How To Style A Throw Blanket 10 Attractive Ways

Learn how to style a throw blanket with easy, practical ideas for sofas, chairs, and beds that work in real homes.

Chunky knit throw layered with neutral pillows on a light upholstered sofa in a cozy winter living room.

A decorative throw can make a sofa feel more inviting, a chair look intentional, or a bed feel layered and welcoming. The good news is that there is no right or wrong way to style one. With a few simple techniques, a throw blanket can look relaxed, neat, or casually collected depending on the mood you want for the space.

In this post, I am sharing easy, practical ways to style a throw blanket on sofas, chairs, benches, and beds using techniques that work in real homes and hold up to everyday living.

Simple Throw Styling Terms To Know

How to style a throw blanket draped and scrunched on a neutral sofa

Styling a throw blanket does not require special skills or fancy rules. These simple terms describe the small movements that make a throw look relaxed and thoughtfully placed.

  • Scrunch
    Gently bunch the throw together with your hands so it looks soft and casual, not flat or stiff.
  • Fluff
    Arrange the throw so it looks full and inviting, letting folds fall naturally.
  • Smooth
    Run your hand lightly over the throw to straighten wrinkles and tidy the edges or fringe.
  • Drape
    Hold the throw at the corner or near the center and let it fall across furniture, allowing gravity to do most of the work.
  • Toss
    Place the throw loosely on a sofa, chair, or bed for an easy, lived-in look.

These may sound a little playful, but knowing these simple actions makes styling a throw blanket feel natural and stress-free.

Drape And Scrunch A Throw

This is one of the easiest ways to style a throw blanket, and it works in almost any room. The goal is to let the throw look soft and relaxed rather than neat or precise.

How to style a decorative throw with pillows on a neutral sofa

On A Sofa Or Chair

Drape the throw over the back or arm of a sofa or chair, then gently scrunch it with your hands. Fluff the folds and smooth the fringe just enough so it looks comfortable and inviting.

On A Bed

Lay the throw across the foot or corner of the bed and lightly scrunch it in place. This adds softness and a bit of warmth without making the bed feel heavy or overdone.

What To Do With A Stiff Blanket

If a throw feels stiff or looks too flat, give it a quick shake before styling it. This helps the fabric relax and makes it easier to drape and scrunch naturally.

Drape And Smooth A Decorative Throw

How to style a throw blanket at the end of a bed

This way of styling a throw blanket is just a touch neater than scrunching, but it still feels relaxed and comfortable.

Drape the throw over the back of a sofa, a bench, or the foot of a bed, then smooth it with your hands so it lies nicely in place. Straighten the edges or fringe and let the fabric fall naturally.

This works especially well in entryways, on benches, or anywhere you want a slightly tidier look without making the space feel stiff.

Fold A Throw Over The Back Of A Sofa

How to style a decorative throw folded over the back of a sofa

If the back of a sofa is visible, this is a simple and attractive way to style a throw blanket.

Fold the throw lengthwise so the fringe or finished edge hangs at the bottom, then place it over the back of the sofa. Do not worry if the folds are not perfect. A slightly uneven look keeps it from feeling stiff.

This same approach works just as well on the back of a chair or bench.

Fold A Throw Over The Arm Of A Sofa, Chair, Or Bench

Upholstered bench with patterned cushion and camel throw styled under a staircase in a warm winter foyer.

If you like a tidy, finished look, this is an easy way to style a throw blanket.

Fold the throw neatly with the finished edge or fringe at the bottom and drape it over the arm of the sofa. Tuck the other end slightly between the seat cushion and the arm so it stays in place and looks natural.

Neutral upholstered chair styled with a cream knit throw and a soft patterned pillow in a cozy winter living room.

This works well in living rooms where you want things to feel calm and orderly.

Camel fringed throw draped over an upholstered bench under the stairs in a warm winter foyer.

About The Fringe

When styling a throw with fringe or tassels, let them fall freely rather than lining them up perfectly. A slightly uneven edge often looks more natural and comfortable.

Drape A Throw Over The Arm Of A Sofa Or Chair

Metal garden stool used as a small drink table next to a swivel chair with a camel throw in a cozy winter sitting area.

