There are a variety of blankets and throws designed with different functions in mind - everything from providing extra warmth in the bedroom to adding a touch of luxury in the living room.
When chosen correctly, throws and blankets make a great addition to any home. Available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, they can easily be blended with the décor of any room.
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Blankets and throws are both types of coverings used to provide warmth and comfort. In terms of look and function, they are quite similar; however, there are a few minor distinctions between the two:
The throw you choose is very much based on the style of the room it is to be used in. There are some basic rules, however, that can be applied, helping you make the best selection:
Throws are a great way to add a splash of color to an otherwise neutral space, or they can be chosen to blend in nicely with the existing décor.
Warm, fall hues such as burnt orange, mustard yellow, brown, navy, pine green, grey, and burgundy can make a room feel cozier.
On the other hand, soothing earth tones, which are elegant and compliment most designs, can be used to promote feelings of calmness.
Unlike colors, which can be easily blended in with one another, patterns are a little trickier to work with and can be challenging to get precisely right. Too many of them around a room can make the space feel much too busy.
If you haven’t used any patterns in decoration, and if they don’t feature on any of the furnishings, a patterned blanket can work; otherwise, it’s best to go for block colors instead.
While it may seem that throws are more suitable for winter and fall when you are looking to cozy up on the couch, they can actually be used year-round to brighten up a room and to keep you warm when temperatures dip in the evening.
Just be sure to select fabrics and designs that are suitable for the time of year:
Whichever style, colors, and materials you opt for, keep the room looking fresh by frequently switching the throws around, either by season (as above), for the holidays or simply because it’s nice to change things around from time to time.
Again, the type of material you select will very much depend on the style you are opting for in the room, but keep in mind that throw blankets are not intended purely for decoration – you will want to select something also designed for warmth and comfort.
The most luxurious throw blankets are often constructed from synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, or polyester - this includes both fleece and sherpa blankets. High-quality fleece can be made to feel as soft as plush or faux fur for the ultimate feeling of comfort against your skin.
As the temperature drops, you will want to start thinking about changing your bedding to make it more winter-appropriate – the same is true of your blankets.
One of the key considerations for selecting a blanket is the material. Some of the most common options are fleece, cotton, wool, cashmere and down - each of these has benefits.
Fleece is an affordable choice. The material is warm, sturdy, and wrinkle resistant. In addition, it’s easy to keep clean and dries quickly.
Cotton is also a cheaper option. It is more breathable than other fabrics and doesn’t shed. Furthermore, it is soft and hypoallergenic.
Wool is a pricier selection, but it is also considered to be the warmest material. Moreover, it is also breathable and naturally fire-resistant.
Cashmere is one of the softest and most luxurious fabrics out there, it’s also warm and very cozy. Although a pure blend is likely to set you back quite a bit.
Down blankets are made from the light, small feathers of ducks and geese. They are warm, comfortable, fluffy, and thick. However, they also can be quite pricy.
When picking out fabrics, you are also going to want to think about the weave. These provide varying levels of weight and warmth:
There is a myriad of ways to arrange your throws, to different effects. These will depend on the material of the throw and the desired style. Here are two of the more popular ways:
With small, thin throws, you could fold them up and place them either on the seat or arm of the couch. Here they add a little touch to the room while being close at hand when needed.
For a more relaxed look, you might want to give them a little tousle to stop them looking too neat.
Rather than folding it and placing it neatly on the back of the sofa, which can often look a little dull, try simply tossing the throw either over the back or the side of the couch for a more artistic look.
This is better for thicker, chunkier blankets such as wool knit or faux fur. If it lands a little bunched up, simply spread the fabric out until you get the desired effect.
