From the first cold snap in November to the thaw in March, a throw blanket is the hardest-working piece of decor in a Canadian home. But "throw" can mean anything from a small lap blanket to one big enough for two, in fabrics that look and feel completely different.
This guide keeps it practical: which size to choose, how the most common fabrics compare and how to care for them so they stay soft all winter. Shopping from the northern US? It all applies to you too, with every size in inches and centimetres.
The short version
- For an armchair or reading nook: a lap throw.
- For one person on the sofa: a standard throw.
- For sharing, or if you're tall: an oversized throw.
- Fabric at a glance: faux fur or sherpa for the plushest feel, knit or waffle cotton for texture that layers easily, fleece or flannel for easy everyday use.
Throw blanket sizes, explained
There's no official standard for throws, so sizes vary a little between makers, but most fall into a few familiar groups. The measurements below are typical and rounded.
| Throw size | Typical size (in) | Typical size (cm) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lap throw | about 40 × 50–55 in | about 100 × 127–140 cm | An armchair, a reading nook or one lap |
| Standard throw | 50 × 60 in | 127 × 152 cm | One person on the sofa; draping over a sofa arm |
| Oversized throw | 60 × 80 in | 152 × 203 cm | Sharing the sofa; layering on a bed |
For the sofa
A standard throw is enough for one person curled up with a book. If you're tall, like to stretch out or share the sofa on movie nights, size up. The Botanical Print Plush Throw Blanket, for example, comes in about 150 × 200 cm (59 × 79 in) as well as about 120 × 150 cm (47 × 59 in).
For the foot of the bed
A throw folded across the end of the bed looks best when it's at least as long as the mattress is wide. Standard mattress widths are 38 in (97 cm) for a twin (single), 54 in (137 cm) for a double, 60 in (152 cm) for a queen and 76 in (193 cm) for a king. A long, narrow throw like the Herringbone Woven Throw with Tassels in 127 × 230 cm (50 × 91 in, tassels included) runs across a queen bed with room to spare.
For an armchair
A lap throw folds neatly over a chair back without swamping it. The Tartan Lap Throw with Sherpa-Style Back is about 100 × 140 cm (39 × 55 in), a size made for a reading chair rather than a large sofa.
Throw blanket fabrics compared
Fabric decides how a throw feels, how heavy it is and how much care it needs. Here's how six common options compare.
Faux fur
Faux fur is a synthetic pile made to look like real fur, from short and velvety to long and shaggy. It has the most dramatic texture of any throw, but it needs the gentlest care, since the pile can mat or flatten. Our Shaggy Faux Fur Throw Blanket – Lattice & Tie-Dye has a long, fluffy pile with a velvet backing, in 127 × 153 cm (50 × 60 in) or an oversized 152 × 203 cm (60 × 80 in).
Knit
Knitted throws range from fine, close knits to chunky, open ones. They drape beautifully and add texture even in a single colour. Open knits are lighter, so layer them with a plusher throw on the coldest nights, and keep in mind that loose loops can catch on pet claws. The Knit Throw Blanket with Tassels has a raised bubble-and-rib texture and a tassel fringe, in 127 × 152 cm (50 × 60 in) and ten colours.
Sherpa
Sherpa is a type of fleece with a nubby, curly surface designed to look like sheepskin. It's thick and soft, and it's often used on the reverse of a throw: a smooth pattern on one side, plush texture on the other. The tartan lap throw above has a cream sherpa-style reverse that shows as a soft border.
Waffle cotton
Waffle cotton is woven into a raised grid, a bit like a waffle. It's flatter and lighter than plush fabrics, so it layers easily on a bed in winter and works on its own when the weather warms up. Try it if fluffy throws feel like too much. The Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket comes in 150 × 200 cm (59 × 79 in) or 180 × 200 cm (71 × 79 in), so it can be a generous throw or a light coverlet.
Flannel
Flannel is brushed to raise a soft, slightly fuzzy surface. In throws, it's usually polyester flannel: soft, lightweight and easy to drape. Prints show up crisply on it, which makes it a popular choice for seasonal blankets. The Christmas Print Flannel Throw Blanket comes in four festive prints and two sizes: 130 × 150 cm (51 × 59 in) for one, or 150 × 200 cm (59 × 79 in) to share.
Fleece
Fleece is a soft, brushed synthetic fabric, usually polyester; sherpa and flannel fleece belong to the same family. It's light for its thickness and easy to wash, a practical pick for the family room or the cottage. If you'd rather wear your blanket, the Oversized Wearable Blanket Hoodie is made from thick polyester flannel fleece with a sherpa-style trim.
How to care for your throw blanket
The most important rule: always follow the care label, which is written for that exact throw. Beyond that, a few general habits help most throws stay soft for longer.
Wash less, and wash gently
Between washes, shake your throw out, let it air and spot-clean small marks. When it does need a wash, most labels call for cold water and a gentle cycle. Wash it alone or with similar colours, and put knits and anything with fringe or tassels in a large mesh laundry bag so they don't tangle.
Go easy on heat
High dryer heat is hard on throws: it can flatten or mat faux fur, fleece and sherpa, and it can shrink cotton. Depending on the label, air dry, line dry or tumble dry on low, and lay knits flat so they keep their shape. Many fleece and faux fur labels also advise skipping fabric softener, which can coat the fibres. Once a plush throw is dry, give it a firm shake to lift the pile.
Safety first: however cozy the scene, keep throws well away from fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters and candles.
Store it well in spring
Before putting throws away for the summer, make sure they're clean and completely dry. Fold them loosely into a cotton bag or a lidded basket in a cool, dry spot, and don't squash long-pile faux fur under heavy boxes.
Find your winter throw
Choose the size for the spot where you actually spend winter evenings, then the fabric. One plush throw and one lighter, textured one will cover most of the season.
Shop the Throw Blankets collection or browse every throw and blanket in our Living Room collection, and for styling ideas, read our winter home decor ideas that aren't Christmas. Every order ships free with tracking across Canada and the contiguous US. Giving a throw as a gift? Order by November 20 for the best chance of delivery before Christmas.