If folding feels a little too neat, draping a throw over the arm of a sofa or chair is a great option.

Let the throw fall over the arm and lightly scrunch it so it drapes down onto the seat or toward the floor. Smooth the fringe just enough, then let the fabric settle where it wants.

This is an easy way to add softness and a casual feel to seating.

Use A Throw To Visually Hide A Sofa

Neutral sofa layered with a lightweight fringed throw in a bright winter living room with large windows.

If you are not fond of your sofa and replacing it is not an option right now, a throw blanket can help soften the look.

Spread the throw across the seat and back of the sofa, then add pillows at each end to help hold it in place. A lightweight throw or thin coverlet works best for this, so it does not feel bulky.

This does take a little upkeep since the throw will need to be straightened after sitting, but it can be a helpful short-term solution.

Pro Tip

If you share your sofa with pets, a lightweight coverlet or even a soft quilt is a great option. It protects upholstery from hair, spills, and everyday wear, and it can be easily removed and washed. This lets pets enjoy the furniture while keeping your sofa looking cleaner and fresher.

Style Throws In A Basket

A basket is one of the easiest ways to store and style throw blankets at the same time.

Fold or loosely roll one or two throws and place them in a basket beside a sofa, chair, or bed. This keeps throws within reach while adding warmth and texture to the room without any effort.

This works especially well in living rooms and family rooms where throws are often used.

How Not To Style A Decorative Throw

There are many pretty ways to style a throw blanket, and a few that can make a room feel stiff or dated.

Instead of folding a throw tightly and lining it up perfectly along the back of a sofa (guilty, but trying to break that bad habit), try letting it fall naturally. A throw should look comfortable and easy, not fussy or overworked.

A relaxed approach almost always looks better and feels more inviting.

Choosing The Right Throw For Your Home

cotton throw blanket and two decorative pillows on a sofa

A good throw blanket should feel comfortable to use and work well with the rest of the room. Lightweight cotton or woven throws are easy to use every day, while knits and heavier fabrics add warmth in cooler months.

When pairing a throw with pillows, look for colors already used in the space so everything feels connected. Mixing textures often looks more natural than trying to match patterns exactly.

Pillows And Throws Working Together

A lightweight throw blanket is draped over the arm of a neutral upholstered chair, paired with soft patterned pillows for a relaxed and welcoming look.

Pillows and throws do not need to match to look good together. A few simple guidelines can help them feel comfortable and well-suited to the same space without much effort.

  • Choose throw colors that already appear somewhere in the room, such as in pillows, a rug, or artwork.
  • Mixing textures, like a woven or knit throw with softer pillows, adds interest without feeling busy.
  • If pillows are patterned, a quieter throw often works well.
  • If pillows are simple, a textured throw can add a little depth.

Learning how to style a throw blanket is one of those small decorating details that can make a big difference. With just a few easy techniques, a throw can add warmth, softness, and a finished feel to a sofa, chair, or bed.

Neutral throw pillows layered with a textured gray throw on a light upholstered sofa in a cozy winter living room.

The best part is that there is no need to overthink it. Try one idea, adjust it as you live with it, and let it work for your home and your everyday life. Sometimes the simplest changes are the ones that make a room feel the most comfortable and welcoming.

Pretty Decorative Throws To Use In Your Home

If you are looking to add a new throw or refresh what you already have, here are some pretty options that work well in many different rooms. Many of these throws come in a variety of colors, making it easy to find one that suits your home and the season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Styling A Throw Blanket

What Is The Easiest Way To Style A Throw Blanket

The easiest way is to drape a throw over the arm or back of a sofa, bench, or bed, and lightly scrunch it with your hands. Let it fall naturally and smooth the edges just enough so it looks comfortable.

Should A Throw Blanket Match Pillows

A throw does not need to match pillows exactly. It looks best when it shares a color or tone already in the room while adding a different texture.

How Many Throw Blankets Should You Use In A Living Room

One or two throws are usually enough for a living room. This keeps the space from feeling cluttered while still adding softness and warmth. Style extra blankets in a basket so they can be reached for easily.

