Plaid or Sofa Throw: what are the differences and how to choose ?

Introduction

There's nothing like a cozy blanket or a pretty sofa throw to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your stay. But do you really know the difference between these two essentials of household linens ? And above all, which one to choose to meet your specific needs ? In this article, we explore in depth the distinctive characteristics throws and throws to help you make the best choice for your interior.

What is a plaid and a sofa throw ?

Definition of a throw

A throw is basically a large, warm and comfortable blanket, usually made of wool, fleece, acrylic or other cozy materials. Its primary use is to keep you warm, whether by wrapping it around you or placing it on your legs when you are sitting. However, modern throws also have an important decorative function when used as a throw on a sofa or armchair.

Definition of a sofa throw

A sofa throw is a piece of household linen specifically designed to partially or entirely cover a sofa or armchair. Its main role is decorative, allowing you to refresh the appearance of an old piece of furniture or to bring a touch of color and style to your interior decoration. However, a throw can also protect the sofa from dirt and wear. Throws are generally lighter than throws.

Also read: What is a throw ?

How to choose between a blanket and a sofa throw ?

The choice between a blanket or a sofa throw will mainly depend on your priorities: comfort and warmth on one side, or decoration and protection of furniture on the other. Of course, a good blanket can also play a decorative role, and a pretty throw can add comfort, but their primary functions differ.

If you are primarily looking for something cozy to snuggle up in on winter evenings, opt for a soft wool or fleece blanket. But if you simply want to renew the appearance of your sofa or protect it from wear and tear, a sofa throw will be more appropriate.

As an interior design enthusiast, I always recommend clearly defining your priorities before choosing between a blanket or a throw. A blanket is, above all, absolute comfort on winter evenings. While a pretty sofa throw will bring a touch of freshness to your living room in the blink of an eye.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: plaid or blanket ?

Selection criteria

Beyond the main use, several other criteria come into play when choosing the ideal blanket or throw:

Materials and textures

throws are generally made of natural materials such as wool, cashmere or cotton, very soft and warm. But we also find synthetic throws in acrylic, polyester or fleece that are soft and easy to maintain.

For sofa throws, the choice of material is wider: cotton, linen, velvet, silk, synthetic fur... This allows you to find the perfect throw to fit in with your

interior decoration, whether you are looking for a bohemian, Scandinavian, chic or modern.

style

At The Oversized Hoodie®, we are very attentive to the choice of materials for our creations. For a blanket, nothing beats natural fibers like wool or cashmere which offer incredible softness. But high-end synthetic materials like acrylic or fleece remain excellent options, both cozy and easy to maintain.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Colors and patterns

Here again, throws are often limited to more natural and plain shades such as gray, beige, white, black, blue or red. While sofa throws offer unlimited choices of bright colors, geometric, ethnic, checkered patterns, etc.

Dimensions and shapes

The shape of throws is generally rectangular or square, while sofa throws follow the shape of the furniture with rectangular models, oval or rounded. As for dimensions, the throws range from small size for one person to very large to completely cover a sofa. Throws are sized specifically for different sofa sizes.

Also read: What size for a throw ?

The choice according to the room and the furniture

Living room decoration: Use a blanket or sofa throw

In the living room, a pretty sofa throw will refresh the entire room in the blink of an eye. But a well-chosen throw can also provide a very successful decorative touch, in addition to comfort. A large knit throw, in colors coordinated with the cushions, can be a real decorative element in its own right.

Cotton throw or sofa throw: which one for my armchair ?

To dress an armchair, choose a cotton throw light and soft if you are looking for comfort above all. Or, opt for an armchair throw in colors and patterns coordinated with the rest of the living room for a harmonious decoration.

Protect your sofa: Plaid or throw, what to choose ?

If your priority is to protect your sofa from wear, stains or animal hair, a thick and durable sofa throw will be the best choice. A blanket can also do the trick, as long as you choose an easy-to-clean material such as cotton or acrylic.

Also read: How to put a blanket on a sofa ?

How to cover your corner sofa with a blanket or throw ?

For the corner sofas, you will need to opt for a very large throw or a custom-made throw in order to properly cover all the seats. A blanket can also be draped casually over the different elements of the sofa.

Season and heat

Finally, the season and the heat level sought are important criteria. A very warm blanket in thick wool will be ideal in winter, while a light cotton throw will be sufficient for summer. And for the off-seasons, a throw in a soft material like acrylic or fleece will bring just the right amount of comfort.

Also read: How to choose a fleece blanket ?

