How to Create a Dreamy Gallery Wall That Would Make Nancy Meyers Proud

There’s something about a Nancy Meyers home...

Soft lighting, warm wood tones, linen-covered furniture, and the gentle clink of teacups—it all feels effortless and lived-in, yet elevated. Her interiors, from It’s Complicated to The Holiday, are the epitome of timeless charm. But if there’s one element that always stands out in these spaces, it’s the subtle yet intentional vintage, cottagecore-inspired gallery wall.

These gallery walls don’t just display art—they tell a story. They bring depth, soul, and a collected-over-time magic that instantly makes a home feel personal and comforting. Today, we’re diving deep into how you can create your own cottagecore gallery wall that blends vintage charm with Nancy Meyers-worthy style.

What Is a Cottagecore Gallery Wall?

A cottagecore gallery wall is more than just a collection of pretty frames—it’s a visual love letter to nostalgia, nature, and the beauty of simple living.

It usually includes:

• Vintage artwork: Think pastoral landscapes, delicate florals, oil portraits, and still lifes.

• Botanical prints and pressed flowers

• Mismatched antique frames with patina and history

• Dimensional accents: Hanging wicker baskets, ceramic plates, sculptural busts, or even a vintage tennis racket

This style is rooted in storytelling—every item has a sense of place, of memory, and of personal connection. It leans romantic and whimsical but always grounded in tradition.

Why Every Nancy Meyers-Inspired Home Needs One

Nancy Meyers' interiors are never cold or over-styled. They feel real—like someone thoughtful and creative lives there. A gallery wall, especially a cottagecore one, is the ultimate expression of that.

Here’s why:

• It adds warmth instantly. Blank walls are sterile. A mix of art, objects, and texture creates emotional richness.

• It looks collected, not decorated. The hallmark of Meyers interiors is that nothing feels new or straight-from-a-showroom.

• It’s a conversation piece. Whether it’s a thrifted oil painting or your grandmother’s sewing hoop, it invites connection.

Related Reading: Create a thrifted gallery wall like this

How to Curate the Perfect Cottagecore Gallery Wall

This doesn’t require a designer budget or an art history degree—just some intention, layering, and love.

🖼️ 1. Start with a Story or Theme

Begin with a narrative or mood:

• Botanical dream: pressed florals, antique garden tools, and soft pastel hues

• English countryside: sheep in fields, gold frames, and layers of toile and linen

• Romantic nostalgia: black-and-white portraits, faded love letters, sepia-toned art

This helps guide your selections and keep the wall cohesive, even if the elements are eclectic.

feminine sketch | set of 4 botanical prints | roses portrait | bird print | framed rose | blooming roses | swan print | cloud art | outdoor scene

🖼️ 2. Gather Your Pieces (Over Time Is Best)

A true cottagecore wall isn’t built overnight. Here’s what to look for:

✔ Vintage Art & Prints

• Landscapes, still lifes, florals, pastoral scenes

• Sepia photos or black-and-white family portraits (even if they’re not your family—it’s the mood!)

• Antique postcards, handwritten notes, or botanical sketches

✔ Unique Wall Accents

• Framed embroidery or crochet

• Woven baskets or straw hats

• Hanging copper kitchenware or vintage tennis rackets

• A petite sculptural bust or architectural fragment

✔ Texture & Material

• Wood, iron, wicker, paper, canvas—mixing materials adds warmth and depth

🖼️ 3. Frame It Like You Mean It

The frames matter just as much as the art.

• Mix it up: Try a blend of gold gilt, chippy white, rich wood, and soft neutrals.

• Thrift or DIY: A can of antiquing glaze or gold rub can transform a modern frame into something magical.

• Float delicate pieces: Pressed flowers or antique paper look beautiful in float-mounted glass frames.

🖼️ 4. Plan Your Layout Thoughtfully

There’s no right or wrong, but here are two foolproof formulas:

Symmetrical Art Wall Grid

• Ideal for a polished, traditional look

• Best for matching frames or same-size prints

Organic, Collected Style

• Anchor the wall with a larger piece and build around it

• Mix sizes, shapes, and object types

• Leave some breathing space for a relaxed, romantic feel

Pro tip: Lay everything out on the floor first to get a sense of scale and spacing before committing to nails in the wall.

