Throws, Blankets & Bedspreads

Throws, blankets and bedspreads share a purpose - adding warmth and texture to a bed or sofa - but each plays a slightly different role. A throw is the most casual of the three, usually smaller and draped loosely over the foot of the bed or the arm of a sofa for a quick burst of colour and softness. A blanket is generally larger and warmer, made for active use rather than just decoration. A bedspread is the most considered, sized to cover the whole bed and often quilted or patterned for a more traditional finish. Together they offer flexibility for every room and every season.

Materials span a wide range and suit different rooms and seasons. Wool, chunky knit and cable designs are the warmest and most textural, sitting naturally in traditional and country interiors. Faux fur and sherpa throws lean into the decorative end, valued more for the look and the touch than for serious insulation, and popular on a sofa arm through autumn. Fleece is the everyday workhorse: warm, light and easy to wash. Cotton, waffle and crochet throws are genuinely useful across all seasons rather than just colder months, and pair well with rooms that want texture without heaviness. Velvet brings a heavier, richer quality that suits autumn and winter bedroom schemes.

Electric blankets and heated throws are their own category within this space: consistent warmth from a low-level heat source rather than passive insulation, and especially popular with anyone who struggles to warm up in bed. You can also find pet-safe and dog blankets that are made for sofas, cars and crates where shedding and dirt are a given.

Throws come in a range of sizes from lap-size squares around 130 x 170cm through to large rectangles that cover a king or super-king bed. Blankets follow standard UK bed dimensions: a single typically around 180 x 260cm, a double 220 x 240cm, and a king or super-king closer to 270 x 260cm. Bedspreads tend to sit at the larger end, and are designed to drape over the sides of the bed rather than tuck under. Colour and pattern cover the full range, from neutrals such as grey, white, cream and beige through bolder pinks, greens and blues to seasonal Christmas designs in late autumn. Baby blankets and personalised or monogrammed throws sit at the gift end of the category.

Flitch brings together throws, blankets and bedspreads from more than 100 UK retailers in one place, so you can compare materials, sizes and patterns side by side. Filters narrow results by size, fabric, colour and price, and our personal stylist service is available for anyone choosing a single statement piece for a sofa or putting together a coordinated set for a bedroom refresh.

What is the difference between a throw, a blanket and a bedspread?

A throw is usually small, lightweight and decorative. A blanket is larger and warmer, designed for active use. A bedspread is sized to cover the whole bed and is often quilted or patterned for a more formal finish.

What size throw do I need for a sofa?

For a single armchair, around 125 x 150cm works well. For a two-seater, look for 150 x 200cm. Larger sofas suit throws of 200 x 220cm or more, often draped diagonally across one corner.

Which material is warmest?

Pure wool, faux fur, teddy fleece and chunky knit throws tend to be the warmest. Lighter cotton and crochet designs are more decorative than thermal, and work better for spring and summer.

Can throws and bedspreads be washed at home?

Cotton, fleece and most synthetic throws are machine-washable on a cool cycle. Pure wool, faux fur and large bedspreads often need professional cleaning or careful hand-washing to preserve texture and shape.

How do I style a throw on a bed?

For a simple look, fold the throw across the foot of the bed at a slight angle. For a more layered finish, use a neutral bedspread as the base, fold a contrasting blanket at the foot, and drape a textured throw diagonally across one corner. Matching the throw to one accent colour in the room ties the whole arrangement together.