The advantages of plaid

Beyond its main role as a source of heat and comfort, the blanket has many other advantages:

Comfort and warmth

Whether it is natural wool, soft fleece or fluffy cotton, a good throw or a good fleece blanket will envelop you in softness and of warmth comforting. Ideal for reading or watching a film in the warmth, or simply for a cocooning nap.

Versatility and multifunction

The plaid is a real chameleon of household linens. In addition to its classic use as a cover, you can also:

• Throw it carelessly on your sofa for a deco effect
• Use it as an bed blanket as an extra
• Drape yourself in it for a casual indoor outfit
• Take it on travel or to the office so you never feel cold
• Make it a fashion accessory with a sleeved throw or hooded throw

Easy maintenance

Most throws are machine washable, even those made of wool using dedicated programs. A cotton, acrylic or fleece blanket will even withstand frequent washing without problem. A real plus for keeping your blanket always clean and cozy.

Also read: Why use a blanket ?

The advantages of the sofa throw

The sofa throw also has many advantages to highlight:

Protection of furniture

The main advantage of the throw is of course effectively protecting your sofa from dirt, wear and damage. A thick, durable throw will form a protective barrier against crumbs, grease or wine stains, animal hair, etc. You will no longer have to worry and will be able to enjoy your sofa carefree!

Renewal of the appearance of the living room

In just a few simple steps, changing your sofa throw will totally renew the ambiance of your living room. A throw in bright colors and trendy patterns will immediately bring a touch of freshness and modernity. You can even change them according to the seasons and your desires!

Ease of integration into different interior styles

Thanks to the incredible variety of materials, colors, patterns and styles available, it is very easy to find a sofa throw which will fit perfectly into the decoration of your living room. From the bohemian style to the refined design, including classic chic or the cocooning atmosphere, there is something for everyone. tastes!

Also read: how much to wash a blanket ?

Conclusion

The plaid is the essential piece of household linen which will bring you warmth and comfort every day. While the sofa throw is the ideal decorative accessory to protect your sofa and renew the appearance of your living room very simply.

The choice will therefore depend above all on your priorities: comfort or decoration. But in both cases, you will also have to take into account the materials, colors, dimensions and styles which will best suit your interior.

Characteristic	Throw	Sofa Throw
Comfort	High	Medium
Decoration	Medium	High
Material	Wool, Fleece, Acrylic	Cotton, Linen, Velvet, Silk
Usage	Snuggle up, Warmth	Decorate, Protect the sofa
Maintenance	Machine washable (dedicated programs for wool)	Varies depending on the material; some require dry cleaning
Style	Natural colors, solid	Wide choice of colors, patterns
Furniture protection	Average	High
Season	Ideal in winter for warmth	Light for summer, thick for winter

Now that you have all the elements in hand, we invite you to come and discover our exclusive collection of high-end plaids and sofa throws.Unique pieces with noble materials, made in an artisanal spirit and an attention to detail incomparable.

Whether you are looking for the ideal throw for curling up by the fire or the perfect throw to revamp your living room, you will inevitably find the piece that will meet your expectations. Let yourself be seduced by our creations made in France, with careful finishes and unique patterns!

FAQ

What is a sofa throw ?

A sofa throw is a large piece of textile, generally cotton, linen or other decorative material, which is placed on a sofa to partially or entirely cover it. Its main role is to decorate and protect the sofa.

Why put a blanket on a sofa ?

You can place a throw on a sofa for several reasons:

• Add a decorative touch with a pretty throw in coordinated colors
• Curl up in it for more comfort and warmth
• Protect the sofa from dirt and wear

What throw to put on a sofa ?

For a deco throw, choose a soft material like wool, cashmere or acrylic. In the blanket version, choose a soft throw in fleece or microfiber. And to protect your sofa, choose a resistant throw in thick cotton.

What size throw for sofa ?

The ideal throw size will depend on the dimensions of your sofa. Generally:

• Small throw (120x150cm) for an armchair
• Medium throw (150x200cm) for a 2/3 seater sofa
• Large throw (200x240cm) for a corner or 4-seater sofa

What is a throw blanket ?

A bed throw blanket is a generally lighter blanket that is placed on a bed, over the sheets and the duvet, for a decorative effect or an additional layer of warmth: it is the equivalent of a bedspread.

What size to choose for a large size sofa blanket or throw ?

For a corner sofa or a very large sofa, choose:

• One XXL throw (240x260cm minimum)
• Or a large size sofa throw tailor-made to completely cover the seats

References

[1] "What Is the Difference between a Throw and Blanket?", Mellanni

[2] "Throw vs Blanket: What’s the Difference?", Ethical Bedding

[3] "What's The Difference Between A Throw And A Blanket?", Terrys Fabrics

Updated July 26, 2024