Decorative Wooden Plates for Walls and Tables
How to choose and display handmade naqshi and carved sheesham decorative plates on walls, shelves and tables, from Sillanwali Handicrafts.
A decorative plate is one of the simplest ways to bring handmade craft into a room. Hung on a wall, it becomes art. Set on a stand, it fills an empty shelf or console. At Sillanwali Handicrafts we make decorative plates in two traditions: colourful naqshi lacquer and hand-carved sheesham.
Naqshi lacquer plates
Naqshi plates are turned from wood on a lathe and finished in layers of coloured lac. Patterns are then scratched through by hand to reveal the colours beneath. The result is glossy, bright and detailed. Read more in What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
What is naqshi lacquer woodcraft?
- Simple Naqshi Lacquer Plate, 10 inch: a ten-inch turned plate with a hand-scratched naqshi medallion. A good first piece.
- Decorative Wooden Plate with Stand, 10 and 12 inch: a turned naqshi display plate that comes with a wooden stand, in two sizes.
- Naqshi Calligraphy Plate with Stand, 10 inch: a hand-lacquered calligraphy plate with a display stand, in five designs. A meaningful piece for a drawing room or as a gift.
Simple Naqshi Lacquer Plate, 10 inch
Decorative Wooden Plate with Stand, 10 and 12 inch
Naqshi Calligraphy Plate with Stand, 10 inch
Carved sheesham plates
Carved plates show the warm grain of sheesham, with patterns cut by hand.
- Carved Wooden Decorative Plates, Set of 3: three graduated hand-carved sheesham wall plates in 8, 10 and 12 inches, made for hanging together.
- Carved Wooden Plate Set of 3: three hand-carved sheesham plates with floral rims, graduated so they stack.
- Sheesham Wood Plates, Set of 3: three turned sheesham plates with light-and-dark banded rims, in 19, 23.5 and 28.5 cm, sold for serving and décor.
Carved Wooden Decorative Plates, Set of 3
Sheesham Wood Plates, Set of 3
Displaying plates on a wall
Hang a graduated set. A set of three in different sizes, such as the 8, 10 and 12 inch carved plates, works well in a line, a triangle or a gentle curve.
Give them space. Leave a little gap between plates so each pattern can be seen. Measure and mark the wall before drilling.
Choose the right wall. Plates look best where they're seen up close: above a sofa, along a staircase, in an entrance or over a dining sideboard.
Mix with care. Pair naqshi and carved plates only if the colours work together. Often one style per wall looks cleaner.
Displaying plates on tables and shelves
Use a stand. The naqshi plate with stand and the calligraphy plate come with stands, ready for a console, shelf or mantel.
Group in odd numbers. One large plate, or three pieces together, looks more balanced than two.
Add other naqshi pieces. A plate on a stand looks good beside a lacquer table lamp or a decorative lacquer urn.
Layer a set. Graduated carved plates that stack can be displayed nested, then separated when needed.
Choosing the right plate
- For colour: a naqshi plate, plain or with calligraphy.
- For a natural wood look: a carved sheesham set.
- For a wall feature: the carved set of three graduated wall plates.
- For a shelf or console: a plate with a stand.
- For a meaningful gift: the calligraphy plate.
Caring for decorative plates
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush, especially carved details.
- Avoid water and harsh cleaners on lacquer.
- Keep out of long hours of direct sunlight to protect colours.
- Check wall hooks are secure for the plate's size and weight.
See How to care for lacquered wood for more tips.
How to care for lacquered wood
Gifting decorative plates
Decorative plates make lovely housewarming, wedding and Eid gifts, and calligraphy plates are a thoughtful choice for family occasions. For more ideas, see our wedding and nikkah gift guide.
Order from Sillanwali Handicrafts
Every plate is handmade in Pakistan. Prices are on each product page, with cash on delivery available. Browse the home decor collection, or contact us through bulk orders for larger quantities.