Key Takeaways
To choose the ideal sofa throw, you must consider the material (wool, cotton, linen, etc.), the size adapted to your sofa, the color and pattern in harmony with your decor, as well as the style (Scandinavian, bohemian, vintage...) corresponding to your interior. Proper maintenance will help preserve your throw for a long time.
The French brand The Oversized Hoodie® 🇫🇷 is famous for its cocooning clothing and accessories high-end, 100% vegan in compliance with a cruelty-free approach. Several collections are certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and have been honored by the “Confiance Textile” Quality Label, distinguished by their incomparable softness and their excellent quality-price ratio, providing an unrivaled feeling of comfort.
Introduction
The sofa throw has become an essential decorative accessory to bring a touch of style, color and comfort in your living room. Whether you want to warm up the atmosphere in winter, protect your sofa or simply renew your decoration without changing all the furniture, the throw turns out to be the ideal solution.
But with the multitude of models available, how to choose the perfect sofa throw ? In this article, we will guide you step by step to make the right choice according to your tastes and the characteristics of your interior. Materials, sizes, colors, patterns, styles, maintenance... You will know everything to find the ideal piece that will enhance your sofa and your decor.
Choose according to materials and their advantages
The choice of material is essential because it determines the look, feel and maintenance of your sofa throw. Here is an overview of the most popular materials and their advantages:
Wool
A natural and warm material par excellence, wool offers softness and comfort. It has the advantage of being insulating and thermo-regulating. Opt for wool if you're looking for a throw for your lover on cold evenings.
Wool, however, has a tendency to pilling and must be cleaned with care, often by hand or on a delicate wool program.
Cotton
cotton is a safe bet for a sofa throw. Soft, breathable, resistant and easy to maintenance, it is suitable for all styles of decoration.
Egyptian cotton or pima cotton are premium varieties that offer superior quality. Opt for a cotton throw if you need a light and cool blanket.
Lin
A noble natural fiber, linen brings a touch of refinement and elegance to your sofa. Its textured and irregular appearance gives it an authentic charm.
Linen is hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating. It also has the advantage of aging well and developing a nice patina over time. On the other hand, it creases easily.
Fur
For a cocooning and luxurious effect, go for a fur or faux fur throw. Ultra soft and fluffy, it will be perfect to warm you in winter and bring a touch of softness to your sofa.
Be careful, however, to check the care instructions, as some faux fur throws cannot be machine washed.
Acrylic
Material synthetic imitating wool, acrylic is appreciated for its softness, its lightness and its drying fast. It is also easy to maintain and anti-allergenic.
Acrylic has the advantage of being inexpensive but it can lint over time and use. Choose an acrylic throw if you're on a budget or have allergies.
Mohair
mohair is a noble and precious animal fiber coming from the Angora goat. It is renowned for its brilliance, its silky softness and its lightness.
A mohair throw will bring a touch of exception to your sofa. However, it is quite expensive and requires delicate maintenance.
Cashmere
luxurious and high-end material, cashmere is recognized for its great softness, its finesse and its insulating properties. This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a throw that is warm, light and sumptuous.
Cashmere, however, requires a consequent budget and careful maintenance (dry or delicate cleaning).
Velvet
Soft and silky, velvet dresses your sofa with a touch of refinement and elegance. With its slightly shiny appearance, it catches the light nicely.
Velvet is often synthetic (polyester), sometimes cotton. Avoid washing it too often to avoid damaging it and brush it in the direction of the hair.
At The Oversized Hoodie®, we have been working for over 5 years with the best artisans and textile suppliers to offer sofa throws of exceptional quality. Our expertise allows us to rigorously select the finest materials such as wool, cashmere or linen, for a result that is both aesthetic and durable over time.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: Which fabric to choose for a sofa throw ?
Choose according to colors and patterns
The color and the patterns of your sofa throw have a direct impact on the ambiance of your living room. They should match your existing decor while reflecting your personal style. Here are some trends and tips to help you make your choice.
Current trends
patterns are popular on sofa throws to bring dynamism and character to an interior. We find in particular:
- Geometric patterns: diamonds, triangles, chevrons...
- Floral prints: large flowers, liberty patterns, foliage...
- Ethnic patterns: kilim, ikat, Aztec...
- Animal prints : leopard, zebra, cow...
