Throws are among the most versatile furnishings you can purchase for your home. They serve a practical purpose with their ability to keep you warm on chilly winter evenings, but they're also great for adding colour to a plain-looking bed, doubling up as a sofa blanket and generally giving your space an extra dash of style.
Whether you're looking for a luxury bed throw, a plush electric heated blanket or something simple and affordable, this guide will help you find the perfect product for you and your home. To give you further inspiration, we'll also count down our top ten buys, all of which are available to order online from stores such as Amazon, John Lewis and Argos.
Quick List - Top Bed Throws and Blankets
Brentfords
For Those Looking to Try Out a Weighted Blanket Without a High Cost
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Blankets and throws are relatively simple in their design, but that doesn't mean the process of finding one that's perfect for your home is always an easy one. Read on for our buying guide, where we outline a few key things to look out for.
The list of materials that can be used to make blankets and throws is virtually endless, but you'd be mistaken to think that all fabrics are made equal. Read on to learn how two blankets made from different materials can look and feel entirely different from one another.
'Synthetic' fabrics get their name from the fact that they (either partly or wholly) substitute organic materials for chemical, machine-made ones. They're cheap to produce and cheap to buy, and that's why you'll find blankets and throws made from synthetic fabrics for sale pretty much everywhere.
They also benefit from being more robust, more resilient, and can be washed at higher temperatures. Although they might not feel as soft as a throw made from natural fibres such as cotton or wool, they are the more practical choice if pets or kids can often be found cosying up on your bed too.
There is the environmental question, though. Simply put, synthetic fabrics are not good for the planet, so those trying to be more conscious might want to opt for blankets made from organic materials instead.
Unlike synthetic materials, natural fibres are produced without the use of any artificial chemicals and are obtained from living matter. This means that they are biodegradable and not harmful to our planet.
Natural fibres also have a number of other advantages over their synthetic counterparts. They have a soft, high-quality feel, and often bear additional properties such as breathability and the ability to react to your body's temperature. For example, a woollen jumper can keep you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool!
They're usually a little higher in price than synthetic fabrics, but because natural fibres are widely available without much difficulty (outside of the manual labour that goes into obtaining them), they're not overly expensive. Besides, the benefits you gain often make the additional cost well worth it.
At the top end of the scale sit fabrics such as cashmere. These luxurious materials have often been sought after for thousands of years because they're only available in a certain location or from a specific animal.
Scarcity alone isn't enough to make a material worth the price, however, and these fabrics usually carry other rare properties. Cashmere, for example, which bears an incomparable silky softness, is lightweight, has hypoallergenic properties and is eight times more insulated than regular sheep's wool.
We understand that most people don't have space for cashmere in their budget, but if you do feel like treating yourself, a blanket made from a luxurious fabric is a treasure that you'll cherish for years to come.
Blankets and throws are surprisingly versatile and can be used in a number of ways around the home. Depending on how you plan on using it, a certain size might be more appropriate, and this is why dimensions are certainly something you should take into account before buying.
If you're looking to give your bed a five-star makeover, for example, a long, thin throw will serve this purpose more effectively than an extra-large blanket, which could also double up as a means of keeping you and the family warm on the sofa during the winter months.
When buying a throw for extra warmth in bed, checking the dimensions will ensure that it fits properly and keeps you as cosy as possible. In addition, if it's a decorative piece, you'll also be able to get a good idea of how it will look and whether it will work with the setup you have planned.
Blankets and throws can be made from a wide variety of different materials, and each needs to be cared for in its own distinct way. Care instructions are always there to tell you what you need to do, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take them into account before buying.
Inexpensive blankets made from sturdier, synthetic materials such as polyester can usually withstand higher temperatures, making the process of washing and drying them a simple one. On the other hand, higher-priced blankets made from more luxurious materials tend to require extra care.
For example, you'll find that some cotton throws can only be cold washed, and a cashmere blanket must be dry cleaned if you wish to avoid damaging it. This may not be problematic for many people, but if you have a busy life, checking the instructions before buying means you avoid ending up with a throw that's more trouble than it's worth!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tweedmill Lifestyle Rainbow Pure Wool Throw | ![]() | A Colourful Wool Throw to Keep You Warm at Night | |
2 | Croft Collection 100% Cashmere Throw | ![]() | Snuggle Down in the World’s Most Sought After Fabric | |
3 | Brentfords Weighted Blanket|125 x 180 cm, 6kg | ![]() | For Those Looking to Try Out a Weighted Blanket Without a High Cost | |
4 | Habitat Paloma Knitted Orange Cotton Throw | ![]() | The Best Throw for Brightening Up Your Bed | |
5 | Dreamland Relaxwell Luxury Heated Grey Throw|Large - 120 x 160 cm | ![]() | A Heated Blanket That Will Keep You Super Snug Through Winter | |
6 | Habitat Skandi Block Throw | ![]() | Modern Comfort for Those With Skandi-Style Décor | |
7 | Bedsure Fleece Snuggle Wearable Blanket | ![]() | A Wearable Blanket That’s a Cut Above the Rest | |
8 | John Lewis & Partners Boutique Hotel Velvet Stitch Throw|Tiger's Eye | ![]() | Live a Five-Star Life With This Opulent Velvet Quilt | |
9 | Coralov Bohemian Style Throw Blanket|Blue | ![]() | A Bohemian-Style Throw You Can Use in Multiple Rooms | |
10 | Argos Home Super Soft Fleece Throw|Berry | ![]() | Considerable Comfort at a Budget Price, Perfect for Busy Homes |
Cute and cuddly, this throw's rainbow design is bright and cheerful but avoids being gaudy due to its muted colour scheme. If you need something colourful to cheer up your bedroom without becoming the focal point, this blanket is a great choice.
