Throw blankets are an excellent solution for complementing the room in terms of color and texture, as well as adding warmth and character to it.
Throws are not only exceptionally versatile but also aesthetically appealing. You can toss it over your bedding to keep warm during chilly nights or use it to put a personal style stamp on your home decor. Fortunately, there is a wide range of materials, infinite pattern options, and several sizes to choose from.
After you’ve finished reading my guide to the throw blanket types and sizes, you will undoubtedly find the perfect one for your home!
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9 Different Types of Throw Blankets
Based on how you intend to use them, there is a variety of throw blanket types you can go for.
The most important things to keep in mind are the materials, colors, and patterns. For instance, if you need a functional bedroom throw to keep you warm while having a siesta, get one fashioned from a material that retains heat well and also washes easily. On the other hand, if you merely want to spice up your living room sofa, a better choice would be a more luxurious fabric, such as velvet or faux fur.
Luckily, the majority of throws that you can find on the market are excellent multi-purpose items. Therefore, you can easily take them from the living room to the bedroom or any other location. Most of the throw fabrics can both keep you snug during a long, rainy afternoon in front of the TV and comfortably warm in the breezy summer evenings on your patio.
So whatever its purpose in your home, the material of the throw is something you should choose wisely. Some of the most common fabrics used for throw blankets are:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Fleece
- Cashmere
- Down
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Alternative mink
- Microplush
1. Cotton Throws
Cotton is the go-to option for most throw lovers because of its many desirable attributes. Cotton blanket throws are super soft, breathable, and durable. Say you are looking for a snuggly throw that provides extra warmth on the particularly chilly winter nights. Then, you’ll want to go for an airy, cotton throw in a design that matches your room.
- 100% OEKO-TEX COTTON: This blanket is made from 100%...
- TIMELESS NEUTRAL DESIGN: The neutral tan color and...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND BREATHABLE: The lightweight woven...
- CARE FOR YOUR THROW BLANKETS: Machine washable and...
They are also ideal for home washing, so you won’t have to spend extra bucks on the dry cleaners. On top of that, cotton is a hypoallergenic fabric. That makes it a safe choice in case you have allergies, sensitive skin, or small children.
2. Wool Throws
If you live in an area with a cold climate, then how warm the throw can keep you is a deal-breaker for you. I suggest looking out for ones made of wool, as this material guarantees excellent heat insulation.
- About the wool throw blanket: 100% Australian Original...
- Australian original wool: curly and soft, uniform in...
- Solid color & tassel design: classic solid color,...
- This wool throw blanket is our high-end wool blanket.It...
Not only that, but it will keep you dry throughout the night thanks to its moisture-wicking properties. Another important trait of wool is that, unlike synthetic fibers, it is fireproof. Therefore, you can safely use it around the fireplace and other sources of heat.
3. Fleece Throws
Fleece is an excellent alternative to wool if you are allergic to such natural materials. This synthetic fiber blend is also more affordable and easier to maintain.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Double-sided plaid design, 100%...
- GREAT DECORATION: The blanket makes your home more...
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The size of the blanket is 60"×80"....
- EASY TO CARE: Machine wash and dry at low temperature,...
A fleece throw is a popular choice for many people because it adapts to room temperatures and effectively wicks perspiration away. That means that you can use it all year round. It is incredibly soft and lightweight as well, so if you buy a fleece throw, you are sure to be comfortably snuggled up!
4. Cashmere Throws
If you are looking to splurge on a decorative yet also functional throw blanket, look no further than cashmere ones. That fabric is strong, light, and tender at the same time. Its texture is more delicate than that of wool, so it agrees better with sensitive skin.
- HIGH QUALITY FASHION: Our throw is made with 100% pure...
- LUXURIOUS AND SIMPLE DESIGN: The best things in life...
- VARIETY OF COLORS AND PRINTS: We offer a range of...
