How to Store Quilts

How to Store a Quilt

Whether your quilt is a prized heirloom or spare blanket, follow these tips for maximum freshness.

1. Use It as a Bedspread (in a Spare Room)

The best way to store a quilt is to, well, use it (without really using it). When used as a bedspread on an unused bed, the quilt gets a chance to breathe and spread out. As opposed to storing it in a compact space, this method ensures wrinkles won’t set into the quilt, and that the quilt’s natural shape won’t stretch or be maneuvered from pressure. (If you’re worried about a fresh smell, this method is also golden; when kept out in the open, this method helps prevent weird smells from sticking to the fibers.) The only con? If the bedroom has windows, your quilt will likely fade faster.

2. Fold It.

If you don’t have an unused bed for quilt storage, folding is another option. This way makes your quilt more compact and allows more versatile options for storage placement – whether it’s a drawer, a shelf, under the bed or in a closet.

To fold a quilt: Spread the blanket out on the floor. Grab each corner of the short end, and fold it so that the corners match on the opposite end. Use your hands to smooth over wrinkles, then grab the corners of the newly-created width, and repeat so that the corners match on the opposite end. If the quilt is large enough, repeat until the quilt is too thick to fold. (Note that after the first fold, you can also roll the quilt up instead of folding over again; the rolling method works best if you need to store the blanket in a tighter or awkward space.)

3. Store It Under the Bed.

A storage bed is the perfect place for a quilt! It’s dry, dark and spacious – and easy to access when you need, yet out of the way enough to not take up too much storage space. It’s also flat, so you can store the quilt in a perfect folded square for a more organized drawer aesthetic. If you find your love of quilts is becoming a problem, a.k.a. if you’re hoarding more quilts than you know what to do with (we’re in the same boat – we love quilts!), a bed with under-storage space may be the perfect solution.

4. Store It at the End of the Bed.

If storage beds aren’t piquing your interest, another, just-as-practical solution is a bedroom storage bench. These are designed to be placed at the end of a bed, running the exact width of the bed for a smooth appearance. They also have a spacious inside: open a storage bench from the top, and the bench suddenly turns into a storage chest. Consider a storage bench for extra seating – and remember, they don’t have to be placed in a bedroom; try one in a living room, home office or even a dining room!

Storing Quilts – Other Tips

Quilt storage might seem simple at first, but even minor missteps can lead to fading, mildew-harboring and quirky smells. To ensure your quilt is maximally fresh and comfy when you go to pull it out of storage, make sure the storage area is free of moisture and sunlight.

First, you’ll want to make sure the area is free of moisture. If you’re storing it in a drawer, check if the boards and corners are completely dry. (Since moisture isn’t exactly something that you associate with storage drawers, it might not seem like you need to check, but still do; moisture can creep in from humid rooms, not-completely dry clothing or leaks from water bottles.) Signs of moisture include mildew, mold and “off” smells.

Then, make sure you’ve found a storage spot that’s out of the way of sun from windows. If the quilt is in a completely covered drawer, you’re good to go – but if it’s in an open shelf in a bedroom, find another, darker spot to avoid fading.