when handling the plates and avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Use plate stands to keep the plates separated.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a stunning and elegant display of your china collection in your china cabinet. Standing plates not only enhances their visibility but also protects them from damage, ensuring that your treasured pieces will be enjoyed for generations to come. Remember to take your time, experiment with different layouts, and have fun creating a display that reflects your personal style and taste.