- tartan checks inspired by traditional Scottish plaids
As for colors, natural and neutral shades remain safe values (beige, greige, taupe, gray, off-white). deep colors like midnight blue, pine green or terracotta are popular for creating a cocooning atmosphere.
Harmonization with your interior
For a successful and harmonious decor, your sofa throw must fit perfectly into your existing interior. Take into account the dominant colors of your living room (walls, carpets, curtains) and the materials already present (leather, wood, metal, etc.).
You can choose a throw in a shade that matches your sofa for a zen and refined atmosphere. Conversely, opt for a contrasting color if you want to liven up your decor and draw the eye to your sofa.
Advice for an aesthetic choice
- If your sofa is plain, you can dare to wear a patterned throw and vice versa.
- Combine a fluid material (linen, cotton) with a leather sofa and a thicker material (wool, velvet) with a fabric sofa.
- For an elegant ambiance, drape your throw in a casual way. For a stricter spirit, fold it carefully.
- Don't hesitate to add matching cushions to your throw for a harmonious and comfortable decor.
Also read: What size sofa throw to choose ?
Choose according to the style of the room
Your sofa throw must also be in keeping with the overall style of your interior for a coherent and stylish decor. Find out which throw to choose according to the main decorative styles.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian spirit is characterized by clean lines, natural materials and light, bright colors. Opt for a throw in wool or mohair white, beige or light gray, plain or with discreet geometric patterns.
Bohemian
The bohemian style draws its inspiration from travel and mixes prints, colors and materials. Fall for a throw in cotton or linen with fringes, pompoms and colorful ethnic patterns (kilim, ikat, etc.). .).
Vintage
The vintage trend revisits the 50s to 80s and is distinguished by pop colors and retro prints. Choose a throw in velvet or wool in vibrant shades (mustard yellow, duck blue, olive green, etc.) with seventies geometric or floral patterns .
Modern
The modern style is intended to be pure, functional with a touch of color to liven up the decor. Choose a throw in cotton or linen in neutral (white, gray, black) or bright (red, electric blue, etc.) shades and graphic patterns.
Classic
The classic spirit favors noble materials, timeless colors and traditional patterns. Opt for a throw in cashmere, wool or velvet in deep colors (burgundy, midnight blue, dark green, etc.) and paisley patterns , tartan or jacquard.
Choose according to use
Your sofa throw can have different functions depending on your needs and desires. Here are some common uses:
- Sofa: to protect, warm or decorate your sofa every day
- Bed: at the end of the bed or as an extra blanket for guest rooms
- Armchair: to dress up an armchair to match your sofa
- Outdoor: to bundle up on your terrace on summer evenings
Adapt the size, the material and the style of your throw according to the use you wish to make of it to combine practicality and aesthetics.
I remember a customer, Géraldine, who was desperately looking for the ideal sofa throw for her living room. She had a beautiful white leather sofa but was worried her two young children would damage it. After discussing her specific needs with her, we recommended a thick, durable linen throw, in a light gray color that matched perfectly with her modern interior.
A few weeks later, Géraldine contacted us again, absolutely delighted with her purchase. Not only did the throw effectively protect her sofa from stains and scratches from her cat, but it also brought a touch of softness and warmth to the room. She particularly appreciated our personalized advice and our expertise in choosing materials and dimensions adapted to her family lifestyle.
Also read: How to hold a sofa throw ?
Choose according to price
The price of a sofa throw varies depending on the size, the material, the brand and the quality. You will find models for all budgets, from €20 for a basic acrylic throw to more than €300 for a large cashmere throw.
Establish your budget before your purchase and don't hesitate to watch for the sales and promotions to find that rare gem at a low price. Also consider maintenance in the overall cost, some materials requiring dry cleaning.
Also read: Throw or sofa throw ?
Care tips
To preserve the beauty and softness of your sofa throw for as long as possible, it is important to follow a few maintenance tips depending on the material.
Washing and drying
Most throws in cotton, linen, acrylic and synthetic can be machine washed at 30°C on a delicate program. Avoid spinning too hard which risks deforming your throw.
Throws made from wool, mohair, cashmere and velvet must be hand or dry cleaned to avoid stains. damage. Iron your throw inside out to restore its shine.
