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What's the Difference Between a Throw and a Blanket

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and curling up under a warm, snuggly blanket. Or is it a throw?

If you're a little fuzzy about the difference between the two, you’re not alone. While both provide warmth during cold months, there are key distinctions that matter when choosing the right one for your space. We'll break down what makes each unique and share styling tips to help you create the perfect cozy sanctuary.

What is a Throw?

Throw blankets are born travelers, made to be thrown, draped, and folded across furniture; they’re close by for when you need a bit of warmth and comfort. They’re usually around 50” x 60” and come in different colors, prints, and textures to add character to a space.

What is a Blanket?

Blankets are all about comfort and coverage. They are best suited for full-body warmth and long lounging sessions. But don’t be fooled; just because they prioritize function, doesn't mean they can’t add style points to any room.

Check out some folding techniques and play around with how to arrange your blankets for maximum impact.

What’s the Difference Between a Throw and Blanket?

While they are both here to keep you snug, there are a few differences between a throw and a blanket that will help you decide which one is meant for you. Here’s a comparison by features.

Size

A throw is like a little love note to coziness. It is usually smaller and lighter than a blanket, great for wrapping around your shoulders or covering your lap.

A blanket is in it for the long haul. Designed to cover your entire bed — whether it’s a twin, full, queen or king — to give you full body warmth and coverage, or turn your couch into a fluffy cocoon.

Material

Throws are often made from materials like fleece, knit, and faux fur, showcasing playful patterns or textures that add character to a space. They're as decorative as they are functional, giving interior design fanatics and comfort-seekers alike the freedom to create a truly unique space.

Blankets are usually made of cotton, wool, microfiber, or synthetic blends, offering unmatched warmth and supporting restful sleep. They can also be super stylish, coming in solid colors, subtle patterns, and luxurious textures that complement your decor.

Function

Think of a throw as the blanket’s trusty sidekick, jumping to the rescue during a chilly movie night on the couch or a lazy Sunday morning. A blanket is the main hero, working around the clock to provide warmth wherever you need it most.

They both bring comfort, just in different ways. Throws are grab-and-go—easier to move around to suit your needs. Blankets have a deeper, more enveloping feeling. Their extra warmth and generous size make them ideal for creating cozy retreats throughout your home.

Picking the Perfect Throw

One of the best things about throws is that you can quickly and easily swap out different colors, textures, and styles. Mix and match various fabrics to create a unique look, giving you extra comfort in the blink of an eye.

Not sure which throw is right for you? Here are the top throw types and what makes each one special.

Knit Throws

From chunky cable knits to subtle, textured weaves, these cozy throws add warmth and texture to a room. Perfect for pairing with thinner layers, they create an irresistible nestled-in feel you’ll want to sink into.

Faux Fur Throws

A timeless choice, faux fur brings a sense of luxury and indulgence. Faux fur throws are a gorgeous statement piece in any room and help soften any wooden and metal surfaces.

Cotton Throws

Cotton throws are a versatile option for breathable, all-year-round comfort. These lightweight textiles are perfect for layering with other throws and blankets and come in a range of playful prints and weaves to add character to your space.

Travel Throws

Your loyal, adventure companion, a travel throw gives you a little slice of warmth wherever you go. They are designed to be easily rolled up and popped in your bag, ready to unroll whenever the chill hits or comfort calls.

Finding the Blanket of Your Dreams

Aside from looking and feeling great, blankets can benefit your mental well-being and sleep quality. Let’s run through some of the blankets out there so you can find your perfect fit.

Plush Blankets

We’re big fans of a Plush Blanket. Their stretchy, soft fabric wraps you in pure bliss, whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend in bed, or a lunchtime snooze on the sofa.

Lay it on your bed to turn your sleep space into a fluffy, cloud-like haven that you’ll never want to leave. From travel to monster sizes, they make resting feel like a luxury, self-care experience.

Hugs Blankets

Made from special stretchy fabric, our Hugs collection offers endless hugs in blanket form. With an irresistible bubbly texture and available in a huge range of gorgeous designs, these blankets add charm to any room. From bold and pastel hues to playful prints, there's something for everyone.

Wool Blankets

Due to its breathability and insulating properties, wool is a trusted choice for keeping your body at a comfortable temperature year-round. Wool blankets trap heat for ultra warmth on cold nights while releasing excess heat to keep you cool when temperatures rise.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets feel like a never-ending embrace, applying gentle, even pressure to help you sink into the comfort of your bed. Known to help ease anxiety, they are great for restless sleepers or those whose thoughts run wild at night, supporting a deeper, more relaxing slumber.

Swaddle Blankets

Soft, stretchy, and breathable, swaddle blankets are designed to keep babies calm and comfortable. They wrap babies snugly, soothing fussiness to help them feel safe and ready for a rest.

Electric Blankets

Need some extra warmth when freezing weather strikes? An electric blanket brings the feeling of sitting by a toasty fire to your bed, minus the smoke and kindling.

Outdoor Blankets

Need protection when braving the elements? Our Everywhere Blankets are built to keep you comfortable in the outdoors, with a water-resistant outer layer and our soft fabric lining. They're perfect for curbing the cold during camping trips, picnics, or watching your kids play sports on chilly mornings.

Throw vs Blanket: Which One is Right for Me?

If you're wondering which one belongs in your basket — blanket or throw, (or maybe both!) — this quick guide will help you find your perfect match.

Throws are for if you want…

    • A decorative piece to style your space
    • To change up your home styling with the seasons
    • Something compact for grab-and-go snuggling

Blankets are for if you want…

    • A deep, relaxing sleep
    • Full-body warmth and coverage
    • To feel more comfortable on the sofa

While throws bring a delightful decorative flair, blankets provide the all-encompassing warmth for the coziest nights in. And nothing says cozy night-in like the warm embrace of a Minky blanket.

Whether layered at the foot of your bed or waiting on the arm of your sofa, the Minky Couture range brings a luxurious feeling to everyday life. Think candles on, a good book, and the kind of warmth that feels like home.

The Minky Couture Blog

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