Prevent the hassle of returns and regrets by taking time to handpick the ultimate throw blanket! There are so many options out there, that the choice can be overwhelming. Let us help you through the process with some tips and tricks we’ve learned on our way.
Qualities
First off, what exactly is a throw blanket? There are more options available than you might initially think. Throws are small blankets that are a few inches small than bed sheets. They won’t reach the ends of your bed, but they do come in different dimensions for every bed size. Most often, throws are sized for twin beds, since they can adapt to couch blankets well. However, throws also come in double, queen, and even king size!
What makes throw blankets so widely loved is that they are multifunctional. Not only do they provide warmth, but they easily add a textural element of design to any space. Texture is, in our opinion, the most underrated design tactic! Textiles aren’t just limited to beds; beautiful pieces can even be hung on the wall. Blankets are like accessories for your home!
Another useful quality is all the variation in fabric and temperature. We offer cotton and wool options, which are natural and breathable. Cotton is cooler and best for medium to warm weather. Wool is warmer and best for chilly nights, but the material is also known for its breathability from natural fibers. Both of these fabrics are great transitional blankets between seasons and times of day. Leave behind the days of being too hot or too cold!
Choose the perfect throw blanket for you!
First, consider which room this blanket will be mostly used in and start from there! Living rooms and back porches work best with regular-sized throw blankets, which are usually a tad smaller than twin bed sheets. These are large enough to cover one person and are easy to carry around. Great for travel, too! If you’re buying for a bedroom, consider the bed size. Twins and doubles are perfect for these regular-sized throws, but queens and kings have special dimensions for them (if you aim to cover most of the bed). On these larger beds, throws are often used on the end of the mattress. We call these end-of-bed throws! More often than not, though, twin-sized throw blankets are easiest to find and use around the house.
As we’ve discussed, throw blankets come in a variety of shapes and styles. We suggest picking out a throw blanket that matches your current room’s aesthetic. If you prefer muted colors like white, gray, and beige, using a similar color blanket will blend best. For that color scheme, we highly suggest getting a highly textured piece, maybe one with a waffle or box weave! This can add so much movement and life to a room. However, for a minimalistic approach, flat blankets are just as gorgeous. Throws can also be an easy splash of color! Pick out a flat woven, brightly colored blanket for a pop without aftertaste.
Lastly, consider your local area’s weather and seasons to decide on fabric. If you live in a cooler region with full seasons, we suggest thicker or woven cotton (like a box weave), dual-layered muslin cotton, or wool. The cotton options are fantastic, since they can also be used in warm weather thanks to breathable, natural fibers! If you live in a warmer climate like us (We don’t really have winters!), we highly suggest any cotton blanket. The versatility of cotton blows us away every day!
Styling tips
A lot of hard work goes into interior decoration. But I have great news! Throw blankets are one of the easiest elements of design that always look fantastic.
In living rooms or other sitting areas, throw blankets truly live up to their name. Simply drape over the back or side of any couch or lounge chair, and voila! Blankets can also be folded and placed in a styled basket. We have a woven sweetgrass basket that holds our — admittedly expansive — collection.
In the bedroom, there are a few more options. We most commonly see throws on the foot of the bed, like a bed runner or scarf. This always makes beds look so comfy, and they can stay put on the edge all night so you don’t have to make it up again from scratch in the morning! The same draping technique for couches can also be used on beds. Try draping it on the foot, near the middle for added dimension, or woven between pillows. If you have a chair in your room, that is a whole new opportunity for draping throws! And you can still have a blanket basket in here, too, Storing away different types of blankets is great for changing seasons.
Creative uses
Did you know throws are perfect for travel? Flat woven cotton blankets can easily fold up into a suitcase or carry-on to stay warm before, during, and after the flight.
Find a thinner blanket to use for picnics! This option is so underrated. We designated one throw that can get messy from the outdoors. This blanket has come along with us to parks, beaches, and right outside in our backyard. We suggest getting a more inexpensive option for picnic blankets, since there is less pressure to keep it perfect.
How to wash your throw
If your throw blanket mostly sits on the couch (like me on the weekends), thankfully you don’t have to wash it often. We suggest washing throws based off how much they get used. If they are mostly decoration, you can get away with a monthly wash. If you use it quite often, however, put it in with the laundry every week or so.
Use a laundry detergent with several enzymes, which break down bacteria. The most common enzymes are protease, amylase, cellulase and others. Finally, immediately move to the dryer after the wash cycle, so the wet fabric does not sit there and become smelly.
Here are a few things you should not do. Even though fabric softener smells nice at first, overuse will trap soil and bacteria. We do not suggest using fabric softener on any of our products. Also, beware of hard (mineral high) water; this can damage your blankets quicker than normal. Lastly, this is your reminder to clean your washing machine! It sounds silly, but it is true. All that water and dirty laundry can compile into mold and bacteria. To do this, run an empty cycle with vinegar (or bleach) and wipe down afterwards. Keep the washer’s lid open between uses to air it out.
Have any lingering smells from stains, pets, or kids? Before throwing it out, try a deep clean first. Soak the blanket in warm water, vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda for 15 minutes. Give it a little mix, too! Wash regularly afterwards. You can also add a splash of vinegar to any wash cycle, which we highly suggest!
What sizes are available at The Loomia?
Mini size blanket: 36x50
Twin size blanket: 50x60 & 50x70
Queen size blanket: 60x80
King size blanket: 72x80
