Should I re-instate the decorative plate rack in our hall-way?

[Dimpsey]

We have a small octagonal hall which needs to be re-plastered. The house was built in the late 1940s. It had an original plate shelf on which the previous owners displayed decorative plates.

I am wondering whether I should have a similar shelf re-instated. In some ways I think it would be rather fun as it is an easy way to change the style. One week you could have kitsch stuff, the next more traditional style delft-ware.

Our builder seems keen for me to put up wall lights but I wouldn't want those as well as a shelf.

Thoughts or inspiration appreciated.

Personally I would go for the shelf - what about getting LED strips on the shelf's that will then provide extra light? (Facing upwards'

You want the shelf! Have the shelf! All very well for your builder to have thoughts about wall lights, but it's not his house.

I like your idea of changing what you display on it, too.

Absolutely, they're lovely! You could definitely redecorate for different things like Christmas or Easter. Displaying plates is coming back in. It's always nice to have original features as well and it adds character without cluttering up the floor, which matters in a hallway.

An octagonal hall sounds amazing!

Do you already have the plates though? Could get pricey and might be very restrictive in terms of what could go on it. I have an annoying built in set of hall shelves that are too close together to be of much use for anything. But if you are talking bespoke them you can design them around what you want to display.

We've still got original Edwardian plate wracks throughout the downstairs. They and everything on them gets very dusty. And you get a clear view of the top side from the stairs...... Think hard 😉