- GREAT GIFT IDEA – This woven cashmere throw comes in...
What’s more, it will keep you as warm as other material options due to its exceptional insulation properties. Cashmere throws are also more luxurious compared to other types of throws, so they are sure to be big conversation pieces in your home. Going for this one, you will undoubtedly get your money’s worth!
5. Down Throws
Down throws are stuffed with duck or goose feathers, which makes them uniquely warm and fluffy. If your priority is to get the most insulating and breathable throw for the colder seasons, this one is your best bet.
However, keep in mind that these throws are not suitable for people who have feather allergies. They are also quite thick, so they are more functional than sophisticated and best reserved for the bedroom.
6. Acrylic Throws
Consider using acrylic throws instead of wool or cashmere ones as they are not just less expensive but also easier to care for at home. Acrylic fibers are a great imitation of natural ones, so these throws are just as soft, lightweight, and warm, but come at a fraction of a price.
They can be machine washed and dried, and their colors are unlikely to fade for years to come. An added bonus is that they’re resilient to moth bites, so you can keep them in storage for as long as you’d like!
7. Polyester Throws
Polyester is another convenient and budget-friendly fabric option for a throw. A throw blanket fashioned from this synthetic material is long-lasting, easy to clean, and insulating.
The color and shape of this throw will not budge no matter how often you wash it. What’s more, polyester can combine with natural materials, such as cotton. That ensures that the throw is both durable and soft, so you get the best features from both fabrics. Can’t go wrong with that!
8. Alternative Mink Throws
If you want the throw to take center stage in your room decor, you may want to give alternative mink a go.
- PERFECT FOR COUCH POTATOES, COUPLE’S, SNUGGLERS &...
- REVERSABLE 2 WAY TEXTURE: ONE SIDE IS MINK, THE OTHER...
- THICKER THAN A CLOUD: PURE SOFTNESS – We heard about...
- EASY WASH – Keep the blanket nice and soft and clean...
That is a luxe synthetic material that resembles fur both texturally and visually. An extraordinary throw like that is a great decorative element that will surely stand out.
9. Microplush Throws
Microplush is an ultra-soft artificial fabric that has velvet-like fibers. It is machine washable, and its colors usually don’t fade with consistent washing. It is also highly resistant to mildew and stains, so it can be stored away for a long time.
If practicality and durability are what you’re after, this may be the best pick for you.
What Size Is a Throw Blanket?
Most throw blankets come in the standard size of 50×60 inches, but there are other options available. Some manufacturers offer them in different dimensions, 54×60 inches and 54×72 inches being the most common ones.
As you can see, throws are noticeably smaller than regular bed blankets. A bed blanket is much wider than the bed itself and, when spread across it, falls freely over the edges. A throw blanket, on the other hand, will not hang down the sides of the bed as it is much more compact.
When determining what size of the throw would best work for you, think about where you will place it. A throw needs to be wide enough to match the size of your bed, so whether you have a king or a queen bed will influence the size of the throw. Similarly, if you will casually toss it over the arm of a chair or display it on the side of a sofa, you will want to opt for a size that won’t overwhelm the furniture piece.
Alternatively, you may choose to fold or bundle the throw. Have no fear as that will not diminish the visual statement that it makes. In that case, the size won’t play an important role. Stack a couple of throws up at the foot of the bed as a stylish bedroom feature, or store them in a fancy living room basket to keep the room neat and decluttered.
Wrapping It Up
A throw blanket is one of the most versatile decorative elements that will add interest to any room. Not only does it make a visual statement, but it also expresses your personality and sense of style.
Besides its aesthetic and practical characteristics, there is a variety of throw blanket types and sizes to choose from. And now that we covered everything there is to know about this multi-functional ornamental piece, all that’s left for you to do is pick a style and pattern to your liking and welcome it into your home. I’m sure you’ll warm up to it in no time!
You may also want to read: 22 Common Types of Blankets
