Were coat of arms plaques only used by nobles?

Coat of arms plaques were mainly used by nobles, though merchants later adopted them. During the medieval period, coats of arms were granted to knights and aristocratic families, making plaques a symbol of rank and authority. By the 16th century, the system expanded. Wealthy merchants and professionals could be granted arms, especially in England. The College of Arms recorded many such grants, allowing a wider group to display heraldic plaques. Even with this expansion, elaborate plaques remained more common among established noble families. Simpler versions appeared in middle-class homes during the 17th and 18th centuries. This change reflects shifting social structures, where wealth and professional success began to influence status alongside birth. Today, plaques are widely available, though their historical roots remain tied to nobility.