How To Hang Vintage Tole Trays

Vintage tole trays can be found in many price ranges. One way to display these decorative collectibles is to hang them right on the wall. You can buy special hangers for this purpose or tie ribbons on the handles and hang them from there. Hang your toleware separately or in groups but make sure that you hang them properly for best effect.

In your collection, you have a wonderful toleware tray which will make a wonderful addition to the décor in your dining room. Now that you’ve brought it home, you put a nail in the wall next to the hutch and place the toleware tray on it. Easy!

Taking a step back, you admire your new purchase. You move your head, looking at the hanging from all angles. Then you squint at the tray. It just doesn’t look right, but you have no idea why.

If you have ever found yourself dissatisfied with the appearance of the decorations on your walls you are not alone. Many people make the same common mistakes that the eye can read as awkward but the individual does not know how to fix. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when arranging hanging art on a wall:

Hanging Large Trays:

The larger trays should be your focal point. Be sure to hang it in the right spot. What’s the best spot for larger pieces? Try over a couch, behind the dining set, over a fireplace or on a feature wall. A feature wall is where the placement of furniture or the layout of the home naturally guides the eye to a wall - a great place to feature fancy trays.

Hanging Small Toleware:

Smaller pieces should be grouped together so that they do not get “lost” in the rest of the décor. Use a common theme like, color, framing or style to pull them together. Hang a single smaller piece low on the wall and as close to the furniture as possible, otherwise it will seem to be floating.

Hanging Trays In Groups:

Make a statement by grouping your collection together on one wall. To get them to look right, you must space them properly. Space them about 3” away from each other. Try positioning them on the floor or a table to get a pleasing arrangement before placing the nails and measure carefully before making any holes.

HEIGHT:

Tole trays looks best when hung with the center point at eye level. That means the center should be about 60 to 66 inches from the floor. If you've visited a gallery you will see that the frames are not lined up by their top or bottom edges but that the pictures are all centered at the same height.

If your tray would be viewed from a sitting position, then hang it at the sitter’s eye level.

If you are hanging it behind the couch, make sure it is no more than 10” above the back.

Use these tips to create a designer look on your walls!