Here is a summary table of washing and drying advice according to materials:
Material | Washing | Temperature | Drying |
---|---|---|---|
Cotton, linen, acrylic | Machine delicate program | 30°C | Dry flat or tumble dry on gentle cycle |
Wool, mohair | Hand or dry clean | 30°C max | Dry flat |
Cashmere, velvet | Dry cleaning | - | - |
Synthetic fur | Wool program machine | Cold | Air dry |
Tips to extend lifespan
- Air and shake your throw regularly
- Brush it in the direction of the hair with a soft brush
- Quickly remove stains with white vinegar or a little Marseille soap
- Store it folded away from light and humidity
- Place lavender sachets if you store it for a long time
With more than 5,000 pieces of household linen sold in recent years, we have seen that maintenance is essential to preserve the beauty and softness of these pieces. This is why we always recommend that our customers carefully follow the washing and drying advice indicated on the label. Our experience shows that this significantly extends the life of your favorite throw.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Mistakes to avoid
Despite all these recommendations, certain pitfalls should be avoided so as not to regret your purchase of sofa throw. First of all, don't neglect maintenance. Opt for a machine washable model if you have children or pets. Find out about the conditions for washing and drying before breaking down.
Another common mistake: choosing a throw that is too small compared to the dimensions of your sofa. Your throw should generously cover the seat and fall elegantly on each side. Allow approximately 30 cm more than the length of your sofa. A throw that is too short will give a skimpy effect that is not aesthetic.
Conclusion
In summary, to find the perfect sofa throw, let your creativity speak while taking into account essential criteria:
- The material noble and resistant such as wool, cotton, linen or synthetic fur
- The generous dimensions to dress your sofa with style
- The colors and patterns in harmony with your interior decoration
- The style adapted to the atmosphere of your living room (Scandinavian, bohemian, vintage...)
- Easy maintenance for a throw that remains beautiful for a long time
Criterion | Choice | Advantages |
---|---|---|
Material | Wool, cotton, linen, synthetic fur, acrylic, mohair, cashmere, velvet | Each material has its own qualities (softness, warmth, lightness, ease of maintenance, etc.) |
Color and pattern | Plain, printed, with geometric, floral, ethnic, animal patterns... | Matches the style of the room, adds a decorative touch |
Size | Throw (120x150cm), Throw (150x200cm or more) | Cover all or part of the sofa, can be used as a blanket |
Style | Scandinavian, bohemian, vintage, modern, classic | Finalizes the ambiance of the room, reflects the personality |
Usage | Sofa, bed, armchair, outdoor | Protects, decorates or warms depending on use |
Budget | Entry, mid or high range | Models for all wallets, to choose according to the desired quality |
With all these tips in mind, you are ready to find the ideal throw that will enhance your interior. Trust your decorative instinct, dare to make original combinations and let yourself be tempted by this little deco accessory that makes all the difference. Your sofa will thank you!
FAQ
How to choose the size of a sofa throw ?
To choose the size of your sofa throw, first measure the length of the seat and add approximately 30 cm on each side . The width will depend on the desired effect: a throw that falls to the ground or that just covers the backrest. The ideal is to have a throw of at least 220x240 cm for a 3-seater sofa.
How to take dimensions for a sofa cover ?
If you opt for a custom-made sofa cover, the dimensions must be very precise. Measure the total length, seat depth, backrest height and armrests. Don't forget the thickness of the cushions. Allow 5 cm of margin for each measurement to facilitate the installation of the cover.
How to choose the right sofa cover ?
For a successful sofa cover, choose a stretchy material such as cotton, linen or polyester. Prefer a quilted model for more comfort. In terms of color, a solid, neutral shade will adapt more easily to your decor. Finally, make sure the cover is easy to put on and machine wash.
How to put a throw on a sofa ?
The simplest way to arrange a throw on a sofa is to fold it in half lengthwise and place it on the seat, falling on each side. For a more casual look, drape the throw asymmetrically. You can also fold it into a triangle and place it on a corner of the sofa for a decorative touch.
Why buy a sofa throw ?
A sofa throw is a very versatile decorative accessory.It protects and beautifies your sofa, adds a touch of color and texture to your living room, and transforms into a cozy blanket for your cocooning evenings . It's also an economical way to revamp your sofa according to the seasons and your decorating desires. In short, the throw is the new must-have for your interior!