Finding the Perfect Home for My Quilts
I think it’s about time I gave my quilts a real home. It has been quite a few years since I started quilting, and as every quilter knows — a quilt collection is inevitable! For the longest time, I’ve been storing my quilts on open shelves, draped over the sofa, layered on the bed, and stacked in random corners of the house. Cozy, yes — but not exactly organized!
If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to store your beautiful quilts — whether in a cabinet, chest, or closet — you’ll love these practical tips to keep them in pristine condition for years. Read more ➜
The Quilt Cabinet
The idea of having a quilt cabinet always sounded wonderful to me — something that could display my beautiful quilts while keeping them clean from dust. A couple of months ago, I stopped by my local used furniture store and spotted the perfect cabinet for the job. It was love at first sight! I’ve always admired those dreamy before-and-after furniture transformations on Pinterest, so I decided to give this old cabinet a makeover. Little did I know what a project it would turn out to be!
The Painting Adventure
I had painted a drawer before using chalk paint — which I loved because it required minimal sanding and gave such a lovely matte finish. Unfortunately, chalk paint wasn’t available locally at my place, so I decided to go the classic route: sand, prime, and paint.
Check out all the selections of Chalk Paints HERE >>
Oh boy — the sanding process was tedious! I didn’t enjoy it one bit, but I was determined to finish what I started. In the end, I painted the cabinet a dark teal shade. I was aiming for navy blue, but choices were limited, and I’m glad I went with teal — it’s now my favorite color in the sewing room!
The cabinet has a mid-century modern vibe, which I adore. It’s funny how design trends always make a comeback — furniture, fashion, and even quilting! We often think something is new, but really, we’re just reinventing and reimagining what came before.
Displaying My Quilts
The freshly painted storage cabinet now sits proudly in my sewing space, right in front of my sewing machine. I love seeing the stacks of quilts while I sew — it’s both inspiring and comforting. Inside the cabinet, I also keep a few quilt tops waiting to be quilted (yes, the pile never ends!). One of them is my Aviatrix Medallion Quilt, which has been basted for a while now… someday soon, I’ll get to it. If only there were more hours in a day!
Though the painting process wasn’t my favorite, I’m still so happy with how it turned out. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly mine — and that’s what makes it special.
How to Store Quilts Properly
If you don’t have a quilt cabinet just yet, there are many other great ways to store quilts and keep them in pristine condition for a long time. Whether they’re fragile quilts handed down from future generations, or your latest handmade quilts, proper quilt storage will help them stay beautiful for years.
1. Choose the Ideal Location
The best way to store quilts begins with selecting an ideal location. A dark place with good air circulation and a dry environment is key. Avoid outside walls, basements, or attics, as humidity fluctuations can lead to mold growth and fabric dye fading from UV rays.
Your linen closet, storage unit, or an interior storage cabinet can make a perfect spot. Keep the quilts away from direct sunlight, which causes colors to fade over time.
2. Clean Before Storing
Always start with clean quilts. Make sure your quilt is completely dry before putting it away, since any remaining moisture can trap moisture inside and encourage the growth of mold. For long-term storage, it’s also a good practice to gently vacuum with a handheld vacuum and a soft brush to remove dust, avoiding direct contact with the quilt’s surface. Here’s a handheld vacuum I would love to recommend: Handheld Vacuum with great Reviews>
3. Use Acid-Free and Lignin-Free Materials
To prevent discoloration, use acid-free tissue paper or lignin-free paper between folded quilts. These materials help prevent permanent creases and protect delicate fabrics from acid migration. If you need to wrap quilts, acid-free boxesor clean cotton pillowcases are a great suggestion. Never use plastic bags or vacuum bags for a long period — they can trap moisture and lead to insect infestation or mold growth.
For a more flexible storage system, roll flat quilts around large cardboard tubes or Pool Noodle covered with acid-free paper. This minimizes fold lines and keeps your valuable quilts free from harsh creases.
4. Avoid Tight Folding
When you must fold, do it loosely and refold every few months to prevent permanent creasing. Use acid-free tissue paper or clean cotton sheets between the folds. Try to fold along different seams each time so the crease lines don’t form in the same spot repeatedly — especially across the seam allowance or quilt blocks, where the fabric is thickest.
5. Maintain Proper Humidity and Temperature
Quilts like the same environment we do — not too hot, not too cold, and around 50% relative humidity. Extreme humidity can cause mold growth, while overly dry conditions may make delicate material brittle over a long time.
Avoid storing quilts near heaters or air vents. A dry surface and a space with gentle air circulation will help them stay fresh.
6. Protect Against Light and Dust
To protect from UV rays and dust, cover quilts with clean cotton sheets or acid-free paper. If you’re using an open quilt ladder or quilt rack, avoid placing them in direct sunlight. A quilt hanger with an open end design can also be a great way to display quilts while protecting the top edges from permanent creasing.
If you want something with a small footprint, a vertical storage unit or storage cabinet with clear vinyl doors can showcase your quilts beautifully without exposing them to dust.
7. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
For short-term storage, layering quilts on a guest bed or folding them neatly on a quilt ladder is a good idea. It keeps them aired out and adds cozy charm to your home decor.
For long-term storage, focus on proper storage using acid-free materials, dark places, and loose folding. If you’re using cedar chests, line them with acid-free paper or clean cotton sheets to prevent direct contact with the wood oils, which can damage delicate fabrics over an extended period.
8. Regular Check-Ins
Even the best proper quilt storage setup needs a quick check now and then. Every few months, open up your quilts, let them breathe, and refold them in a new way. This prevents fold lines from becoming permanent creases and helps you spot early signs of mold growth or fading.
Last week, I refolded the quilts in my teal cabinet and found myself reminiscing about each one — the stories stitched inside every seam. It’s a wonderful reminder of why we put in this effort: to preserve not just fabric, but memories.
A Beautiful Reminder
Whether you use a quilt cabinet, a cedar chest, or a simple linen closet, the most important thing is to show your quilts love and care. Quilts are works of art and history — each one tells a story worth protecting. By practicing proper storage, you’ll keep your quilts in pristine condition and ready to be passed down to future generations — or simply admired as you plan your next project at the sewing table.
How do you store your quilts?
Share your tips and creative ideas in the comments — I’d love to hear what works for you!
Check out 25 Organising ideas for your sewing room in this post –>
7 Comments
I never thought about it before reading this. My quilts are folded and shoved onto shelves, squeezed in here and there, some in blanket storage bags, most not as we are in a VERY small apartment. I can layer them on bed. You have encouraged me to organized them. Thank you.
I have an old gun cabinet that I’m going to refurbish into a quilt cabinet Saw one on Pinterest it was adorable .that is my project after the holidays I’m busy making Christmas gifts right now .
Your quilt cabinet came out lovely! Although, I would feel the same way as you do – I would not enjoy the process of sanding and painting it. I actually have a cabinet that, eventually, I would like to store my quilts in. But now they are in an empty dresser in my spare bedroom. Plus quilt projects in the works are scattered throughout the house.
I like your cabinet very much. I’m no expert, but it looks a little bit like a style called “Shaker”, which refers back to a religious group known as the Shakers. They started in England in the 18th century and emigrated to the US, settling in territory which is now Maine down through Tennessee. I believe they were a split from another sect called Quakers and the term “Shaker” came from a somewhat lively style of worship. They were known for their very plain and simple woodwork. You can often find examples of their handiwork here in Pennsylvania where I live. Their style is still popular here and reproductions are very common.
Most of the quilts I’ve made have been given away, but there will come a day where I’ll need some storage too. I looked at the link you gave for a quilt chest and had to laugh. I actually once had TWO GENUINE Victorian chests like that! After my mother passed away and I was going through her things, I found them in her basement. Unfortunately I was so distraught at losing her that I gave them away. But that was almost 20 years ago. Time changes everything and I now have no regrets, Mom was much more important than a couple of wooden chests. When I need quilt storage, I’ll find something appropriate. Who knows, maybe I’ll find a genuine Shaker cabinet! I actually think that storing quilts as you do keeps them nicely protected from dust and airborne contaminants (and the color you painted your cabinet is lovely.)
I got a bow front cabinet for Christmas to store my quilts in, but I can’t figure out how to fold them to make them fit. If you could give me some advice I would appreciate it.
How tall & how wide is the cabinet? I’m NOT an expert so I guess it depends on the dimensions of your shelves – front to back, side to side, and the height in between them, plus the size of the individual quilts you want to store. You could simply fold them in thirds or quarters lengthwise and lay one on top of the other, However most larger quilts probably would be too big to fit this way. I generally fold my quilts in thirds lengthwise, then “zig-zag” fold them back and forth from end to end – I hope you understand what I mean – and tuck twisted lengths of archival (non-acid) tissue paper in the folds as padding to prevent too much wrinkling. Not perfect, but it’s worked for me. But would doing it this way work in your cabinet? Only you will know. I know others who fold them in thirds then roll them up like a jelly roll. And if you have any quilts which are made with dark reds, dark blues and/or black and have never been washed, I’d wash them with some Color-Catchers a couple of times and makes sure they are COMPLETELY dry before storing. Any moisture, even humidity, might cause bleeding.
Whatever you do however, make sure the quilts are not exposed to strong sunlight and I’d want to know what kind of finish is on your cabinet’s shelves to make sure it isn’t something that could bleed into your quilts. I’d also take them out now and then and “fluff” them in the dryer (air only) for a few minutes to freshen them. Better, you could hang them outside (on a non-sunny day) to air out. Best yet, you could rotate them in and out of the cabinet by using them regularly. Sorry if I’m preaching to the choir with all of this advice, but I know how mad I’d be at myself if messed up any of my own quilts!
Hope this helps you somewhat – good luck!
Is t storing them tricky?! I always have at least two on the back of the sofa for cold evenings. On the spare beds….. Folded in the airing cupboard….
I’m thinking of emptying ‘stuff’ out of a wooden blanket box and using that – then I just have to find a space for the ‘stuff’!!