Have you ever spotted a small, stylish blanket draped over a chair or folded neatly at the end of a bed? That’s a throw blanket. It looks great, but have you ever wondered what it’s actually for beyond just looking cozy?
What Is a Throw Blanket?
A throw blanket is a smaller type of blanket that is not usually meant for sleeping. Instead, it is used around the home for extra warmth and as a decorative touch. You often see it placed on a sofa, folded on a chair, or layered at the foot of a bed.
The name “throw” comes from how it’s often used. You can simply “throw” it over a piece of furniture or across your shoulders. You can use it while reading a book on the sofa, watching a movie, or stepping outside on a cool evening. Its size makes it easy to carry from room to room.
What Is a Throw Blanket Used For?
Whether it's folded neatly at the edge of a bed or casually draped over an armchair, a throw becomes part of the rhythm of daily life. Let’s take a look at how people use it:
- For warmth and comfort: A throw provides quick, cozy relief from the cold. Use it while reading, resting, or sharing a quiet moment on the sofa.
- To add texture and color: It brings softness, contrast, or a pop of color to sofas, chairs, or beds, enhancing the overall look with minimal effort.
- To define spaces: A throw can shape how a room feels. It can mark a reading nook, soften a corner, or complete the layering on a bed.
- To express personality: Whether bold and artistic or natural and handwoven, your choice of throw reflects your style and adds character to your home.
Throw Blanket Sizes
Throw blankets vary in dimensions depending on their use, fabric, and cultural sizing standards. Common throw sizes include 130 × 170 cm and 140 × 200 cm, but larger formats are increasingly popular for styling and comfort.
At ZigZagZurich, throw blankets are available in 140 × 160 cm and 180 × 200 cm sizes. These extended dimensions offer full-body coverage, ideal for use on sofas, beds, or lounge chairs. The larger surface also enhances the visual layering effect when draped, especially in interiors with bold textile patterns or minimalist furniture.
In general, standard throw blanket sizes include:
- Small Throw Blankets: 127 × 102 cm (50 × 40 inches)
- Standard Throw Blankets: 152 × 127 cm (60 × 50 inches)
- Large Throw Blankets: 178 × 152 cm (70 × 60 inches)
- Oversized Throw Blankets: 203 × 178 cm (80 × 70 inches)
These common sizes are typically designed just enough to cover your lap or add a soft layer over a chair or small bed.
Material of Throw Blanket
Once you've chosen the right size, the next step is picking the right material. Texture, weight, and breathability all come from the fabric itself, and details like thread count, especially in cotton throws, can subtly influence how soft, dense, or airy the blanket feels.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common options:
- Wool: Warm and breathable. Ideal for cold seasons or cozy layering.
- Cotton: Soft, easy to care for, and great year-round.
- Linen: Light, crisp, and breathable. Perfect for warmer climates.
Whether you prefer the quiet simplicity of linen, the warmth of wool, or the elevated comfort of cotton, the material you choose sets the tone.
Where to Use a Throw Blanket
One of the most charming qualities of a throw blanket is how easily it moves through the home without being tied to one room. Here are a few of the most natural places to use one.
1. Living Room and Sofa
Drape it over a sofa, chair, or chaise to soften lines, add texture, or highlight color. It offers warmth on chilly evenings and helps define cozy zones within open spaces.
2. Bedroom and Bed Styling
Folded at the foot of the bed or casually tossed, a throw adds texture, contrast, and comfort. Use lightweight cotton or linen in summer, and heavier wool in winter for extra warmth.
3. Reading Nooks and Cozy Corners
A throw instantly signals comfort. Whether on a window bench or floor cushion, it turns any spot into a quiet retreat for books, tea, or reflection.
4. Travel and Outdoor Lounging
Light and portable, throws are perfect for travel, picnics, or evenings outdoors. Use them on flights, in hotels, or as a wrap by the fire, wherever you want comfort on the go.
Throw Blanket vs Regular Blanket: What's the Difference?
Cotton Blanket & Throw "The Elephant" by David Schmitt
A throw blanket is a smaller, more versatile textile designed for everyday moments of comfort and visual impact. Unlike bedding that stays tucked away, a throw lives out in the open, such as on the arm of a sofa, at the edge of a bed, or wrapped loosely around your shoulders.
While regular blankets are built for full coverage during sleep, often sized to fit mattresses and used under duvets, throws are lighter and more flexible in function. A standard blanket prioritizes practicality, whereas a throw complements your interior.
How to Style a Throw Blanket
Styling a throw blanket is as flexible as your mood or the room you’re in. Whether you prefer a look that’s crisp and composed or soft and spontaneous, a throw can adapt to your space and vision. Here are some simple ways to let your throw become part of your home:
1. Casual Over-the-Arm Drape
Fold the throw once lengthwise and drape it over the arm of a sofa or chair. This easy gesture looks relaxed and intentional, making it perfect for softening a room’s edges.
2. Neat Sofa Fold
Fold into thirds or quarters and lay it across the back of the couch. This clean, structured approach adds a refined layer of color or texture without fuss.
3. Layered Textures on the Bed
Place one throw across the foot of the bed and layer a second smaller throw in a contrasting texture on top. The result is a plush, styled look that balances warmth and artistry.
4. Accent Chair Statement
Drape an unfolded, colorful, or patterned throw over an accent chair. This simple move injects visual interest while inviting someone to sit and enjoy the space.
5. Chic Basket Display
Roll or loosely fold your throw, then place it in a woven basket beside a piece of furniture. The spilling fabric adds organic charm and makes it easy to grab when comfort calls.
Wrap Yourself in Comfort With ZigZagZurich
A throw blanket is a touchpoint of comfort, a layer of warmth, and often, the final detail that brings a room together. Whether styled across a bed, draped on a chair, or folded in a reading nook, the right throw becomes part of your home’s rhythm.
ZigZagZurich throw blankets are crafted from natural materials like pure cotton and wool. Each piece is woven to combine durability, softness, and colorfastness, making it suitable for everyday use. Many designs in the collection feature artist-developed patterns, offering a distinct alternative to mass-market textiles.
Explore the full collection of throws at ZigZagZurich. Free shipping is available on qualifying orders.