🖼️ 5. Layer in Dimensional Texture

What makes a Nancy Meyers space sing is the layering.

• Let frames overlap slightly for a nonchalant, lived-in feel

• Hang a small shelf beneath the gallery wall for candles, teacups, or books

• Use Command hooks or clear pins for hanging lightweight items like lace doilies or ribbons

Where to Shop for Cottagecore Gallery Wall Pieces

🏺 Thrift & Vintage Shops
Look for hidden treasures like oil paintings, vintage cutting boards, or framed embroidery.

📦 Etsy & eBay
Great sources for antique-style art prints, pressed flower frames, or handmade sculptural pieces.

🖼 Art from Small Creators
Look on Instagram or local art fairs for prints from artists who specialize in landscapes, florals, or feminine minimalism.

🎨 DIY Art Ideas

• Press your own flowers

• Frame handwritten recipes or vintage book pages

• Sketch simple line drawings on handmade paper

Inspiration: Where to Hang Your Gallery Wall

Curating your gallery wall is half the fun. Now let’s dream up the perfect spots.

✨ Above a Kitchen Nook

Pair with copper cookware, a linen café curtain, and vintage plates for the ultimate cozy kitchen.

✨ In the Hallway

Turn an empty pass-through into a charming moment with small frames and a bust or sconce.

✨ Over a Bed or Dresser

Let soft floral prints and faded frames anchor your nighttime sanctuary.

✨ Around a Fireplace Mantel

Lean art on the mantel, mix in candles and vintage books, and layer from there.

p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.

💡 Pro-tip: Grab a FREE 30 Day trial of Amazon Prime to get unlimited free shipping to make shopping for your coffee bar super easy – without even leaving home!

33+ inspiring vintage gallery wall ideas

01 | Mix in a cottage core plate like Bibi

credit: @bibi__home

02 | Add brass light sconces to the mix

I added this brass light sconce to my gallery wall and I absolutely love it.

Buy on Amazon

03 | Dusty Rose & Botanical inspired via Jordan

Credit: Golden Hour Abode

To me, a pink wall is the epitome of chic. Add in some collected botantical art and a few thrifted pieces to make a beautiful gallery wall out of it.

04 | Add a pedestal and bust to the mix a la Tara

Credit: @tarabbloom

Adding framed art surrounding a large gold mirror is so French and very chic.

05 | Add a planter to the hallway gallery wall

image source

I do enjoy the horizontal flow of this gallery wall.

06 | Fill art from floor to ceiling for major impact

Credit: Delilah Rose

07 | A gallery wall en leu of a headboard

Credit: the stunning bedroom gallery wall of @antobrien66

Adding in a few sculptural pieces like these masks makes this whole look really pop.

08 | Cozy corner by Alexis

Credit: @iris_inspiredinteriors

09 | European Elegance inspired art wall a la Vanessa

Credit: @thegratzlife

10 | Fill a blank wall between windows like Kim

Credit; Kim Grant Home

11 | Floral prints and plates by Kristie

Credit: @KristieSheltonStudios

12 | Birds and Boats via Sally

Credit: @thecarycottage

13 | Soft pastels

via Tik Tok

14 | Bottom of the stairs via Lea

Credit: @creekwoodhill

15 | Vintage figures on a dusty pink wall

living bright interiors

16 | Add a collection of Chinese lanterns for a chic chinoiserie touch

Credit: decordemon

17 | Double wall

Rita Konig Apartment via Katie Considers

18 | Gorgeous art display Amna

Credit: @sansnovazuhause

19 | Black and white by Gard

Credit: @homebygard

20 | Up the stairs by Justine

Credit: @withjustine

21 | At the bottom of the stairs by Ashlyn

Credit: @davila_home

22 | Feminine and floral by Megan

Credit: @theblushhome

23 | Beautiful art on a black wall

via: fabforgottennobility.com

24 | Eclectic office by Lindsay

credit: @hznhome

25 | Floral portraits

image source

26 | Collected art wall via Courtney

Credit: @cocollected

27 | Pretty and pink like Violet Dent

Credit: @violet_dent

28 | Bright botanicals

At home in Paris with Camille Yolaine via Rue Rodier

29 | All to one side like faring

credit: @faringsohuset

30 | Why not hang a racket

credit: curated interior

31 | Birds in the bathroom

via pinterest

32 | Mix in mirrors

33 | Muted and serene by Margo

credit: Margo hupert art

34 | Home office gallery wall

Photos: Marco Antonio and By Kami via Living Gazette

Final Tips for a Perfectly Imperfect Finish

• Let your wall evolve. It doesn’t have to be finished in a day. Add new pieces as you find them.