Better still, it's made from 100% wool, meaning it's warm, comfortable and soft as you run it through your fingers. This does rack up the price a little bit, but considering that it measures nearly two metres in length, we think it's totally worth the extra money.
Cashmere wool, obtained from the cashmere goat, has been one of the world's most sought after fabrics for thousands of years and it's not difficult to understand why – it's incredibly soft, lightweight and durable and it's eight times warmer than regular wool.
Unlike many cashmere blankets, which are often blended with other, inferior materials to keep costs down, this blanket is made from 100% cashmere. This means a high cost, but we think it's worth it when you consider all of those benefits and the fact that you'll treasure this blanket for years to come.
Sleepers all over the world swear by weighted blankets as a means of increasing relaxation and reducing insomnia, and they're commonly used to calm unsettled children. It's believed that this is because the weight of the contained glass beads can reduce autonomic arousal.
Weighted blankets can get pretty expensive, but this one – filled with certified non-toxic, micro glass beads – offers an affordable and highly-rated medium. This product is designed for a single bed, but child and double bed sizes are also available.
If you're looking to set up a comfy, retro home, blankets that come in warmer colours can be hard to come by. Luckily, we've found this bright orange throw that's perfect for a 1970s-inspired room – or just for draping over the end of a plain bed for a burst of brightness.
Made from 100% cotton, it's incredibly warm, soft and durable. And because it's been knitted by hand, it has a tactile texture that's perfect for snuggling down in. It looks and feels great, and we love it.
There's nothing quite as good for keeping you warm as a nice fluffy blanket – except a heated blanket, that is! Turn it on, wait five minutes, and you'll have a toasty blanket that you – and even the rest of the family – can snuggle under.
It's made from a super soft, velvety microfleece, and it comes with a handful of fancy features, such as six heat settings and a sensor that monitors the temperature of the surrounding room and adjusts the blanket's temperature accordingly. It's also suitable for overnight use, meaning you can keep cosy and safe as you sleep.
Skandi décor is currently all the rage. It's characterised by its minimalist aesthetic; light, neutral hues and use of tactile fabrics. Nowhere are those qualities more exemplified than in this chunky knit throw.
It's absolutely perfect for adding a touch of warmth to a contemporary styled home. It's made of polyester as opposed to cotton, which may knock it down a few pegs for some, but it's still a comfortable, stylish choice that's very easy to care for.
A wearable blanket might seem an odd concept at first, but we'd be surprised if you haven't already heard of them as they've taken the world by storm. Simply pop your head and arms through the holes, and, in one item, you've got an incredibly comfy jumper and a blanket that won't fall off when you move.
What we like about this one from Bedsure is its elongated length. While many wearable blankets actually end above the knee (resembling a lengthy jumper more than a blanket), this one stretches much further, past the feet, as an actual blanket would. Walking can be a bit tricky, but it's the essential companion for a day of rest and relaxation.
Ever visited a classy hotel and wished you could have one of those fancy blankets all for yourself? Well now you can, with this padded velvet stitch throw. With a quilted cotton underside, it's decorative on top and comfy on the bottom.
Although we've selected the exotically named 'Tiger's Eye' colour scheme here, this blanket is actually available in a variety of other shades. It's a very expensive throw, but it's the price you pay if you want a high-quality product with a luxurious look.
Blankets and throws are an intrinsic part of Bohemian culture, but whether you have hippie leanings or not, there's no denying that this blanket, with its seamless weaving of multiple colours, has an irresistible look to it.
Measuring over a metre and a half in length, it's another one you can throw over beds or drape over other furniture. Disappointingly, and despite its bohemian aesthetic, it's not made from natural materials but of acrylic. If you're not willing to go for the pricier fabrics, however, it's a stylish midway point.
Being made exclusively from polyester, this isn't the fanciest blanket on the market. It is, however, comfortable, huge and affordable, making it a great choice if you want to keep cosy without completely emptying your wallet.
At over a metre wide in both directions, it's the perfect blanket for throwing over the top of a duvet as well as the sofa, particularly as it comes in a choice of five varied colours. Great for pet owners too, it's a perfect budget pick that you won't need to be precious about.
There's more than one way of keeping yourself warm on a chilly winter's eve. If you're always on the lookout for new places to cuddle, check out the articles below for some top recommendations on the best weighted blankets, electric blankets and bedsheets.
That brings us to the end of our buying guide and, at this point, you now have everything you need to get out there and find a blanket or throw that's perfect for you. We hope you find one that looks great as it keeps you cosy on those chilly evenings!
Author: Ben Willimett
No. 1: Tweedmill|Lifestyle Rainbow Pure Wool Throw
No. 2: Croft Collection|100% Cashmere Throw
No. 3: Brentfords|Weighted Blanket|125 x 180 cm, 6kg
No. 4: Habitat|Paloma Knitted Orange Cotton Throw
No. 5: Dreamland|Relaxwell Luxury Heated Grey Throw|Large - 120 x 160 cm
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