Because of the bright colors, and because you are thinking about taking it to the beach, back it with some terry cloth. Great for a beach blanket. I could go either way. Kinda like you that it needs something to calm it down a bit, maybe some solid piping along the borders and for the backing. But on the other hand, if you really don't like it, have you thought about charity? The people that can't see well or the children that are shut-ins really love the bright colors. I feel it is a very cheerful quilt and you should enjoy it any way you can.