Decorator Ideas For Displaying A Quilt
A hand-stitched quilt is a beautiful work of art and a unique wall decor that is full of the personality of whomever created it
. Each section of fabric is carefully chosen, cut by hand, and stitched into place to form a beautiful cover or wall hanging. It is important to properly hang the finished piece, not only to highlight the design in the best way possible, but also to keep it from becoming damaged. Before you hang a new quilt or even an old one that was lovingly hand-stitched decades ago, consider the following steps. After you have hung the quilt, it will be impressive-looking for many years to come.
Select a Desirable Location
It is important to choose an ideal location before hanging. Do not choose a location that receives direct sunlight or potentially damaging artificial light. Light bulbs can become very hot and damage material, even from several inches away. In addition, do not hang a quilt over a source of heat or in an area with high humidity. As a rule, if the temperature and humidity level feels comfortable, it is more than likely an ideal location to hang fabric items.
Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are not the only conditions requiring constant control. Avoid hanging a quilt or tapestries within reach of little children. Small hands can accidentally soil the fabric and cause permanent staining. Hang it out of reach of children and pets, and select a desirable location to keep it in superior condition and looking as good as the day it was completed.
Decide on a Frame or a Simpler Method
Unlike a pair of decorative wall candle sconces that need a simple nail or screw to be successfully mounted on the wall, hanging a quilt takes greater consideration and planning.
One of the best ways to hang a quilt involves framing the finished piece. Consult a professional framer, and insist on an archival foam core covered with fabric as a backing. The framer will squarely stitch the fabric to the board and finish the job with an attractive wooden frame. The stitching will not be visible when you hang the framed work of art, and it will look as lovely as ever. This is one of the best ways to hang heavy fabric, but it is not the least expensive. Other safe and attractive methods exist, and they can be accomplished without professional help.
Consider sewing a sturdy sleeve to the back edge, and hang it on a drapery rod. To keep the heavy fabric stable, a sleeve can also be sewn to the opposite end, and a drapery rod can be used to secure it along the bottom. The sleeves will not be visible from the front, and if sewn straight it will look as nice as professional framing.
Another good way to hang a quilt is with Velcro strips. Attach the rough looped side of the Velcro to the top and bottom edge of the back of the quilt. Use a yardstick, a level, and a pencil to create a horizontal line on the wall. Attach the soft side of the Velcro along the edge of the line and the quilt will look straight when displayed. Attach another Velcro strip to the bottom of the quilt, and follow the same method of application. Take your time and attach the Velcro carefully and the quilt will hang straight and look outstanding.
Pick out an Attractive Rod for Hanging
If you opt for a sleeve to hang a quilt it will be necessary to choose one or two drapery rods. When selecting the style of rod, consider the style of the quilt. A quilt with an elegant pattern should hang on a drapery rod with elegantly crafted finials. A rod with wrought iron finials is ideal for antique or old fashioned quilts. The options for drapery rods are endless, and the rod style you choose greatly depends on the look you want to achieve.
Mounting the Hardware
Once you have selected rods, the next step involves mounting the hardware. Locate a wall stud before mounting the first bracket, and use wall anchors to secure the other. Also, mark the locations for the brackets using a pencil, a tape measure, and a level. This will ensure that the quilt will be hung straight and that the correct amount of space is left between brackets. Follow the same process when securing bottom brackets before preparing to hang the quilt.
Tips for Hanging
If you have decided to hang the quilt with drapery rods, once all of the brackets are in place, lay the quilt on a clean surface such as a bed or a table, and carefully thread the top rod through the sleeve. With a little assistance from an extra pair of hands, hang the quilt. It will be easy to thread the second rod through the bottom sleeve and hang it on the brackets.
When placed on a bed a quilt looks lovely, but when hung on a wall, the complete design is easier to see. Centering a quilt on a bare wall, no matter the method of hanging, is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the design and the talent that went into making a finely stitched work of art. Once you hang a quilt on a wall you will always want to have one on display.
by: Michael Sullivan
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