It's the time of year where we all like to cocoon, hunker down in our homes and turn them into welcoming sanctuaries. Any a key part of this sem-hibernation? A throw blanket.
As well as being a must-have for extra warmth, a throw blanket can of course be a stylish addition to a living room or bedroom, adding color, pattern and texture. When it's not wrapped around you, following you from room to room, how you style a throw can really elevate a room, making it look more luxurious and expensive.
We asked designers for there top tips on how to use a humble throw blanket to really elevate your cozy rooms.
1. Casually drape a blanket over an ottoman
Whether your throw is plain or patterned it can be turned into a feature within a space. You can choose a design that matches your walls for example or has one color that's similar.
Neatly folding anything will give it a rather formal feel, a bit like when you go into a home store and see throws piled up in stacks, placing one on a rattan pouffe as shown here is a good casual option. The folds are far apart which makes it look relaxed – and ready to be used when the evening draws in.
2. Ensure every seat is cozy
Create a cozy ambience by adding a throw blanket to each armchair you have. It will add layered of texture, but also mean whoever sits in the chair has a throw of their own to keep them cozy.
As designer Lauren Lerner explains, 'Throw blankets are a great way to make a living room feel extra warm and inviting. Draping them over accent seating helps the space feel cohesive and invites guests to get cozy by the fireside.'
3. Make it look effortless with the waterall effect
This kind of look has a name – 'the waterfall' and that's the effect to try and create. It's relaxed and informal, but still looks purposeful rather than messy.
Fold up your throw lengthwise and then drape it across one end of your couch but so it falls unevenly like a waterfall. Tuck some of the blanket into the side crevice of the couch and place couch pillows for extra comfort.
4. Drape a throw over the back of a chair in a guest bedroom
Whether it's a guest room dressing table or the one you use daily, adding that extra bit of comfort to the back of a chair during the colder months is worthwhile. Plus, it's gives a lovely, luxurious feels to the space, like a cozy hotel, and your guests can use also use the throw elsewhere in the room during their stay.
'Keeping a throw blanket in the guest room helps ensure their comfort during their stay. I like to drape it over the desk chair to help keep it out of the way, but it's within easy reach whenever they need it,' explains Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors. 'It also helps to signify that everything in the room is at their leisure for a comfortable stay, not just the bed.'
5. Add extra layers to the end of a bed
Perhaps one of the most natural places for a throw, layering up on a bed is the ultimate spot. As Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages explains, 'Placing a throw at the foot of the bed adds a cozy, layered look that enhances the overall comfort of the room.'
It's also a good opportunity to create an accent. Jamie adds, 'When the throw mirrors the wallpaper, it creates a cohesive color palette, tying the space together and making the design feel intentional and harmonious.'
Just be aware, there is a difference between a bed throw and blanket. Generally speaking a bed throw is more for color and decoration, whereas a bed blanket is much bigger and covers most of the bed – and ideally you want both to create that lovely, cozy, layred effect.
6. Soften a bench in an entryway
Throw blankets are just reserved for bedrooms and living rooms, they can be a simple way to make an entryway bench look more inviting in the colder months.
'For a more curated look, fold the throw neatly along a bench, and don’t be afraid to mismatch fabrics and patterns, it’s that added depth that really gives a touch of effortless elegance,' suggests Sue Jones, co-founder of OKA.
'I always think that soft furnishings play a huge part in adding that final touch of luxury to the home, and throws are a great addition for much more than comfort purposes. A well-placed throw can instantly make a space feel more polished, and they’re a great tool for layering color and pattern,' she adds.
7. Go over the back to break up a sectional
Sectionals, whilst practical, can visually create a large block of color that can take over the rest of the space. Throw blankets can help make such a large piece feel softer and less dominant.
Michelle Murphy, principal of Demi Ryan Interiors suggests, 'Folding and tucking a throw blanket behind the back cushion of a sectional adds a clean, intentional touch while still bringing warmth and texture to the space. It creates a tailored look, and it also balances out the cozy feel without the messiness of a draped throw.'
You could easily use two throws and if you're having a gathering add a couple more so your guests feel cozy, there's nothing nicer than wrapping a throw around you in the evening. If your sectional is plain consider striped or checked throws, Michelle adds, 'It is especially nice for adding visual interest to a room, and a subtle way to soften the structure of the furniture.'
8. Cozy up a window seat with a really chunky throw
A window seat is the perfect opportunity to create a cozy vignette, and a cocooning space to relax with a book. With these smaller spaces, the best way to use a throw is to go big and chunky so it really fills the space.
'A window seat is a perfect reading nook and promises uninterrupted time to bury yourself in a new novel or the papers – add a few comforts and you have the perfect perch. It’s all about the textures, and nothing beats a cozily thrown blanket made from faux fur, cloud-like cables or cashmere. Pop in a few matching couch pillows for extra comfort,' advises Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer at The White Company.
The very aptly named cuddle blanket is one of Cozy Earth's best sellers. It's huge, super plush and will add a really luxurious feel to a couch or bed. The many 5 star reviews all rave about the weight, which many note is heavy but you don't overheat.
Chenille is a dreamy material for a throw, super soft and plush. It's also great for layering with other textures like velvet or a slubby linen for some contrast. This throw is a new take on their best selling original colossal throw, the same chunky knit bit with the chenille adding some extra luxury.
Amazon is a surprisingly great place to shop affordable throw blankets. If you are looking for a lighter-weight blanket to layer with chunkier designs, something like muslin is perfect. It's soft and textured, perfect for creating a relaxed, effortless style.
Styling your throw rather than just letting it live wherever it was last discarded can make a room, especially in fall and winter when you really want to up the layers and the cozy feel. Follow these easy tips to ensure your blankets are always looking chic and effortless.