Where Is The Best Place To Put A Throw Blanket

Throws work well on sofas, chairs, benches, and at the foot of a bed. They are also useful stored in a basket where they are easy to grab when needed.

Can You Use A Throw Blanket Every Day

Yes, especially lighter cotton or woven throws. These are easy to live with and simple to clean, making them great for use year-round.

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Happy decorating, friends…

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31 Comments

  1. Great article! Thank you. The links to the throws are helpful too. I just bought one of them!

  2. I drape my throw over the arm of the sofa as shown above. After trial & error I find it looks best in my living room. It’s a relaxed look suitable for a great room. In my bedroom, I do the throw & scrunch to add some color from the decorator cushions to the bottom of the bed or I fold an empty duvet cover and lay that across the bottom aka hotel look.
    I love these lesson posts Yvonne!

    1. Sounds like you have your decorative throw styling down! Thanks so much, Joanna!

  3. Janice Donato says:

    This is unrelated to your post about throws, but I wanted to mention how much I love the raw silk, textured dust ruffle that you show on your beds. I ordered, and just received the dust ruffle, just put it on my bed and absolutely love it! Thanks for the recommendation!

  4. Kim Kershaw says:

    Would you mind sharing where you purchased the X-brace coffee table in your sunroom? Exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you!

  5. Would you mind sharing the source for your front entry bench? I am moving into a house that has a strange alcove that is 32 inches wide and 28 inches deep. It is in between 2 closets by the front door. I have no idea what to put there and was considering a bench. Any thoughts?

    1. A bench would probably work great! You can find this bench at Ballard Design.

  6. I have a Pottery Barn throw with pom-poms that I fold and put at the bottom of our bed. I make sure each pom-pom is showing. That’s about all my decorating savvy, ha,ha. It’s a good thing I continually read your blog and receive wonderful ideas. Thank you.

  7. I love the way your decorating ability just helps your house just flow from room to room and from floor to floor! Would you please tell me where to purchase the rug in your living room?

  8. Charlotte Cockrell says:

    I am using your throw ideas and loving them! I also love your raw silk bed skirt. Can you share where you bought it?

  9. I enjoy reading your blog and learning all the decorating tips. The three-tiered side table caught my eye. Love it! Can you tell me where you got it or where I might find one like it?

  10. You must have been reading my mind. We just painted our living room and I was trying to see how the throw looked best on my couch arm and in my grandpa’s chair and I read this this morning. Thank you. Changed my pillow covers now to tackle the throws

    1. So glad this post was helpful Erica. Doesn’t a fresh coat of paint make all the difference?

  11. Love these ideas of how to style a throw. I was wondering where did you get that little bench in yiur foyer?
    Thank you
    Lorrie

  12. Ginger Blackwood says:

    How can I get the directions for the throw you made using large needles. You mentioned that it was easy.

    1. Hi Ginger, I just got the yarn, and use just knitted it double with big circular needles. That’s it.

  13. I have two quandaries. Love the throw look but not sure how I can get that relaxed look with a quilt. I have made a number of quilts and want to incorporate them like your throws. Also my sofa is leather so pillows and throws slide down or off! Any suggestions?

    1. Thicker quilts are too big to work on most furniture. It’s best to fold them or roll them. Leather sofas are notorious for having pillows slip off of them. Try adding pillows with lots of texture, grouped together.They “stick” together and often stay up.

  14. Can you please tell me where you get your pillow covers from? I love the one with the birds on it and I want it so bad thank you so much.

    1. I get them for so many sources. Amazon, Target, Pottery Barn, Ballard Design and others. When I see one I like and it’s on sale or a great price I will get it. And if I don’t like it, I’ll send them back. The small lumbar pillow was from Ballard Designs on clearance and is no longer in stock, sorry. Hope this helps.

      1. Lloyd and Vicki says:

        Yes, that’s the one I wanted! I just love it.

  15. Hi Yvonne. Nice of you to show the how-to on throws.
    Can you tell me about your two white armchairs. What is their sype actually called by decorators. They are so lovely. Thanks in advance. Have followed you for years.

    1. Hi Monique, the chairs are called spool or spindle chairs. See my answer to Dee to find a few online.