Are throws useful or just decorative?

A throw is usually a smallish blanket, it can be made from a variety of materials like cotton, chenille, wool silk or man made fibres. The fabric used and the method of manufacture will all affect the style, softness and durability of your throw. Some throws can be quite expensive depending on the materials used and the type of weaving required in the manufacturing process. A throw can be either very useful or completely decorative depending on what you choose to do with it.

The popularity of throws

When fleece became popular for outer wear in the 1980s, it also started to trend for throw blankets and other types of blankets too. It wasn't bulky like heavier material, but did a good job of keeping out the cold without taking up much room. Because of its pliable nature, it was soft and laid nicely over chairs, making it a good choice as a throw blanket. These blankets were less expensive to make than wool and less labour intense than knitted or crocheted blankets. Their price was far lower, too and they came in a wide variety of different colours and styles.

Beige Tartan Throw Over A Grey Sofa

Today, all types of throws are popular. Each type of throw has a purpose and blends with a different style of decorating. The only variances you'll often find when it comes to selecting throws is based not on the type of throw, but often on the colour chosen.

How to use your throw

Throws come in a huge choice of styles, colours and shapes but usually they are about 1m x 1.5m although it is possible to get both smaller and larger sizes. The fabric used in your throw will obviously affect its price, softness and durability with some throws made from silk or fine wool being quite expensive, whereas polyester or micro-fleece are very affordable.

But back to the question of how to use your throw to best advantage, well, a colourful throw can add a touch of warmth to any room and just draping a throw across a favourite chair or sofa can give a look of homely comfort and style. If you have children a well positioned throw can cover a nice piece of furniture and is much easier to clean than a sofa or chair, this is true also of pets and it is a common practice to put a throw on a chair where the family cat or dog likes to curl up. Just bear in mind that it might not be wise to use a very expensive throw for this purpose as its life expectancy may well be fairly short. A machine washable throw is ideal for both of these uses.

Teenage Girl Stretching On A Sofa, Covered In A Green Throw

A throw across the back of a chair is in easy reach for those nights when the air turns a little colder and can be easily draped across shoulders knees or feet to give some extra warmth and on those days when you’re not feeling too well a soft throw can be the perfect choice for snuggling into than a large blanket or bed cover, and again is close at hand.

Just place it back in its position after use and 'hey presto' it’s decorative again. Throws are often used on children’s cots and beds because of their size and shape. Also because they tend to be softer and cosier for wrapping tiny tots in.

Throws for decoration

It is possible to find themed throws for children’s rooms with characters from films, books or TV programs on them and these can be wonderful gifts with a personal touch. A throw across a child’s bed can encourage a good bedtime routine and add to the night time experience. That said throws are also quite often used simply for decoration and at certain times of year you will find throws with perhaps Christmas patterns or other designs. These throws can be used to simply enhance the seasonal look of your room and will probably be packed away when that season has passed.

Faux-Animal Skin Throw Draped Over A Very Pale Green Sofa

Decorative throws can also be used as wall hangings or even to cover windows and doors. In fact a throw is an extremely versatile addition to your home whether you use solely for decorative purposes or to give warmth or protection to your furniture.

Benefits of throw covers

Throughout the history of decorating, some colours have always been more popular than others are at varying times. Luckily, there are as many different colours of throws as there are trends in colours and often when colour trends change, the previous primary colours often become accent colours. One reason throw blankets are so popular today is their low cost and ease of use in almost any room.

Unlike many types of decorating items, throws have a practical side and are perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want to keep heating costs lower, but still need a little covering to remove the chill. Lighter weight throws are great for summer, spring and autumn when just a light covering is necessary or if only one person in the room is cold. Pet lovers find throws are a great way to keep furniture nice and add style to the room while making clean-up as easy as a shake outside to remove hair.

Young Girl Staring At Gold Retriver Sitting On A Sofa

Their versatility, wide range of colour and design make them an ideal decorating tool and great gift. Throws add a cosiness to the room, but depending on how they're displayed, can also add formality. Throws do have timeless designs, but can also be quite trendy, depending on your choice of colour, fabric and pattern.

Two Pairs Of Feet Sticking Out From Under A Throw In Front Of A Log Fire

Today, anything goes with people choosing to decorate with a vintage 1960s style of psychedelic colours all the way through the industrial and modern look. That's one reason we carry so many designs, colours and styles at Terrys Fabrics, so there's something for everyone's taste and décor. Decorating has become an individual art geared specifically to satisfy each person's taste.