To some, a quilt is nothing more than three layers of fabric stitched together to create a bed covering. But to others, it's so much more than that – a centuries-old art form, a mosaic of sewn memories, a tactile treasure.
A good-quality vintage quilt has the potential to become an heirloom, and even if it’s not especially old, it adds a charming, heritage feel to a room. As a key decor feature of the cozy nostalgia trend, quilts have an inherent familiarity about them. Even newer vintage-style quilts are crafted to feel as if they’ve been around for ages, bringing warmth and comfort to any room where they’re placed.
Certainly, any blanket or bedspread can make a room feel cozy, but there’s something about a quilt that’s just different – perhaps it’s the historical significance, the inviting colors, or the nostalgic design of these textiles. Regardless, quilts have stood the test of time, proving that they’ll always be a desirable choice in inviting interior design.
1. The Six Bells
The Shaker Meadow Quilt from The Six Bells is one of my personal favorite styles from the brand.
When I close my eyes and envision a traditional quilt, the one in the photo above is what comes to mind. It's a style sold by The Six Bells, a New York-based country store with a knack for all things old-school.
Although The Six Bells stocks all sorts of vintage and vintage-inspired decor on their site and in their Brooklyn store, their quilts are best sellers. Each is designed with nostalgic charm and heritage appeal. Laid at the foot of a bed, these quilts have the capability to turn any room into a quaint and cozy comfort zone. And if you need any more persuading, just look at them styled in the rooms at The Six Bells Countryside Inn in Upstate New York.
The four quilts below are newly designed and made by The Six Bells, but if you're looking for something with even more vintage appeal, the brand also sells this Yellow and Blue Star Antique Quilt – an heirloom piece in every sense of the word.
2. Etsy
Interior designer Sarah Lederman designed this bedroom with handmade, one-of-a-kind quilts that she sourced while in India.
With sellers from across the globe operating boutiques on its platform, Etsy is like a treasure trove for intricate and beautiful quilts. The site comes recommended for quilt shopping by interior designer Sarah Lederman, the designer of the room in the image above.
Although the quilts in this room were sourced by Sarah during her travels to India, she tells me that it's possible to find independent sellers on Etsy who specialize in kantha quilts – a type of Indian quilt making that involves stitching together recycled cloth, sometimes from saris. The key to finding these stunning, handmade quilts is using the right search terms.
Basic words like 'quilt' or 'vintage quilt' will present you with thousands of styles to sort through, so try to use specific phrases like 'kantha quilt', or even 'handmade patchwork quilt'. This way, you can find sellers who specialize in this type of craft and can make you an authentic quilt for your home.
3. Greenrow
The Willow Patchwork Quilt is a new style at Greenrow that's reversible. It features a unique and colorful patchwork design on the front and a red and white striped pattern on the back.
At its core, Greenrow is a brand that seeks to create vibrant, vintage-inspired home decor, so you can only imagine its selection of quilts is nothing short of spectacular. From their colors to their designs, these quilts deliver the nostalgic appeal of a real vintage quilt with the durability of a newly made style.
From the traditional patchwork design of the Willow Quilt to the reversible design of the Gingham Floral Quilt, these Greenrow quilts are imbued with heritage charm. In fact, they remind me of the quilts that my grandmother used to make for my siblings and me when we were young – delicately detailed and full of character. Style them in any room to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere full of personality.
Many of Greenrow's quilts are handmade by skilled artisans in India, so you can trust that these styles are created with the utmost precision and care.
4. 1st Dibs
Whenever I'm on the hunt for anything vintage, whether it be small home decorations or large furnishings, I usually start my search at 1st Dibs. As an online marketplace with a vast collection homewares, 1st Dibs has all sorts of charming products hiding within its pages – including vintage quilts.
A simple search for quilts on 1st Dibs' website will provide you with hundreds of results – some of which are not even quilts. Like shopping on Etsy, it's important to be specific with search terms on 1st Dibs. Using phrases like 'handmade quilt' or even 'vintage American quilt' will help you refine your results to show only quilt styles.
Because 1st Dibs sellers are vetted professionals who are well-versed in sourcing only the best and finest products, their prices can be a bit expensive. If quilts from 1st Dibs are out of your price range, just use the search as inspiration. You can find styles like these at estate sales, flea markets, or vintage stores for much more affordable prices.
5. Schoolhouse
This cozy bedroom features Schoolhouse's Stillwater Floral Quilt in the shade 'Alder'.
Oregon-based home goods company Schoolhouse takes pride in creating well-made, meaningful pieces that can bring a level of character to your home, and the brand's quilts are no exception.
Schoolhouse offers an array of different quilt styles – some of which are more traditional in design, like the vintage-inspired pattern of the Albright Pieced Quilt, while others have more of a playful touch, like the vibrant floral pattern of the Stillwater Floral Quilt. Although these quilts present a modern, updated take on heirloom quilting patterns through their colors and designs, they're all designed with reverence and appreciation for this historic textile. And since each quilt is made from 100% cotton, they are sure to keep you comfortable and warm for years of use.
For their cozy warmth, heritage charm, and the fact that they blend well with so many different interior design styles, quilts will continue to be a go-to home decor choice for years to come.
