A throw can look lovely in a photo, then feel surprisingly small once it reaches the sofa. Or it can trail across the floor when all you wanted was a soft layer over one arm. A few minutes with a tape measure can make choosing much easier.
If the day is busy, keep it simple. Decide where the throw will live and what you want it to do. Something to pull over your knees needs a different amount of fabric from a throw spread across the end of a bed.
Start with how you will use it
For a chair, think about a neat fold over the back or a loose drape over one arm. For a sofa, decide whether you want to cover one seat, soften a corner or add a broad strip of colour along the back.
A throw used for warmth should also feel comfortable when it is unfolded. Measure the space you want it to cover, rather than choosing by the size of the furniture alone.
Try the shape before you buy
Use a spare sheet or a few towels to mark out the size on your sofa. Fold them to the measurements on the product page. This gives you a useful idea of the coverage without having to guess from a photograph.
Our grey waffle cotton throw is one option to compare when planning a calm, neutral corner. It measures 180 x 230 cm and is made from 100% cotton. Try marking out that rectangle first to see how much of your sofa it will cover.
Leave room for a gentle drape
On a bed, measure the width you want to cover. Then allow for any fabric you would like to hang over the sides. A narrow fold at the foot of the bed needs less coverage than a layer pulled further up.
For another soft, neutral look, look at our natural beige and grey ribbed cotton throw. The 140 x 180 cm option is currently in stock. That is a smaller rectangle than the grey waffle throw, so it is useful to compare the two sizes at home.
Keep everyday care in mind
Read the care notes for the exact throw you choose. Do not assume that two similar-looking fabrics need the same wash. Think about where you will dry it, too, so looking after it fits easily into your week.
Let one small change be enough
You do not need a whole new room. A throw in a colour you enjoy, folded where it is easy to reach, can be a lovely finishing touch. At Designs Emporium, our small boutique is here to help you find those useful little comforts that make home feel welcoming.