• Mix sizes and media. Variety is the spice of a truly charming gallery wall.

• Don’t overthink it. If it makes you smile, it belongs.

The Soul of a Nancy Meyers-Inspired Home

A cottagecore gallery wall doesn’t just decorate your space—it anchors it. It tells your story, elevates your aesthetic, and brings the cozy, collected charm of a Nancy Meyers film right into your everyday life. Whether you’re sipping tea in a linen robe or baking barefoot in the kitchen, this kind of wall makes your home feel like a warm hug.

So start gathering, framing, and hanging—your perfectly imperfect cottagecore dream wall awaits.

The History and Chic Comeback of Oyster Plates: Why These Antiques Are the Newest Design Obsession

As most of you know, I’ve been a long time lover or second hand shopping for the home and curating antiques. I’ve been shopping more than ever this year.

There’s something unexpectedly elegant and intriguing happening in the world of vintage design that I’ve noticed—oyster plates are back.

Once a staple of 19th-century dining culture, these intricately detailed dishes have found new life as coveted collectibles and statement pieces in modern decor.

Mally Skok via Luxe photography by Sarah Winchester 

Whether mounted on a gallery wall or styled in a cabinet of curiosities, oyster plates bring both history and high style to any space.

If you're unfamiliar with these charming collectibles—or you're already hunting for your next find—this post will walk you through everything you need to know about oyster plates: their history, their value, and how to use them in today's chic interiors.

Related Reading: How to curate a thrifted / antique gallery art wall

Stunning pink & pretty arched oyster plate wall - @valleyvintageva

What Is an Oyster Plate?

An oyster plate is a specialized dish designed to serve oysters on the half shell. Typically featuring 5 to 6 individual wells in a circular pattern to hold the oysters, and often a central well for sauce or lemon, these plates were once considered the height of refinement. Most were made from porcelain or ceramic, and many boasted gilded edges, hand-painted motifs, floral or ocean-themed designs, and sometimes even molded shell-like shapes.

White and gold oyster plate wall - Sterling Oyster

A Brief History of the Oyster Plate

Oyster plates rose to popularity in Victorian-era Europe and America during the mid-to-late 1800s when oysters were a culinary delicacy enjoyed at fashionable gatherings. At that time, dining was both performance and ritual. The presentation of food was just as important as taste, which led to the creation of ornate tableware like the oyster plate.

• French and German manufacturers such as Limoges, Haviland, Meissen, and Royal Worcester were known for producing the most elaborate and luxurious versions.

• In the United States, oyster plates were made by companies like Wheeling Pottery, Chesapeake Pottery, and Union Porcelain Works of New York, reflecting the nation’s own oyster craze.

• Many antique oyster plates feature the Aesthetic Movement style, a design trend that celebrated nature, art, and beauty for beauty’s sake.

As oyster consumption declined in the early 20th century—partially due to overfishing and changing culinary trends—so did the production of oyster plates.

Gorgeous + Green Dining room oyster plate wall - Ballard Design

via Adele McDonald Design

Why Oyster Plates Are Coveted Antiques Today

Today, oyster plates are considered highly collectible, especially those from the 19th century. Their value can range from $50 to over $1,000 depending on condition, rarity, and maker.

The Potted Boxwood

Collectors are drawn to them because:

• They represent a specific time in culinary and design history.

• Their colors and craftsmanship are often unmatched by today’s mass-produced dishware.

• They come in a wide variety of designs—from pastel florals to bold geometric arrangements—making them perfect for visual storytelling.

• They're functional art—as striking on a wall as they are on a table.

Pastel oyster plate wall - @papierfleurs

If you're new to collecting, look for:

• Marks or stamps indicating maker and origin.

• Hand-painted detail, not decals.

• Plates in excellent condition (no chips, crazing, or fading).

• Designs with irregular or asymmetrical wells—these tend to be rarer.

