All About Quilt Racks

Originally, quilt racks were designed to keep quilts nearby in case additional blankets were needed during the night.  

The rack kept the comforter available without the adding the weight of the folded blanket at the foot of the bed.  

Quilt racks have moved through the rest of the home to display family heirlooms and create a charming, welcoming home interior. 

In addition to storing or displaying blankets and throws, quilt racks may double as a valet stand when selecting the next day's outfit.

Quilt rack design

The typical floor stand quilt rack uses 3 to 5 rods to store blankets or throws. 

Classic quilt racks are made from pine, cherry, cedar or oak wood. The wood may be stained to retain the grain pattern or painted in a color to match the decor.  Finishes may be matte or glossy.

Metal or wrought iron racks offer clean line elegance or elaborate scroll work styles. Metal comes in various colors with shiny or brushed finishes.

Some wrought iron racks can be personalized with motifs, including basic geometric shapes, wildlife, or outdoor activities. 

Quilt rack construction

The basic floor stand quilt rack has upright spindles with rods across the width to hold the blankets and spread feet with cross pieces to provide rack stability:

Measure your use space before purchasing, as quilt racks vary in size. 

Racks range from 32 to 48H, 28 to 36W, and 9 to 23D inches.
 

Quilt ladders lean into walls and have 2 to 4 hanging rods to store quilts:

Quilt ladders may be as tall as 6 feet.

Tapered quilt ladders lean into wall corners.

Wall mount quilt racks offer from one to three hanging rods:

Some models feature a shelf above the hanging rod. 

Be sure to check rack depth with wall clearance near doors and passages.

Quilt hangers are another wall mount option for wall hanging display:

Quilt hangers secure the top edge of the quilt between two pieces of wood.

Many styles also include a display shelf above the rod.

Quilt clips also mount to the wall for quilt display. 

The number of quilt clips required depends on the blanket size and weight

A single custom quilt hanger unit to display a quilt folded into a fan is ideal for smaller spaces

More information on quilts