How to Choose the Right Throw Blanket Size [Your Ultimate Guide]
What's in this article
Throw blankets have unique characteristics and are typically smaller than regular blankets. Throw sizes vary, and throw blankets could pass as conventional blankets but with the charm and characteristics of a throw, like the Protea Pinstripe throw blanket from Thula Tula.
When thinking about throw sizes, it's best to consider what you intend to use your throw for. Your intended purpose will most likely be relative to the common purpose of a throw which is to spruce up your décor and offer warmth and comfort to your family and guests.
What is so inviting about throws is their versatility and the sheer pleasure of feeling the fabric against your skin. Most throws are super soft and lightweight compared to blankets, and when thrown over a sofa, styled on a blanket ladder, or draped over your bed, throws add an essence of style and a splash of color to your home.
Let's start by looking at a throw's purpose before considering the sizes.
Typical throw characteristics
Throws and throw blankets are designed to be used all year round. They provide warmth when needed and are a handy and highly versatile décor piece that can be moved all over your home at a moment's notice. Throws are also great for outdoor activities like picnics, a day on the beach, or a camping trip, or they can serve as the ultimate travel buddy for the passengers in your vehicle. You name it. Indoors, outdoors or on the road, throws offer convenience, comfort, and style.
Most throws are machine washable but take care with the strength and amount of detergent you use when washing your prized throws. Wool throws are odor-resistant, and because of wool's characteristics, cleaning is easy. All you have to do to clean your wool throw is to shake it out and hang it outdoors for a few hours. But lending a hand now and then with a small amount of mild detergent will ensure no pesky stains linger for too long.
Here are some points that set throws apart from conventional bedding.
- Size: throws are typically smaller than regular blanket sizes. However, these differ between manufacturers, so you should consider what Throw Blanket Size will be the most rewarding for you by outlining your desired purpose.
- Weight: Throws are usually much lighter than regular blankets, but this also depends on the fabric and thickness of the throw. The climate in your region of the world will influence your choice. The colder the climate, the warmer the throw will have to be.
- Versatility: How versatile is your throw choice? Can you use it in your bedroom one day and in your living room the next day? Can you take your throw along to an outdoor event or use it around a campfire on the weekend? Can you drape it over your sofa or hang it as a mural in your home? How easy is it to wash your throw? Every person or family will have different uses for their throws and having a versatile comfort item on hand is always a blessing.
- Textures and designs: Different fabrics and weave styles will present different textures, whereas the design of most throws is colorful but not necessarily bright, as the colors could be a harmony of soft hues of the same color or follow a traditional design where each color and shape has meaning.
What should a practical throw blanket Size be?
We've mentioned that the average size of a typical medium throw is smaller than a regular blanket. Still, they come in small and large as well, and the sizes may vary between manufacturers.
Small throws
Small-sized throws are typically used as lap blankets to add flair to furniture pieces. They measure 30” x 40” (75 x 100cm) or 36” x 50” (90 x 130cm). These small throws are ideal for older folks to warm their legs and young children old enough to enjoy their own "blankie."
Medium throws
The average medium size throw measures 50" x 60" (130 x 150cm) or 60" x 80" (150 x 200cm). There are other sizes, like the 51" x 71" (130 x 180cm) throws available from Thula Tula. Medium throws are the most versatile size as they are big enough to cover most people from head to toe and fold up into a neat small bundle for easy transportation. Besides, it's the ideal size for multiple indoor and outdoor uses.
Large blanket throw Size
These are big throws, so the word "blanket" is added as a defining feature. Large blanket throws measure 80" x 90" (200 x 230cm) or 90" x 100" (230 x 250cm) and are big enough to be used as a blanket on your bed or for family picnics.
Oversized Throw Blanket
Oversized blanket throws are typically 100" x 108" (230 x 275cm), which are great for large families. They are big enough to use as a queen or normal king-size bed bedspread.
Aesthetically pleasing yet versatile
Throws and throw blankets are made to be used and sometimes abused.
They are made for versatility and offer the utmost convenience in any setting. The appeal is not only their aesthetic value but their practical use. Throws are the go-to comfort item that every home should have. You can change the look of your home by simply rearranging the throws throughout your home. If history and art appeal to you, investing in cultural throws that bring to life the heritage and traditions of different cultures will reflect your inner self.
But if you're more practical or pet-friendly, use a blanket throw to cover your sofa or bed as protection. Your throw can easily be cleaned if soiled by your pets, but a bit more challenging if you have to clean your sofa or bed.
Interestingly, no hard and fast rules stipulate what a throw can and should be used for. The same applies to size, which is a matter of personal choice. Ideally, if you're using your throws to keep warm while in your living room binge-watching your favorite shows, then your throw should be big enough to cover your whole body. More undersized throws are perfect for children, and larger throws allow couples to snuggle together.
Typical throw fabrics
The fabric makes the throw, and because of their multiple uses, the fabric cannot be too delicate. It has to be robust enough to withstand regular use and cleaning. Most throws will last for years and years if cared for. Standard throw fabrics include:
- Wool: Wool is a natural fabric that is breathable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, fire-resistant, odor-resistant, thermal regulating, lightweight, and very soft.
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fabric and is breathable. Cotton is often mixed with other fabrics to enhance its softness and characteristics.
- Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester blanket fabric. Fleece has a soft, silky-smooth texture but is not as breathable as natural fabrics and will be best suited to colder climates.
- Cashmere: Cashmere is the creme-de-la-creme of throw fabrics. It has a luxurious texture and is ultra-soft, but Cashmere is somewhat delicate and should be delicately cared for.
- Velvet: Velvet is silky-soft and produces the most amazing tonal hues when randomly draped over the foot of your bed, sofa, or chair. Velvet refers to the weave, not the fabric type, although velvet was initially made from silk. Today, cotton and synthetic fabrics are also used to create velvet.
- Microfiber: Microfiber is soft, durable, and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for functional throws.
- Bamboo: Bamboo rates very well against other natural fabrics as it is durable, absorbent, and easy to care for. Bamboo throws also drape very well and are very soft, adding to the luxury feel.
Throws can be made from just about any fabric, but you should be wary of the characteristics of the fabric, as some fabric types will not meet your needs concerning the climate you reside in. A safe entry point is to look at natural fabrics and throws made from natural and artificial fabrics. This will give you the benefit of natural fabric characteristics like breathability and thermal regulation but will also add to the aesthetic quality of the throw. Throws create the perfect microclimate for your body while you sleep. During the winter months, throws have enough warmth to keep you warm throughout the night, and in summer, you can keep a throw on your bed ready for use if there's a chill in the air.
A few more words
Throw and Throw Blanket are a must-have for every home.
They are practical comfort items, and their versatility means no matter where you are, you will always be able to rely on your trusty throw for some comfort.
Size is a personal choice that should match your anticipated use of the throw. But, no matter the size, you are guaranteed to find several uses for your throw. Throw and Throw Blanket offers convenience that generally improves your lifestyle and need, adds to the value of an afternoon nap on the sofa. Your throw will always look in the right place in your home.
