Skip The Plate Wall: Add Vintage Charm To Your Kitchen Using Your Fridge

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There are certain memories you might have of your grandmother's kitchen, and a plate wall could be one of them. Yet, turning dishware into charming decor isn't just a trend from the past. It's actually still very popular today. Surely hanging plates on the wall would make Grandma proud. But why not give the project a little twist by making the fridge your canvas instead? That's exactly what many social media users have been doing. Attaching old plates to a refrigerator using magnets can create the loveliest display. You can do it without draining your pocketbook, too.

A fridge's outer surface is typically an ideal spot for housing photographs, kids' artwork, and appointment reminders. Instead of having a bunch of clutter, though, an array of plates can help bring vintage charm to the space. You just need to find some. The key is to pick out a handful of plates that are on the smaller side (such as saucers and dessert plates). For a cohesive look, search for ones that share similarities in colors, designs, or a certain theme. Naturally, they should be ones you adore as well.

Thrift stores are often treasure troves when it comes to old dishes. Plus, along with yard and estate sales, it's a great avenue for obtaining them inexpensively. Better yet, if you have any dishes passed down from grandma, it could be a beautiful way to display them (while giving her a nod). Just be careful selecting plates that are high in monetary or sentimental value. So, if you purchase valuable vintage dinnerware pieces at a thrift store, perhaps you'll want to keep it tucked away in a cabinet.

Begin by removing any price tags from your dishes (if necessary), then wash them up. Once they're dry, secure heavy-duty magnets to their backs. Consider using ones that are adhesive, like Neodymium's Strong Magnets, to streamline the process. Now, attach the vintage plates to your fridge any way you like. Create a cluster out of tiny ones, and it might remind you of an official plate wall. But if you'd prefer, you could also place a few dishes in a column, or scatter them around the refrigerator's outer surface. 

@eleanorrosehome

This DIY is proof that sometimes the smallest little details can make your home feel the coziest. These vintage plate magnets are still one of my favorite ways to add a little charm and personality to the kitchen, and they're ridiculously easy to make. All you need are small plates (vintage or not, although the smaller the better) and magnets with adhesive backs. Clean the back of each plate with a little rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Then peel the backing off the magnet, press it firmly onto the plate, and that's it. I love using little vintage plates because every magnet can be completely different. Look for pretty florals, transferware, tiny landscapes, seasonal patterns, or anything that catches your eye while you're thrifting. And if DIYs aren't your thing, I also found the sweetest little framed art magnets that would be so cute on the fridge for fall and winter. It's such a simple way to make something as ordinary as your refrigerator feel a little more cozy and collected! #diycrafts #homedecor #cozycottagestyle

♬ original sound – Heidi | Eleanor Rose Home

Make adjustments if needed to help keep your plates safe. If you have curious pets or little kids, stick them near the refrigerator's top so they're out of reach. Or, if your kitchen is typically bustling, it could be a smart move to utilize the side of the fridge instead of the door. Don't be afraid to pepper in a few other touches, too, like old-school photos, or set beautiful woven baskets on the appliance's top surface. Can't get enough vintage? Along with decorating the fridge, these retro kitchen decor ideas will add the perfect amount of nostalgia.