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Tips & tricks
Getting Toasty: Throw Blanket Sizes, Materials, and Styles
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.
Dimensions and Variations in Throw Blanket Sizes
Throw blankets differ from standard bed blankets because they are more compact. The most common size for a throw blanket is approximately 50x60 inches, which is large enough to provide warmth and comfort but small enough to be stylishly tossed over the back of a sofa or an armchair.
Other popular dimensions include 60x80 inches, which offers a bit more coverage, and 45x60 inches, which is perfect for a snug fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, some throws come in metric sizes, such as 150x200 cm or 130x150 cm, catering to different preferences and uses.
Opting for the right size throw blanket ensures that your blanket serves a practical purpose and complements your interior decor.
Standard Blanket Sizes Compared to Throw Blanket Sizes
Throw blankets and standard bed blankets have different sizes and uses. Standard bed blankets fit specific bed sizes and are larger, covering the whole bed for warmth at night (from 66x90 inches for a twin to 108x90 inches for a king). Throw blankets are smaller, usually about 50x60 inches, and used for decoration or extra warmth on a couch or chair. Choose a throw for flexibility and decor, or a standard blanket for full bed coverage.
Small Throw Blankets: The 50x60 Inch Throw Blanket
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 and placed in a basket for easy access.
Large Throw Blankets: 60x80 inches
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.
Choosing the Right Size Throw Blanket
Matching Throw Sizes with Different Furniture Pieces
Choosing the right throw blanket size for your furniture is essential for achieving a cohesive and inviting look. When draping a throw over a sofa, aim for one that’s long enough to cover the back and the seating area without touching the floor, typically around 60x80 inches.
For armchairs, a smaller size like 50x60 inches can add just the right amount of color and warmth without overwhelming the piece. If your furniture is more compact, consider utilizing smaller throws to avoid clutter and maintain balance.
It's also important to consider the color scheme and style of your room; the throw should complement or contrast in a way that highlights the furniture’s design. Ultimately, the right throw size will not only enhance the functionality of your furniture but also elevate the overall decor of your living space.
Material and Texture Considerations
The fabric and texture play significant roles in determining the appropriate size for both functional and visual appeal. Take into account how the texture complements your room's aesthetic; a plush fleece can add a layer of coziness and warmth, whereas a smooth cotton blend can create a sleek and clean look.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Final Recommendations
Choose a throw blanket size based on your needs and decor. Smaller throws (about 50x60 inches) are ideal for one person and small spaces, adding color to armchairs or tables. Medium throws (around 60x80 inches) suit sofas and sharing. Larger throws (up to 80x100 inches) cover more area, making them good for big furniture or bedroom accents. Match blankets to your room’s colors and textures, using contrasting or complementary shades for the look you want. Pick a size and style that offers both comfort and visual appeal.
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F.A.Q.
What Is the Standard Throw Blanket Size?
As you shop for cozy textiles, you’ll discover several standard throw blanket sizes to suit different purposes and spaces.
The most common throw blanket size is 50” x 60” that offers enough coverage for one adult. It’s also easy to fold up neatly to display a decorative image or pattern. Drape the throw blanket across the back of your couch or the foot of your bed to add a burst of color to your space.
Oversized throw blankets typically measure 80” x 90” or larger. Share one of these extra-large blankets with a family member or keep it all to yourself to wrap up fully on chilly nights. Many people also use oversized throw blankets to protect their furniture from pet hair, stains, and snack crumbs. Lay these blankets across your armchair or sofa for extra protection, then pop them into the washing machine to keep them fresh.
If you’re looking for something smaller, consider a lap throw blanket. This style usually measures around 36” x 40” with slight variations. As the name suggests, these blankets are designed to cover your lap and legs.
What Size Throw Blanket Is Best for a Couch?
The best size for a couch throw is 50” x 60”. This size is big enough to cover most people comfortably from neck to toe, so you won’t have to worry about your feet getting chilly while you lounge on the couch. At the same time, it’s not so bulky that you feel like you’re trapped in a hot cocoon.
If you enjoy cuddling up on the couch with a loved one, you might prefer a larger throw blanket measuring 80” x 90” or above. This oversized coverage will keep you both comfortable — and prevent any tug-of-war battles over the blanket.
What Size Throw Blanket Is Best for a Queen Bed?
A queen-size throw blanket should be at least 90” x 100”. This large size covers the entire mattress with a bit of overhang on each side to trap the heat inside. That way, you’ll stay comfortably toasty throughout the night, even if you toss and turn in your sleep. Alternatively, consider using two smaller 50” x 60” blankets so you and your partner don’t have to share.