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Getting Toasty: Throw Blanket Sizes, Materials, and Styles
September 5, 2024
When it comes to decor that’s both tasteful and useful, there are few better contenders than the throw blanket. Great for adding a pop of color and fending off chilly weather, throw blankets are the perfect addition to your decor.
But how do you find the right throw blanket for your sofa, bed, and other cozy corners? We’ve got the rundown on throw blanket sizes, materials, and styles to help you choose the perfect one for your home.
What Is a Throw Blanket?
A throw blanket is a decorative blanket typically used to accent a comfortable space like the living room or bedroom. Throw blankets come in slightly smaller sizes than regular bedding and are designed to lay nicely when draped over an armchair or the end of a bed.
Throw blanket uses
Throw blankets serve two main purposes in your home: they look nice and add comfort. A good throw blanket should be the perfect balance of form and function.
Aesthetically, throw blankets are used to decorate areas like the living room or bedroom. You can toss a throw over the back of an armchair or the cushions of a couch to add a pop of color. Or you can lay out a throw on the end of your bed to balance out your bedding.
Functionally, throw blankets help regulate your body temperature. They can be used to help you warm up on a chilly evening, snuggle up with a companion, or offer comfort when you’ve had a bad day and just want to be wrapped in something warm and soft.
Throw Blanket Sizes
What are the dimensions of throw blankets if they don’t follow the sizing standards for regular bedding? Throw blankets come in different sizes you can choose from based on the blanket’s planned location and purpose.
Small
Small throw blankets are best for warming your lap or wrapping around your shoulders while curling up on the couch. These blankets measure around 50 by 60 inches, though sizes may vary. They are often draped over your sofa or armchair but can also be folded on an end table or placed in a basket for easy access.
Large
If you want to curl up with a loved one, a large throw blanket may better fit your needs. These blankets are usually bigger than a small or standard throw, measuring between 60–80 inches wide and 80–100 inches long. A large throw blanket is commonly used to cover the end of the bed, making them popular decor for a restful bedroom. They’re also great for warming two people who want to snuggle in to watch a movie or enjoy a fire in the hearth.
Oversized
Oversized blankets are often about the size of a king-sized comforter, around 108 by 100 inches. They are great for snuggling with the whole family or wrapping up your entire body like a cozy burrito.
Throw Blanket Materials
When selecting a blanket, consider the material that will work best for your needs. Cotton, flannel, wool, and bamboo are popular throw blanket fibers. The material you choose may depend on the climate or season, your aesthetic, and your texture preference.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular throw materials. It’s soft and natural and comes in many colors, making it easy to pair with most aesthetics. Cotton is also warm but breathable, meaning you’ll get toasty but not sweaty.
Flannel
Flannel is a soft, natural material similar to cotton. It’s thicker than many other materials, meaning it tends to be warmer and fuzzier to the touch. Flannel blankets often come in rustic patterns, such as plaid, so they’re a popular accent for modern farmhouse or cozy mountain aesthetics. .
Wool
Soft wool blankets are perfect for getting nice and toasty on a nippy winter’s night. This thick, fluffy fiber traps heat, surrounding you in a cocoon of warmth. Depending on your budget and style, wool blankets can be all-natural—typically made from the wool of sheep or alpaca—or made from synthetic fiber.
Bamboo
Blankets made from bamboo are silky, breathable, and lightweight. Bamboo throws make great blankets for summertime or climates with mild autumns and winters. Many people also like bamboo blankets in the bedroom because they won’t trap too much heat.
Throw Blanket Styles
Throw blankets come in a variety of styles to suit any comfort level and decor. Popular styles include knits, electric blankets, and plush blankets, but these are only some of the styles available.
Knit
Knit throw blankets are the most recognizable type. They have a visible weave where the fibers are knit together, which can give them a cozy, almost homemade feel. This style can come in a wide or chunky knit, with large, fluffy fibers, or a small or tight knit, meaning the fibers feel more like thinner thread or string.
Each provides a different look and type of comfort. Chunky blankets are quirkier, with a loose, soft feel. Tight knit blankets, on the other hand, are more traditional and feel heavier and dense.
Electric
If you want to warm up quickly after a night in the snow, an electric blanket is the way to go. An electric blanket has a layer of warming coils or wires between its outer layers. When plugged in and turned on, it produces its own heat, helping you get extra toasty quickly. Just make sure you unplug your blanket when it’s not in use.
Plush
Plush blankets have a fluffy or fuzzy layer on one or both sides. This layer is commonly made of real or faux fur, sherpa, or microfiber. The fluff helps trap extra warmth between the fibers, and the soft material feels comforting and luxurious against your skin.
Choosing the Right Throw Blanket
To pick the right throw blanket, consider each of the factors above:
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What size blanket do you need?
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What material best matches your style and preferences?
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What style best suits your decor?
The right throw blanket should balance comfort and aesthetics for a stylish and functional addition to your decor. You don’t want to display a cozy blanket that’s an eyesore, nor do you want one that’s pretty to look at but uncomfortable to use.
Get Toasty With the Perfect Throw Blanket
The right throw blanket can elevate your space’s comfort and style. When choosing the best one for your space, consider the different sizes, materials, and styles. Experiment with mixing and matching elements with your decor to find a combo that’s uniquely you.
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