Displate Metal Posters: Your Home Theater, Your Style

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I’ve always found most home theater decorations to be a bit too cliché for my taste. The classic movie memorabilia and red and gold color schemes feel dated. While there is nothing wrong with that aesthetic, it just doesn’t resonate with me personally. That being said, finding modern options for a home theater has been a challenge, especially with shows and movies that I want to display. Occasionally, I might find something at a home goods store or online, but it’s rare.

A few years ago, I came across Displate. At the time, they were a small company trying to gain recognition through an aggressive ad campaign on social media. Between the ads and reviews, I decided to give them a try and have been a customer ever since.

What are Displates?

A Displate is a high-quality metal poster designed to provide a stylish and durable alternative to traditional paper and canvas prints. Made from premium metal, Displates come in various sizes and feature vibrant, detailed artwork that can range from landscapes to abstract designs and fine art reproductions. These posters are not only visually appealing, but also incredibly resilient.

What sets Displates apart is their magnetic mounting system. Each Displate comes with a small metal plate and a magnetic sticker. The metal plate adheres to the wall using the sticker, which is strong enough to hold the poster securely in place. This method eliminates the need for drilling or hammering, making installation quick and damage-free. To change the poster, simply detach it from the magnetic plate and switch it out with a new one; allowing you to easily update your décor to match your style and mood.

Their collection of artwork comes from both independent artists as well as their growing partner program of officially licensed posters from some of the most popular media IP (e.g., Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Stranger Things, Call of Duty). Since I started purchasing them, their catalog of posters continues to grow and they are bringing on more and more official partners.

Unboxing

I have to say that I have been very impressed with the overall packaging and unboxing experience. You can tell that Displate takes the time to carefully package these well enough to ensure the poster does not suffer any damage.

Each poster comes in its own individually wrapped, reusable cardboard package, and if you are part of the club, they add on a sleeve similar to one of a vinyl record. The sleeve/cardboard is used for storing it away if you choose not to display that particular poster anymore, or in the case of moving residences. Each poster comes with all of the necessary mounting hardware for the sticker magnet and usually includes a discount code for your next order.

I also appreciate the inclusion of the mounting instructions on the cardboard used to protect the item, as it reduces waste by eliminating the need for additional instruction papers.

Build and Quality

I continue to be very impressed with the quality of Displate. The gauge of the metal is thick enough to provide strength, and the edges are folded over to provide even more durability. This construction makes them incredibly sturdy. Additionally, the folded edge allows the image to wrap around the side, so that once mounted, there are no visible unfinished edges.

The quality of the print is vibrant and colorful, and there is no evidence of pixelization of the images. While the paint has a texture to it, this is expected with this type of build and does not detract from the appearance of the image. From the five Displates that I own, I haven’t noticed any visual defects on any of them

On the back of each Displate, you will find some company messaging and a tag of authenticity. Displate markets these posters as collectibles, and some are limited edition, so this feature adds a nice touch to all of their posters.

One of the unique features that Displate includes is a QR code next to the hologram tag. Scanning this QR code brings you to a page with detailed information about the poster including the artist, manufacture date, design upload date, and the limited edition status. Basically, it provides all the information you could want or need regarding your Displate.

These posters are extremely durable and will hold up to 99% of whatever you throw at them; however, they are not indestructible. For instance, I accidentally let a piece of wood fall and scrape across one of my posters, resulting in a few small paint chips that are luckily only noticeable if you are right on top of it.

Over the three years I have owned some of these posters, I have not noticed any fading. However, it must be noted that they have been kept in a basement away from sunlight, so I cannot speak to how they fare against UV light. If they get dusty, you can use soap and water to easily clean them off.

If you do find a defect or simply change your mind about the poster, Displate also offers a hassle-free 100-day return policy.

Displaying/Mounting

As previously stated, since displates are made of a magnetic metal, they can be hung with magnets. You can either:

• Use the included sticker magnet: This is the simplest and most common way to hang your Displate. The strong adhesive sticker attaches securely to the back of the Displate, and the built-in magnet holds it flush against the wall.
• Buy the 3D magnet: This magnet adds depth and dimension, making your Displate appear to float off of the wall. It’s a great option for creating a more modern and eye-catching display.y.
• Buy the Displate stand: If you prefer not to mount your Displate onto the wall, the display stand from Displate offers a freestanding option. This is ideal for placing your Displate on a desk, shelf, or countertop.
• Use your own magnets: While Displate recommends their own magnets for optimal hold and safety, strong enough magnets you may have around the house should also work. Be sure they can support the weight of the Displate.

I created a backlight using custom magnets and LED strips.

Displate Club

Displate Club is a paid subscription that allows to you get extra perks:

Now I’m not usually one to advocate for more subscriptions in our lives, but in this case, I do think this one is worth the cost if you plan on ordering more than one Displate or want to create your own. You get a bunch of perks that will actually save you money and get you exclusive access to some of the more limited edition plates.

The largest perk besides the annual voucher is the ability to create your own Displate. This came in handy when I wanted to get a professional sign made up for my current theater. All I had to do was create the image, upload it in the correct resolution, and place the order. It came with the same full print quality and cost as much as any other Displate.

At the time of writing the cost of Displate Club is $2.99 USD a month.

If you enjoy designing your own Displates, another option Displate offers is the ability to publicly list your designs on the site. This allows anyone to order your design, with the best part being earned commission for doing so. It’s great to see that Displate is also a platform for artists to easily sell and distribute their work.

Cost

The cost of each displate will vary on several factors so it is hard to say what your final cost will be:

• Size:Displates come in a range of sizes. The most commonly used size is Medium (17.7″ X 12.6″ and is currently a base price of $49 USD. Larger sizes will cost more.
• Frame: Displates are known for their unique magnetic mounting system. However, you can choose to add a traditional frame for a more classic look, which will be an additional cost. The options vary based on the design of the plate and size.
• Finish: Displate offers a variety of finishes to change the appearance of the artwork. The standard matte finish provides a crisp, clean look. Other finishes, like gloss or textra, can add visual depth or texture, and may affect the final cost.
• Limited Editions/ Limited Releases: Displate occasionally releases exclusive designs in limited quantities. These Displates are more sought-after due to their rarity and may have a higher cost compared to standard offerings.
• Addons: While Displates come with a magnetic mounting system, you can purchase additional magnets or a display stand for increased stability or different display options. These add-ons will increase the total cost.

Again, the cost will depend on the options you choose, but for me, I usually go with the medium Displate, matte finish, with no extra add-ons. At the time of writing, this costs $49 USD plus shipping if you are not part of the club. If you are a club member (as I am), it will cost less, depending on the current discounts offered, plus free shipping. From my experience, the discount is usually at least 15% or more.

Are They Worth It?

If you, like me, have wrestled with finding home theater décor that reflects your style, interests, or room theme, then I absolutely believe Displates are worth the investment. Sure, the price tag can add up, but the quality and durability are top-notch, and some of that cost can be offset by leveraging the Displate Club’s discounts and perks.

Now, I do wish the site boasted a wider selection of pop culture designs. However, as Displate grows, so will their catalog. Since they print on demand, I don’t believe they remove designs. This unique business model allows them to capture a broader audience with minimal cost, thanks to user contributions. Plus, I love that it empowers independent artists by providing a platform to showcase and sell their work – that’s something we can all support!!

Thank you for reading.