Throws Shopping Guide

A throw is a wonderful addition to your sofa, offering it a fresh new look while also protecting it from wear and stains. To choose the perfect throw for your needs, follow this detailed buying guide:

Select the Right Size and Fit:

The first thing you need to determine when selecting the appropriate throw is the dimensions of your sofa. Follow the steps below to measure your sofa accurately and choose the correct throw blanket size:

Width Measurement:

Place the edge of the measuring tape on one side of the sofa seat and measure from one edge to the other. If the sofa has armrests, measure from the inner lower side of the armrest to the point where you want the throw to drape over the outer side of the armrest.

Length Measurement (From the Backrest to the Front):

Position the measuring tape at the point where you want the throw blanket to stop at the back of the sofa and extend it to the front, covering the depth of the seat until the point where you want the throw to reach the base of the sofa.

Once you have these measurements, you may add a few extra centimeters (approximately 5-10 cm) on each side to accommodate any irregularities in the sofa, ensure easy placement, and guarantee that the throw covers the entire sofa.

If you have a sectional sofa, measure each section separately and opt for two throw to prevent displacement and awkward stretching at the corner. Typically, a three-seater and a two-seater throw combination works well for sectional sofas. With these measurements, you are now ready to select the correct throw size for your sofa. The most common throw sizes are:

Decide on the Desired Fit:

You need to decide whether you want the throw to cover only the seat cushions or the entire sofa. If you prefer full coverage, follow the advice above. However, if you only want to cover the seat cushions, it is best to choose a smaller size for example, for a three-seater sofa, select a two-seater throw blanket. Additionally, if you plan to use the throw blanket purely as a decorative element, even for large sofas, consider selecting an armchair throw blanket to create an impressive layering effect.

Choose the Ideal Throw Blanket Based on the Season:

The choice of a throw blanket can vary depending on the season. Each season has different requirements in terms of temperature and aesthetics. Below are some recommendations for throw blankets according to the seasons:

Summer Throws

Summer throws are usually made from lighter, breathable materials such as cotton, linen, or microfiber to ensure comfort and airflow. Most summer throws are suitable for year-round use, which is why they are often blended with polyester fibers. Opt for light colors and patterns that evoke a summer feel, such as floral or nautical designs for spring and summer, and earthy tones for autumn.

Winter Throws

For winter, you can choose throws made from fabrics that provide extra warmth, such as soft velvet, faux fur, or chenille. Colors like blue, green, purple, or gray are typically associated with the winter atmosphere. Winter throws are perfect for the cold season but also for the chilly months of autumn and spring.

Select the Quality of the Throw Blanket

The quality of a throw is determined by its material composition. The material you choose depends on various factors such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, room temperature, and intended use of the throw.

Some of the most popular materials include:

Cotton Throws:

Cotton throws offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent choice for your home. Depending on your needs and preferences, you might choose a cotton throw for the following reasons:

Natural Material: Cotton is a natural material, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. It is also an eco-friendly choice as it is biodegradable and recyclable.

Breathability: Cotton is lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for warmer seasons. It allows air circulation, keeping your sofa cool and comfortable.

Easy Maintenance: Cotton throws are generally easy to clean. They are machine washable, simplifying the care process.

Affordable & Soft: Cotton throws are usually more budget-friendly than materials like chenille, making them a cost-effective option. Additionally, they offer a soft and pleasant texture due to the purity of the cotton fibers.

Polyester Throws:

Polyester throws also have their own advantages, making them a great choice for your sofa.

Durability: Polyester is a highly durable material that resists wear over time. It is more resistant than some natural materials like cotton and maintains its original shape for longer.

Low Maintenance: Polyester throw blankets are easy to maintain and clean, as they can be washed effortlessly in a household washing machine.

Variety of Designs and Colors: Polyester allows for a wide range of prints and colors, meaning you can find many options to match your home decor.

Stain Resistance: Polyester throws are resistant to most stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets.

Affordable: Typically, polyester throws are more cost-effective than other materials, making them a more accessible option.

Cotton & Polyester Blend Throws:

Choosing a throw made of cotton and polyester combines the benefits of both materials, offering a balanced solution for your home.

