Throw vs Blanket: What's The Difference?

Although people often confuse throws with blankets, these two bedding items are unique. Sure, they both keep you warm, but they serve distinct purposes.

The throw tends to be smaller and is frequently chosen for its decorative appeal. The blanket, however, is designed for complete coverage. It is to be used on beds or to wrap yourself in for that cosy warmth.

Now, keep reading to get the full scoop on the key differences between throws and blankets!

What Is A Throw?

A throw is essentially a special category of blanket, known for its versatility and character that helps you enliven any area. In comparison to blankets, throws are shorter and lighter.

These stylish pieces can find a place in every corner of your home, from elegantly draped over your living room sofa to being positioned at the bottom of your bed to warm your feet.

Well, they can be used in any setting you desire, providing you with the utmost flexibility and comfort wherever you see fit.

You can definitely count on them to bring an eye-catching element to your space and enrich the ambience.

What Is A Blanket?

A blanket is a large, comforting piece of fabric tailored to match the size of your bed for a peaceful night's sleep. They accommodate any dimensions of your bedding, be it single, double, king or queen.

And, a blanket, without a doubt, is a basic necessity. It is a quintessential part of your sleep setup, resting on the top of other bedding items.  They fully cover your body and give that snuggly comfort needed for a deep, sound slumber.

While throws are mostly about the decorative aspect of your home decor, blankets primarily focus on functionality. They are made from materials that excel at delivering good warmth and insulation.

They can be considered as an alternative to duvet. But, it is important to keep in mind that they usually lack the thickness and warmth that duvets offer.

What Sets Them Apart?

• Size

The easiest way to distinguish a throw from a blanket is by their size. Generally, throws come in a size of 50 inches wide and 60 inches long, making them much smaller than typical blankets used on beds.

That said, you will find that there are other dimensions in throw blankets too. A throw blanket can keep you comfy for casual use, but its size would not be enough to cover you entirely during sleep. This could leave you feeling chilly by morning.

But, the size of the throw ensures partial coverage and gives you the freedom to move about. For those who are tall, a standard throw may fall short, so opting for a larger size will help you relax better.

You can also choose the throw in proportion to the scale of your furniture. Here's a useful throw size dimensions chart that you can use as a guide when making your next purchase.

Throw Blanket Size	Dimensions (In Inches)
Standard	50” × 60”
Queen	60” × 80”
King	72” × 80”

Meanwhile, bedding blankets are crafted to cover your entire bed and are available in different sizes that align with various bed types. They ensure warmth for your whole body.

By all means, you can also go for an oversized blanket for that extra softness and snuggles giving you the sweet, sweet sleep like never before.

For your reference, we have put together another chart that outlines the dimensions of various blanket sizes to help you find the right ones for your needs. 

Bed Type	Blanket Size (In Inches)
Single	65” × 90”
Double	85” × 90”
Queen	90” × 100”
King	108” × 100”

• Material

The material choices in both throws and blankets bring something new to the table, unique to their own. The fabric shapes not only the texture and appearance but also impacts how practical and durable it will be for everyday use.

Cashmere throw, the premium material, is sourced from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. It is renowned for its velvety softness and thermal efficiency.

Adding a glamorous edge to your room is easy with faux fur throws. They are super soft, ethical and sustainable. Cotton throws, with their light and airy texture, are great for pairing with other bedding items. Fleece is also another popular option for throws.

Classic cotton also makes its presence known in the fabric of blankets. Cotton blankets can be your cuddle buddy all year long. The smooth texture, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic qualities make it a staple in every household.

Bamboo blankets are lightweight yet provide decent insulation. In contrast, wool blankets have stood the test of time as one of the best materials for cold weather, thanks to their ability to trap heat with their natural fibres.

• Uses

As we have highlighted throughout this discussion, throws are predominantly utilised for their visual value. They carry a splash of personality to your interior with their fun patterns, colours and textures.

Throw blankets are perfect for those moments when you want to take a quick nap or for curling up and getting lost in the pages of your favourite novel.

You can enhance the flair of your decor or even take it along for your outdoor picnics. Honestly, you can use them wherever you like, be it indoors or outdoors.

Hear, dear pet parents! Throw can be a wonderful addition to your home as well. They show you a stylish way to safeguard your furniture from pet hair, dirt and allergens.

When it is time for cleaning, all you need to do is fluff and toss it in the washing machine. Taking care of it is a breeze.

And, the blanket performs its most important duty really well - wrapping you in the cocoon of cosiness and keeping you toasty throughout the night.

Regardless of whether it is a summer night or a winter evening, this essential assists you in managing your body temperature effectively.

Nestling beneath your blanket can instil a profound feeling of peace and safety. The enveloped sensation can provide reassurance, ease fears and anxiety that linger in your mind and calm you.

The gentle pressure of the blanket can result in the release of serotonin. It paves the way for you to achieve an uninterrupted, rejuvenating sleep experience.

So, we trust that this detailed look at throws versus blankets has helped you clarify the subtle yet important differences between throws and blankets. You can now make an informed decision to pick the perfect one that matches your lifestyle and home setup.

With this, we bid you farewell for now, but our team at Blue Dahlia continues to wish you nights of sound slumber and mornings filled with energy. Sweet dreams!