How to Display Quilts on the Wall: Hanging and Mounting Tips for Your Quilted Art

The Complete Guide to Displaying Your Quilts on the Wall

If you’re like most quilters, you’ve invested a lot of time, effort and creativity into your quilt projects. But once they’re finished, where do you put them? Displaying your quilts proudly on your walls is a great way to showcase your talents while also adding visual interest and warmth to any room. In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about how to properly display quilts on the wall from hanging techniques to choosing the right spots.

Choosing the Right Quilt for Wall Display

Not all quilts are suitable for hanging. From my experience, quilts that are best for wall display tend to have these characteristics:

1. Flat or minimal texture – Heavily textured quilts with lots of bulky quilting may sag or pull unevenly when hung.
2. Rectangular shape – Quilts with unique shapes can be harder to hang straight and evenly.
3. Medium to lightweight fabrics – Thicker, heavier quilts put more strain on hanging materials.

However, with the right methods even elaborate, uniquely shaped quilts can potentially be displayed. I’ve seen folks get creative with Plexiglas supports or multiple hanging points for non-standard quilts.

Choosing the Right Hanging Location

Where you hang your quilt will determine the appropriate hanging hardware. Assess these factors when choosing display spots:

1. Wall space – Make sure to measure and allow ample space around the quilt for best viewing.
2. Wall type – Ensure the construction (wood studs, concrete, drywall etc.) can support weight.
3. Lighting – Face quilts toward natural light when possible or install subtle lighting for evening enjoyment.
4. Protection from elements – Avoid locations with direct sunlight or near heating/cooling vents.

Prime spots tend to be above furniture, on open wall spaces between windows, or in high-traffic areas like living rooms where guests can admire your handiwork.

Choosing the Right Hanging Hardware

So in summary – the quilt style and wall determine your hardware. Some common options include:

1. Sawtooth hangers – Versatile and discreet for balanced quilts on drywall.
2. Screw eyes and picture wire – Invisible when hung but requires wall stud installation.
3. Cable and turnbuckles – Distribute weight evenly on large quilts or unstable walls.
4. French cleats – Invisible mounting on wood surfaces that allows adjustable tilting.

Avoid thin nails or tacks which can damage quilts over time. And always measure twice to ensure proper hardware placement and level hanging!

Hanging Techniques

Now for the fun part – getting that baby on the wall! Here are the basic techniques:

1. Place backing fabric face down and smooth any wrinkles.
2. Mark quilting design for hardware placement using a fabric-safe pen.
3. Install hardware evenly spaced across top seam leaving 1-2″ from raw edges.
4. Lift quilt and mount hardware securely to wall at marked spots.
5. Adjust as needed until evenly leveled then stand back and admire!

For quilts without backing, I tape the edges before hanging for a finished look. And always check mounts regularly for any shifting over time.

Display Tips and Tricks

Now that your quilt is proudly mounted, here are some tips to enhance its display:

1. Add subtle lighting from shelves or sconces to best showcase colors/details.
2. Change wall décor seasonally to feature quilts for maximum style impact.
3. Pair groupings of smaller quilts together for visual interest.
4. Consider Plexiglas or wooden frames for added protection on busy walls.
5. Rotate displays every few months to feature different quilts over time.

And don’t forget to properly care for displayed quilts with occasional dusting. From my experience, wall quilts add such charm and artistry to any home – I hope these tips help you show off your quilting talents! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Displaying Quilts on the Wall Options

FAQ

1. What’s the best way to hang a quilt on a wall?

   Basically, you have a few main options for displaying quilts on the wall. The most common methods involve using quilt hanging rods or hanging them with quilt hangers and brackets. Basically, quilt hanging rods allow you to drape the quilt evenly without using nails or pins. On the other hand, quilt hangers and brackets involve screwing nails or brackets directly into the wall for support.

   

2. Is it better to fold or drape a quilt on the wall?

   Essentially, there’s no right or wrong answer – it depends on personal preference and the specific quilt design. Nevertheless, draping a quilt generally shows off the full design and colors better than folding. However, folding is a nice option for quilts with more intricate patterns that you want people to examine up close. At the same time, draping lets you display the full size of the quilt without squishing any part of the design.

3. What height is best for hanging a quilt?

   Basically, most experts suggest aiming to hang quilts around eye-level, somewhere between 5.5 to 6 feet from the ground. Hanging them too high or too low can kind of ruin the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, eye-level height shows off the colors and lets people fully appreciate the details without straining their neck. The right height varies depending on the size of your wall space too, so you gotta play around with it to find what looks best!

4. How can I prevent quilts from slipping on the wall?

   There are a few different options to keep quilts from slipping down the wall over time. Essentially, using quilt hangs with rubber-coated grips can help prevent slipping. You can also try hanging D-rings or safety pins spaced every few inches along the top to add more anchoring points. Another option seems to be bumping out the mounting brackets half an inch from the wall and tightening securely. At the end of the day, regularly fluffing out any folds or creases in the quilt appears to reduce slippage too.

Does this help summarize some of the basics of displaying quilts on the wall? Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions! Also, curious – what kind of quilt are you looking to hang up? I’ve always found quilts to be amazing works of art. My grandma used to make them and seeing them brings back nice memories.