Durability: Adding polyester to cotton enhances fabric durability, making it more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan.

Breathability: Cotton is a breathable material, while polyester is lightweight and moisture-resistant. The combination of both materials helps keep your sofa cool and comfortable.

Aesthetic Appeal: The blend of these materials adds interesting textures and depth to the throw. Additionally, the variety of fabric options allows you to choose from a range of colors, designs, and patterns to complement your home decor.

Microfiber Throws:

Microfiber is an excellent choice for those seeking durable, easy-to-maintain, and soft throws that provide comfort and style. Microfiber throw blankets have gained popularity for several reasons:

Soft Texture: Microfiber is exceptionally soft, offering a luxurious touch.

Durability: It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets.

Breathability: Despite its durability, microfiber remains breathable, allowing for airflow and ensuring comfort, even during the summer months.

Chenille Throws:

Chenille throw blankets are an excellent choice for winter and the cooler months of spring and autumn. They are particularly popular due to the following characteristics:

Luxurious Softness: Chenille has a velvety texture, making it exceptionally soft and comfortable.

Durability: This fabric is highly resistant to daily use and wear. Additionally, chenille throw blankets are stain-resistant, making them ideal for homes with children and pets.

Easy Maintenance: Chenille throw blankets are easy to care for and clean.

Faux Fur Throws:
Choosing a faux fur throw allows you to enjoy the elegance and warmth of fur while respecting the environment. It is a great option for those looking for a sustainable and stylish home decor choice.

Eco-Friendly: Faux fur throws are produced in an environmentally friendly manner, often using recycled materials (PET) or synthetic fibers.

Ethical Choice: If you are concerned about the ethical implications of animal fur production, faux fur throws offer an alternative that allows you to enjoy the texture and warmth of fur without contributing to animal cruelty.

Warmth & Comfort: Faux fur throws provide the same warmth and comfort as traditional fur. They are soft and plush, creating a cozy environment for relaxation and rest.

Easy Maintenance: Faux fur throws are generally easy to maintain and clean. In most cases, they can be machine-washed or cleaned with mild detergents.

Throws Made from a Blend of Materials:

Choosing a throw crafted from a combination of different materials allows you to enjoy the benefits of each, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal for your space.

Design Versatility: Blending different materials enables the creation of multidimensional and visually appealing designs. Various colors, textures, and patterns can be combined to bring vibrancy to your space.

Enhanced Functionality: Each material possesses unique properties. A blend of materials can provide the best features of each, for example, combining the breathability of cotton with the durability of polyester and the softness of microfiber.

Greater Durability: A mix of materials often results in a more durable throw that retains its original shape and texture for a longer period.

Adaptability: Material combinations allow throws to adjust to different climates and seasons. For instance, a throw designed to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter can serve as a versatile, all-season piece.

Choosing the Design & Color of Your Throw

Selecting the right design and color for your throw is essential in creating the desired aesthetic and ambiance in your space. Follow these tips to make the best choice:

Coordination with Your Space:

Consider your existing décor, including wall colors and sofas. Choose a throw that harmonizes with the surroundings or creates a striking contrast to add depth and character to the room.

Style Analysis:

Assess the style of your décor. For a modern space, opt for geometric and monochromatic patterns. If your décor is more classic, vintage designs or plaid motifs may be a better fit.

Favorite Colors:

Select colors that you love and that reflect your personality. If a throw truly appeals to you, it will enhance your comfort and happiness in your space. You can also coordinate its colors with those of your carpets, curtains, and decorative accents.

Let your personal taste guide your final choice, as your throw will be a lasting element of your space and should contribute to your daily comfort and enjoyment.

Complete the Look:

Pair your favorite throws with decorative cushions and pillowcases from our extensive online collection to effortlessly and affordably create the living room of your dreams! Sofa blankets can also double as throws, offering additional warmth and coziness while you relax.

Keep your throws looking as good as new by following the cleaning guidelines recommended by the experts at designdrops!

At designdrops, you’ll also find linen shopping guides and care instructions, filled with valuable tips to help you choose the ideal home textiles and maintain them in pristine condition!