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Easy DIY Wall Plate Rack

Today I’m sharing a step-by-step tutorial for building a DIY Wall Plate Rack. This easy DIY Plate Rack is something anyone can make with minimal construction skills.

I’ve wanted a plate rack on my wall since we built the farmhouse.

I looked at many DIY Tutorials that seemed doable, but nothing was exactly what I wanted.

I love to layer dishes and breadboards, so the standard plate rack didn’t allow much layering. When I found a pallet-style shelve at Hobby Lobby, I decided to try it.

Blank shiplap wall to add a DIY WAll Plate Rack for added storage and Farmhouse Style Decorating.
This is the area where I want my plate rack to hang.

My inspiration for this Easy DIY Wall Plate Rack was a pallet-style shelf I found at Hobby Lobby. The base was 5 1/2 inches deep, with a lip that was 2 1/2 inches high. Perfect for layering.

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Wait For The Sale

Step one is to wait for the shelf to go on sale.

You will need two shelves, so with the sale, you can purchase two for the price of one. They are usually on sale approx—every other week.

All you need are these two shelves, two spindles, a dowel rod, and the supplies listed below.

Supplies used to build the DIY Wall Plate Rack.  Two wooden trays and vintage porch spindles.


Supplies

  • Two side pieces cut 2 – 3 inches longer than the length you want your plate rack – additional details below.
  • 1 dowel rod 1/2 inches in diameter cut slightly longer than the width of the shelf.
  • Two shelves from Hobby Lobby
  • Paint
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Screws
  • Drill & Drill Bit 1/2 inch.
  • Level
  • S hooks
  • Paint

Next, you will need something to connect the two shelves so that it appears to be one unit. You could use any trim molding or a simple board attached to the sides.

I had a couple of old spindles with chippy blue paint that I decided to use. You can also purchase spindles at the hardware store or online if you don’t have access to vintage ones.

You will also want a dowel rod 1/2 inch in diameter.

I used the same paint color as my walls are painted, so I had plenty in storage.

Use the same wall paint if you want your plate rack to match your wall. I used White Dove by Benjamin Moore because my shiplap is painted that color.

Paint Your Materials

Begin by painting the shelves and the dowel rod. If your side pieces are going to match, paint those as well.

I decided to leave my spindles with the chippy blue paint instead.

Install The Shelves For Plate Rack

Once the paint is dry, install the two shelves, one above the other, with wood screws. To ensure your shelves are level and even, you should use a laser level before attaching the screws.

If you are working on sheet rock and cannot align your screws with a wall stud, be sure to use wall anchors.

The distance between your shelves is a personal preference or based on the length of your side material.

Since I was attaching spindles to the side, I had to allow 2-3 inches to hang below the bottom shelf.

Add vintage breadboards and ironstone to the DIY Plate Rack.  The shelves allow for layering vintage collections.

Drill Holes For The Dowel Rod

Using a drill bit, drill a hole into the bottom of your side pieces from the inside. This will allow the dowel rod to be installed.

I think you should do this before installing the side piece. Just be sure the holes are the same distance from the bottom of your side piece and are in alignment.

You can skip this step if you don’t desire a rod at the bottom.

Easy DIY Plate Rack filled with breadboards, wooden bowls and ironstone for Farmhouse Style Kitchen Decor.

Attach Side Pieces To DIY Plate Rack

Using a drill and wood screws, attach your side pieces to the side of each shelf.

Remember to leave 2-3 inches below the bottom shelf of your plate rack.

Add Dowel Rod To DIY Wall Plate Rack

As an optional step, you can add a dowel rod to the DIY Wall Plate Rack for additional storage.

You can just run your dowel rod through the drilled holes at the bottom of your side piece.

You can add a drop of wood glue to each end to hold the rod in place. T

ouch up any area that may have been damaged during installation with your paint.

Add S Hooks if desired to hang additional items if desired.

Vintage Collectibles fill the DIY Wall Plate Rack including antique copper pots and ironstone platters.  Country Chic Decor.

This Easter Tablescape and Bunny Tour showcases the newly installed plate rack. It also includes one of my original paintings – Mother’s Love Print.

Easter Table with pewter bunnies and ironstone vase filled with lilacs.  Rustic twig plate chargers.

The deep shelf on this Easy DIY Plate Rack allows for layering plates, vases, breadboards, etc.

Easter or Spring Tablescape with DIY plate rack on wall behind the farmhouse table.

The Twig Plate Chargers DIY was one of my first projects on the blog.


As you can see, the plate rack continues to hold all my collections and constantly evolves.

Plate Rack DIY with honey pine antique hutch fill the corner of farmhouse kitchen.  Country Chic decorating ideas.

How do you like it? I’m thrilled with the results. It’s exactly to look I wanted and add so much storage space as well. This is one of the easiest DIY projects I’ve done. If you have questions or any comments, please leave them below.

Other Ideas for Kitchen Decorating & DIY Ideas

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pin It To Remember It

Easy DIY Wall Plate Rack Tutorial for Country Chic, Cottage Style and Farmhouse Style Kitchen Decorating.
Easy DIY Wall Plate Rack Tutorial 
Add storage and lots of character to your farmhouse wall.

Marietta

Sunday 8th of May 2022

WOW, can I come shop at your house!?!

Rachel

Sunday 8th of May 2022

Oh you are so kind. Thanks for stopping by.

EVA SHARP

Saturday 9th of April 2022

Beautiful WOW never would have tought of that ......

Rachel

Wednesday 13th of April 2022

Eva, I appreciate your kind words.

Gail

Saturday 9th of April 2022

Love this, as I love all your DIY's. Currently looking for a blank wall where I can pull this off. Got a question for you: the white table beneath the shelf---is this a DIY? Asking as I've got a side-of-the road table I'm considering doing something similar to...Thanks Rachel!

Rachel

Wednesday 13th of April 2022

Gail, Thanks so much. It's a vintage card table and I painted it.

Ann

Saturday 9th of April 2022

I love this DIY Rachel I want to make a plate wall too🤗🤗

Rachel

Saturday 9th of April 2022

Ann, I love mine. You will too.

karyn

Saturday 9th of April 2022

clever, love how you layer everything.

Rachel

Saturday 9th of April 2022

Karyn I really appreciate this.