Best Blanket Ladders & Racks

While each of these pieces stores and displays your collection of blankets and quilts as well as accent pieces, there are minor differences between them that may influence which style you choose for your home.

• Blanket ladders are freestanding storage that keeps your blankets within easy reach in the dens or bedrooms. The leaning design is not often anchored to the wall, making them unsuitable for a home with small children or pets. The slim design makes them an excellent storage option for small spaces, and they can be hung horizontally on the wall for storing and displaying items beyond textiles.

• Racks can be freestanding or wall-mounted, they feature multiple parallel rungs allowing you to store blankets side-by-side. Low profile racks can be kept next to sofa or beds to keep cozy blankets within easy reach on cold nights. They can also double as an airing rack to prepare your collection for use after it has been in long-term storage.

There are three main types of blanket ladders & racks available. Each has its benefits and drawbacks; the style you choose depends on how you are going to use the piece.

• Freestanding

Freestanding ladders and racks are the most versatile as they can be placed in almost any location and styled in a variety of ways with different accent pieces.

Hang a colorful tasseled blanket on the lower rung and place indoor plants or magazines on the upper rungs for a chic contemporary look. Or place a ladder horizontally on a console or sofa table and add scented candles between the rungs to add soft, ambient lighting to your living room.

• Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted racks are ideal for displaying heavier blankets or quilts as they usually have a higher weight capacity. They show off vibrant patterns and designs to their best, and most mounted racks have an upper shelf for extra storage for small items.

You can place an LED light strip underneath the shelf to spotlight your quilt collection or add a bold piece of artwork that complements the style of your blanket. Wall-mounted racks are a fantastic option for a small bathroom to make the most of your vertical space and hold towels and toiletries.

• Adjustable

Some models of blanket ladders and racks feature an adjustable design making them the perfect option for displaying a variety of different sized heirloom quilts, tapestries, or valuable blankets.

Look for pieces that telescope both vertically and horizontally and feature a locking mechanism to prevent the rack from closing and crushing your prized collection. Adjustable racks are most commonly made from durable metal and are an excellent option for creators displaying their products at craft fairs.

Blanket ladders & racks need to be crafted from sturdy materials that can withstand the weight of multiple blankets, quilts, and other linens.

• Solid Wood

Solid wood gives your ladder or racks a traditional look that coordinates well with classically-styled or country home. Oak, maple, and mahogany are all popular options and offer both stability and durability. Choose solid wood with a dark finish for a traditional home decorated in dark textiles, and lighter wood finishes to give your home a bright, airy feel.

Check the quality of the joinery as this can impact the amount of weight the ladder or rack can carry. Avoid using cleaning or maintenance products that could damage the fabric of your blankets and quilts.

• MDF

MDF is manufactured wood that is an affordable and low-maintenance alternative to solid wood. It comes in a wide range of finishes and features durable construction that can stand up to years of weight-bearing.

Try a distressed white finished ladder for a coastal or farmhouse-style home and decorate with pastel or light-colored blankets. Or opt for a sleek high gloss black rack in a contemporary or transitional home.

• Metal

Metal racks and ladders are highly durable and offer a more modern twist on a traditional piece of furniture. You can find racks and ladder ornate wrought iron or heavy-gauge steel, as well as lighter aluminum for adjustable racks.

Look for metal ladders and racks that are powder-coated to prevent corrosion that not only reduces the structural integrity of the piece but can also rub off and stain blankets.

The size of the blanket ladder or rack will depend on how much space you have available and the dimensions of the blankets or quilts you are storing.

Begin by measuring the folded dimensions of your blankets, including the drop length as a longer blanket may cover the rungs beneath it obscuring other items stored there. Next, measure the height and width of the space you have designated for the piece, leaving approximately 3-4 inches either side to keep the area from appearing cluttered.

Blanket racks and ladders are designed to support between 5 and 10 pounds per rung. Metal and solid wood racks will typically have a larger weight capacity than MDF.

Check the overall weight capacity of the ladder or racks as well as the individual rungs, rods, and shelves. Storing and displaying items that exceed the maximum weight limit can strain joints and lead to damage, reducing the lifespan of the piece.

Choose between a wall-mounted, freestanding, or adjustable style of ladder or rack depending on the space you have and the size of the blankets to be displayed. Ladders and racks should be constructed from sturdy materials.

Choose from solid wood, MDF, or metal to coordinate with the style of your room. The size of the ladder or rack depends on the dimensions of the blankets and your designated space. Measure the height and width of the space and the blanket before choosing a rack or ladder.

Your rack or ladder must be able to support the weight of the blanket. Check the capacity of the piece and the individual rungs or rods.