You have a new quilt! No matter if the quilt is beautiful or interesting, just finished or gently loved, sentimental or an investment, with a history or bought at a sale, the next question is often “what do I do with it?” I have many quilts and only two beds. And this is a little embarrassing, but I like having a coverlet on the bed on which I sleep rather than a quilt. So, how do I store my quilts and how do I display them so I may enjoy them. Each of my quilting friends likes to be surrounded by their quilts so I have ask them to share photos.
This quilt, an adaptation of a Lone Star, was made by my material grandmother in the early 1900’s. I want my granddaughter to own it someday in the same great shape it is now. The quilt is stored in an acid-free box, wrapped in acid free tissue. I usually remember to re-fold it every year or so. It hung over a rod in a room with lots of natural light for several years, fading it just a bit. I believe quilts should be enjoyed, but this is one family heirloom I want to protect.
The boxes and tissue paper may be purchased on Amazon and are priced from $20 up.
Quilts on beds seem the natural show cases, especially the guest rooms.
The quilts made from ’30’s and “40’s reproduction prints goes well with the metal day bed frame Peggy found. Vicki’s guest room showcases two of her interests–light houses and quilting! I have layered or stacked quilts on my guest room bed. At most, the room is used by guests three or four times a year. So under the top quilt, I am storing a Halloween quilt and a Christmas quilt until I ready the room for “sleep over” guests.
Quilt racks vary a great deal
Some racks are free standing and can be moved around your home. Metal or wood is used most often. This antique quilt is on a painted wood rack.
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This Shaker style beauty was crafted by a church member for our sale last fall and quickly sold.
The advantage of the free standing racks is that they are mobile, but they take up floor space.
Janis has another popular free standing rack, a ladder designed to display several quilts.
Several quilts can be displayed at one time and it adds visual height to the room. This rack could be moved from room to room but you must have an empty spot for it.
I like to use walls to show off my quilts. Anything I hang on our walls, must have meaning to me or my family, so quilts are perfect for decorating our home.
This simple wood quilt rack was made by my brother in law after I ask for something very simple . Changing quilts is easy with this style.
Some racks for added features, allowing one to show off other treasures. I am sure Janis could tell us a story about each of those plates.
All these quilt racks are sold on-line, at flea markets, and in some furniture stores.
Drapery rods or curtain rods work well. They are easy to install and can be inexpensive.
A hanging sleeve was sewn on the back of the quilt for the rod to be inserted. Temporary sleeves or loops may be carefully pinned on the back.
Quilts can get quite ingenious in an effort to show off their work.
Command hooks and drapers clips were used on this door.
Janis used straight pins on this small wall hanging.
Quilts make wonderful table toppers or table cloths.
I use quilts to cover up the top of a cedar chest .
Instead of a table runner, it could be called a chest topper!
Quilts folded over the back of a chair or sofa are handy when getting ready to read.
During the summer , quilts are often thrown over the railing or piled into deck chairs for night time storm watching.
What do you do when you have more quilts than walls or chairs or tables? Again, necessity is the source of our creativity.
Open shelving is one solution.
Grandma Ella’s refinished pie safe is filled with quilts….top and bottom.
Baskets of all types are used to stored folded quilts.
Quilts add warmth to a home …on a wall, in a basket, over the sofa back. Want to make your home inviting? Scatter a few quilts about!
Quilts, Etc. 
Great ideas for display! Thanks.
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