It is hard to imagine Van Gogh's "Starry Night" thumbtacked to a piece of corkboard or DaVinci's Mona Lisa smiling from beneath a refrigerator magnet. Yet all too often priceless works of art can be found stuffed inside trash bags in our attics or in rumpled heaps on our washroom floors. Quilts deserve the attention and conscientious display of true artwork. All it takes is a little effort to preserve these treasured textiles.
Whether it is an heirloom quilt that has been in your family for generations, a quilt that you or a loved one made, or simply a quilt that you recently bought for its charming appearance and feel, a quilt is something you can be proud of. Proper display and storage of these treasured textiles will ensure that others can enjoy their history and beauty well into the future.
Display Options
The best way to properly store a quilt that is in reasonably sturdy condition is with a quilt rack. Quilt racks vary in size, material, and design. There are quilt racks that are able to accommodate multiple quilts and blankets, as well as those designed to display a single quilt of specific size. Composition materials include various wood types, brass, and wrought iron, among others. Consider both your size requirements and your personal aesthetic taste when choosing your quilt rack.
Floor Standing Quilt Racks
Floor standing quilt racks are perfect for a quilt that is used or moved frequently. These use display bars to distribute the weight of the quilt evenly. A floor standing rack can easily be moved from room to room to keep your quilt out of high traffic areas. This also allows you to transport your quilt without physically handling it, thus reducing wear.
Wall Mount Quilt Racks
Wall mount quilt racks use quilt clips or a display bar to suspend your quilt for an appealing vertical display. Using quilt clips on a wall mount quilt rack is one of the most dramatic ways to showcase your quilt. Quilt clips will hold your quilt at one end, allowing the entire face of the quilt to be on display. Only quilts in good condition should be displayed in this fashion, as it causes more stress on the fabric than does using a display rod.
Display and Storage Guidelines
Whether displaying your quilt on a rack or storing it long term, many of the same rules apply. Keep your quilt away from both sunlight and direct electric light, as these can cause fading and over-drying. Make sure your quilt is clear of registers and heating ducts. Exposure to even moderate temperature changes can cause the fabric to expand and contract, causing unnecessary stress on your textile.
Be sure to refold and air out both displayed quilts and stored quilts every six months or so to prevent permanent creases in the fabric. When storing quilts long term, avoid using plastic bags, which can seal in damaging moisture. Use a muslin or sheet, as these porous covers will allow the quilt to receive air.
With so many options, you are certain to find the right quilt rack for displaying your quilt. If you feel your quilt is too fragile for display, following these simple storage guidelines will add to its life. When in doubt, you can always consult a professional conservator whose expertise will ensure your quilt looks its best for as long as possible.