The Rise of the Oyster Plate in Modern Design

So why the sudden resurgence?

Designers and decorators are increasingly leaning into eclectic, vintage, and historically layered interiors. In a world filled with minimalism and neutrals, oyster plates offer personality, color, and patina. They fit beautifully into:

• Grandmillennial and cottagecore aesthetics

• European-inspired kitchens and dining rooms

• Eclectic gallery walls and curated plate displays

• Modern coastal or Southern traditional homes

They also offer an unexpected take on “art”. Hanging a collection of oyster plates—mismatched or matched—adds instant depth and conversation to a room.

Taylor & Turner

Taylor & turner

Styling Oyster Plates in Your Home

Here are a few ways to make oyster plates shine in your space:

• Create a plate wall: Mix sizes, colors, and shapes for a gallery effect. Use plate hangers or invisible disc adhesives.

• Incorporate into a tablescape: Add vintage charm to your next dinner party by mixing antique oyster plates with modern pieces.

• Layer in a cabinet or hutch: They make beautiful backdrops behind glass.

• Use a single plate as art: Let one rare beauty speak for itself on a small wall or in a powder room.

Oyster plate wall collections I love:

via @ianthainteriors

Eva loves Design

via @kensigntoncirclecollection

@klbinteriorfinds

Vintage French Majolica Oyster Plates

via @lolajaycollection

Credit: Hayden Moss

Why Antique Plate Walls Are Incredibly Chic

There’s a reason antique plate walls have made a major comeback in the design world—they’re visually stunning, deeply personal, and full of character. A well-curated plate wall tells a story, adds depth to your space, and allows you to showcase your unique taste in a way that's both refined and whimsical. Unlike mass-produced wall art, plate walls are curated and collected over time, giving them that lived-in, layered European feel that interior designers love. And if you’re looking to take your plate wall to the next level? Oyster plates are an absolute must. Their intricate shapes, delicate wells, and often iridescent or hand-painted finishes make them standout stars within a plate collection. They offer texture, color, and historical flair that few other collectibles can match. Including oyster plates in your display instantly elevates it from “pretty” to showstoppingly chic.

Oyster Plate FAQs

What makes an oyster plate valuable?
Several factors determine an oyster plate’s value: age, maker, condition, rarity, and design. Plates from well-known manufacturers like Haviland Limoges, Minton, or Union Porcelain Works are especially desirable. Hand-painted details, unusual color palettes, and unique shapes also increase value. Plates in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing will always fetch higher prices.

Can you eat off of antique oyster plates today?
While you can technically eat off many antique oyster plates—especially if they’re in excellent condition and lead-free—most collectors prefer to use them for display purposes only. If you plan to serve food on them, make sure they're free from cracks and verify the materials are food-safe.

Bauwerk Color

How do you hang oyster plates on a wall?
You can use invisible plate hanging discs, wire plate hangers, or plate shelves to display them. Just be sure to choose hanging methods that won’t damage the plate and always anchor your hardware securely to the wall to support the weight.

Where should I look for authentic vintage or antique oyster plates?
Top places to shop include Etsy, eBay, Chairish, 1stDibs, local antique stores, estate sales, and even vintage Instagram sellers. Always check for backstamps or markings that can identify the origin and maker.

A few oyster plates I would consider:

Antique France fives Lily Oyster plate | French Blue Majolica oyster plate |

Vintage emerald Green Majolica | French peach & blue oyster plate |

2 Pastel pink & blue oyster plates | Pink French Limoges Oyster plate

Gold & White French Limoges Oyster plate

How do I care for and clean antique oyster plates?
Handle with care and wash by hand only using mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid the dishwasher, as heat and strong detergents can cause crazing or wear away delicate finishes and gilding.

Are oyster plates always round?
Most are round or oval, but some rare and highly collectible oyster plates come in shell-shaped, asymmetrical, or even fan-like designs. These unique shapes are often the most eye-catching in plate walls and typically more valuable.

What other types of plates pair well with oyster plates in a wall display?
Mixing oyster plates with transferware, flow blue, Majolica, or hand-painted porcelain plates creates a rich and layered look. Stick to a color palette or style (like floral, nautical, or French country) for cohesion, or go eclectic for an artsy, collected-over-time feel.